A Day Trip to Blue Job Mountain: Embracing Early Spring in Strafford, New Hampshire

March 2024

Introduction When the snow starts to melt and hints of spring begin to emerge, there’s something special about getting outside and stretching your legs after a long New England winter. This past March, I took a day trip to hike the Blue Job Mountain Loop in Strafford, New Hampshire — a modest but rewarding trail that’s perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone craving fresh air and scenic views. Just a short drive from the Seacoast, Blue Job Mountain offers peaceful trails, panoramic vistas, and a touch of adventure — all without the crowds or complications.

Getting There and Trailhead Basics Located in the Blue Job Mountain State Forest, the trailhead is easy to find, with a small parking lot right off First Crown Point Road in Strafford. From the Seacoast, it’s about a 40-minute drive, making it a convenient day trip. Parking is free and there’s a clear trail map posted at the entrance. We arrived mid-morning with water, snacks, and light layers — the March weather was still crisp, especially in the shade, but the sun was beginning to warm the air.

The Hike: Blue Job Mountain Loop The Blue Job Mountain Loop is a relatively short trail — just under two miles total — but it packs in a lot for its size. The trail starts out with a gradual incline through quiet pine forest, and before long, we reached a fork: one path continues around the loop, and the other leads to the summit. We chose the steeper route up to the top first, saving the longer forest loop for our descent.

At the summit, we were rewarded with sweeping views of southern New Hampshire and beyond. Even in March, with leafless trees and patches of snow on the ground, the view was spectacular — a clear line of sight all the way to Mount Washington on the horizon. There’s a fire tower at the summit as well, which was closed during our visit, but still made for a fun photo op.

What I appreciated most about this trail was its balance — enough of a workout to feel like a proper hike, but short and easy enough to be accessible for families or casual hikers. The terrain was a mix of rocky sections and soft forest floor, and though parts of the trail were muddy or icy, nothing felt dangerous with the right footwear.

Picnic and Quiet Time After the summit, we found a sunny patch of rock to sit and enjoy a simple picnic lunch — sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix. There’s something about eating outdoors after a hike that makes everything taste better. We saw only a handful of other hikers during our visit, which made the whole experience feel calm and restorative. In a busy world, these quiet pockets of nature are worth savoring.

Flora, Fauna, and Fresh Air Even in early spring, the signs of life were starting to return. We spotted small buds on the trees, a few birds calling to one another, and even caught a glimpse of a chipmunk darting across the trail. It was a welcome reminder that winter was on its way out and warmer days were ahead.

If you’re into photography, bring your camera — the textures of the forest floor, bare tree silhouettes, and distant views offer great opportunities, even without lush greenery.

Travel Tips for Blue Job Mountain

Conclusion Blue Job Mountain might not be the tallest peak in New Hampshire, but it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit — especially in the early spring when the forest is quiet and the views stretch for miles. Our March day trip was a perfect way to shake off the winter blues, get moving, and reconnect with nature. If you’re looking for a simple hike with big rewards, Blue Job should be on your list. Happy trails!

Places Mentioned