2024 Marathon Level 2, Hike #7: Birchbank from Round Hill Rd

SUMMARY:  This lollipop loop is a different way to hike Birchbank Mountain. Parking at Round Hill Road and using the Paugussett Trail to access the park is a good option when there is snow because there should always be plowed parking. Snowshoeing past the chimney to the overlook in winter can be fun, and you're not starting at the bottom of the hill. Round Hill Road is also more convenient for residents of the Upper White Hills. 

PLANNING NOTES: Avoid when water levels are very high or it's icy, since there is an unimproved brook crossing that can be difficult. Walking sticks can help with the crossing. 

PARKING: For GPS, use #20 Round Hill Road, which is where the road meets Okenuck Way. 

Click map to enlarge

MAPS: The official Birchbank Mountain trail map is here. Our custom Google Map #2 can be used to geolocate yourself while hiking. 

CONDENSED DESCRIPTION: Follow the blue blazes of the Paugussett Trail southbound to Chimney Junction. TURN RIGHT to begin your counterclockwise loop onto white-blazed Birchbank Trail and follow it over a bridge. TURN RIGHT onto the Paugussett Trail again, pass the overlook, and TURN LEFT onto the blue/white Birchbank Connector. TURN LEFT onto Birchbank Trail (white) and continue up hill to yet another junction with the Paugussett Trail. TURN RIGHT, cross Upper White Hills Brook at the chimney, and take blue all the way back to your car. 

FULL DESCRIPTION: Walk past the trail sign and follow the blue blazes of the Paugussett Trail southbound ("sobo") with some gentle ups and downs.  Continue all the way to Chimney Junction, which is where our loop will begin. TURN RIGHT and follow the white blazes of Birchbank Trail as it winds up the hill and then crosses Upper White Hills Brook via a sturdy bridge and follows an old road. 

Continue on white, now gently downhill, then TURN RIGHT back onto the Paugussett Trail southbound (note: when the white trail goes left off of the old road, it's OK to stay on the old road, which will join the blue trail very shortly). 

Head up the hill, enjoying the views at the overlook, then back down the other side. TURN LEFT onto the blue/white Birchbank Connector Trail and descend into the scenic valley. 

When the connector trail ends, TURN LEFT onto Birchbank Trail (white), and head back uphill to rejoin the Paugussett Trail once again, this time heading northbound ("nobo"). TURN RIGHT to follow the blue blazes across Upper White Hills Brook at the chimney, and you've completed the loop. Continue on blue back to your car.