Blueberry picking season is here!
One of our favorite hikes in Mount Washington Valley is Foss Mountain, nestled in the quiet town of Eaton, New Hampshire. Foss Mountain offers a perfect pairing of easy hiking and blueberry picking—an ideal outing for nature lovers and families alike. A short hike with a beautiful view from the top, this hike offers a big reward for a small effort! This trail is suitable for young and old alike. https://www.fossmountain.org/home
🥾 The Trail Experience
A short, steady ascent makes this trail accessible for most hikers. From the trailhead parking, it's only about 0.4 miles to the summit, usually taking between 20–30 minutes Although the grade can become moderately steep near the open granite slab, the overall journey is described as easy to moderate and especially family-friendly Hiking ProjectAllTrails.com.
Foss Mountain Road—a Class 6 dirt road—leads to the trail entrance. It is not plowed or graded in winter, so 4×4 or high-clearance vehicles are recommended, and winter access points may be restricted. If the trailhead lot is full, parking at a lower lot with a modest walk up is advised
From route 153 in Eaton, NH – on the north shore of Crystal Lake, turn east onto Brownfield Road. Turn right in 1.6 miles onto Bull Pasture Road. In 1 mile, turn right onto Stewart Road. In .3 miles , bear left at the next intersection onto Foss Mountain Road. Continue approximately 1.5 mile to trailhead parking on right.
🌄 At the Summit: Views & Blueberries
The summit rewards hikers with expansive 360° views spanning the White Mountains, Presidential Range, Belknap and Ossipee ranges, and vistas stretching east toward Maine. These open granite and meadow areas contrast beautifully with the forested ascent.
Late spring to early August is prime time for wild blueberry picking. However, be mindful: public picking is only permitted at the summit in areas that are clearly marked—some fields are off-limits as they are managed by local farmers under lease arrangements with the Town of Eaton.
🌿 Flora, Fauna & Summit Life
This site is a natural showcase, home to lowbush blueberries flourishing in succession from cleared pastureland, along with juniper, grey birch, steeplebush, cinquefoil, and a variety of lichens. Insects and wildlife—including bumblebees, butterflies, cedar waxwings, and chipmunks—often weave through the berries and wildflowers, creating a lively scene during the growing season.
🌿 A Sample Day: Hiking & Berries on Foss Mountain
Imagine pulling into the lower lot on a crisp summer morning, walking up Foss Mountain Road to the trailhead gate, then hiking a gentle half-mile to open granite ridges. The breeze teases grass tufts and low shrubs dotted with ripening berries. You break for a panoramic lunch, the wind carrying distant mountain silhouettes into view. Side trails off the main summit offer rich blueberry patches—just be sure to stay within public zones.
As you wander among the berries, you might spot busy pollinators, fluttering eddies of fog—or just enjoy the sweet silence and the joy of filling a small bucket with forest-picked fruit. It’s a day of simple rhythms: cool air, bright berries, wide-open skies and quiet reflection.
🌟 Why Visit?
Short but rewarding: Perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.
Seasonal joy: Wild blueberries add flavor—and fun—to the hike.
Scenic views: Massive mountain panoramas from a peaceful peak.
Well-managed land: Eaton Conservation Commission and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust protect both access and habitat
Whether you’re searching for wild blueberries or a brief summit escape with sweeping views, Foss Mountain delivers.
