Boulder Loop Interpretive Trail
The Boulder Loop Trail was constructed by the U.S. Forest Service in the fall of 1962. Shortly after its creation, an interpretive component was created, consisting of a small paper brochure with numbered stops and nature-related information that corresponded with wooden posts along the trail. The 3.1 mile interpretive trail proved popular for many decades, as hikers and campers at nearby Covered Bridge Campground frequented the trail.
However, by the late 1990s the wooden posts along the trail had fallen into disrepair. Unable to maintain or replace the posts, in the early 2000s the remaining posts were removed and the interpretive component of the trail ceased to exist.
However, by the late 1990s the wooden posts along the trail had fallen into disrepair. Unable to maintain or replace the posts, in the early 2000s the remaining posts were removed and the interpretive component of the trail ceased to exist.
In 2016, White Mountains Interpretive Association decided to bring the interpretive trail back!
One of the original brochures for the Boulder Loop Interpretive Trail.
WMIA's board of directors chose to host and fund an internship during the 2016 season, during which the intern researched, planned, and then oversaw the installation of a new interpretive tour.
The intern worked closely with Forest Service recreation staff as she planned the new tour. The decision was made to expand the interpretive component beyond just natural education, as in the original tour--this time including historical information into the tour stops.
In the fall of 2016, the newly created Boulder Loop Interpretive Trail opened to the public use with the installation of the final numbered post. Additionally, a trailhead kiosk overview of the interpretive tour was developed and installed by the intern and funded through a grant to the Pequawket Foundation.
Hikers can download the interpretive tour handout here or pick up a paper copy at the Saco Ranger District front desk.
Additionally, smartphone users can download the White Mountain National Forest OnCell App by searching 'White Mountain National Forest' in Google Play or the iOS Store. The Boulder Loop Interpretive Tour is included in the app.
The intern worked closely with Forest Service recreation staff as she planned the new tour. The decision was made to expand the interpretive component beyond just natural education, as in the original tour--this time including historical information into the tour stops.
In the fall of 2016, the newly created Boulder Loop Interpretive Trail opened to the public use with the installation of the final numbered post. Additionally, a trailhead kiosk overview of the interpretive tour was developed and installed by the intern and funded through a grant to the Pequawket Foundation.
Hikers can download the interpretive tour handout here or pick up a paper copy at the Saco Ranger District front desk.
Additionally, smartphone users can download the White Mountain National Forest OnCell App by searching 'White Mountain National Forest' in Google Play or the iOS Store. The Boulder Loop Interpretive Tour is included in the app.
Volunteers and Forest Service staff installing the new interpretive kiosk at the Boulder Loop trailhead
