Lockes Hill Trailhead — Attraction in Gilford

First off the views from top of this hike were amazing and well worth the trek up.

After pulling off of the main road, we came on the parking area for the trailhead. It is a smallish lot so be advised that it might fill up on busier days. In the lot was also a well maintained/clean port-o-potty.

We started the trail loop on the side closer to the entrance area. The first section of the trail is a steep climb through rocks and heavily rooted paths. This opens up to the first vista over the lake. There is a mounted binocular provided - no coons required. A neat surprise we encountered were several "thrones" and "love seats" built from granite slabs. They offered a nice spot to relax and enjoy the view - and definitely good for a few selfies.

Further up the trail is another view of the lake. This is at the top of the hill. If you follow the path past the hill-top airplane light tower you'll find another outlook facing the opposite direction. Although the lake view is what most will hike up here for, the valley view is equally stunning. There is also another mounted binocular available here.

Beyond this point is the decent back to the trailhead. This section of the trail starts off less rocky and rooty than the climb up, but quickly turns into a bit of muddy hike. The trail follows a small stream which was mostly standing water when we visited.

All together the walk was incredibly worth it. The level was easy/moderate depending on your personal comfort with the steep grade and rough/rocky/rooty...

Great introductory trail to the area, very well marked (look for blue paint on trees as you go). Very packed down right now (1/12/21), no snowshoes but I wore spikes and was very glad I did as it's very rocky and slick. Definitely need good solid boots right now. Somewhere I read a suggestion by someone to do the Quarry trail on the way up from the parking lot and then the Riverside trail to finish the loop coming back down, and that worked well I think for current trail conditions. Make sure you check out the Glade stop point along the Riverside trail, with the stone seats, and nice overlook for your snacks and...

Very nice hike consisting of two trails, Quarry Trail and Lakeview Trail, that intersect at the top of the climb forming one longer loop trail. Close to 2.25 miles in total length from beginning to end. Trails are rocky and steep, definitely not for anyone who has health issues or difficulty walking. Overall makes for a good cardio hike for those who wish to challenge themselves or leisurely climb for anyone who just wants to enjoy the outdoors. Very beautiful overlooks at the top on the backside of the trail overlooking the valley below and overlooking the lake at a couple of spots on the...