CCC Moose Brook Trails

The trails are located within Moose Brook State Park in Gorham, New Hampshire. You can park directly at the state park, which serves as the primary access point for the trail network.

Yes, as the trails are located within Moose Brook State Park, there is typically an entrance fee required to access the park. It's always a good idea to check the official New Hampshire State Parks website for current fee schedules and operating hours before your visit.

Moose Brook State Park generally allows dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The trails are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring through fall. Fall offers beautiful foliage. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for snow and ice, and check conditions beforehand. The park is also known for camping and mountain biking, making it a popular destination during peak seasons.

You'll encounter varied terrain, including old farm roads and paths originally built by the CCC. Expect mostly gentle to moderate grades, though some sections, like on Berry Farm Road, can have occasional steep pitches and might be washed out. Some paths transition from wide routes to rougher footpaths with roots and rocks, especially since many trails are multi-use and popular with mountain bikers. The park features mature mixed woodlands and crisscrossing streams.

The route offers dense forests, streams, and wooden bridges. You'll pass through Moose Brook State Park itself. Perkins Path, a section of the network, leads to a scenic rocky gorge with cascades. While some trails are described as a nice walk through the woods without grand vistas, the overall setting is picturesque, nestled just north of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains.

The trails are generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. While some routes are suitable for "any fitness level" with easily-accessible paths, others, like the Berry Farm Road and Perimeter Path Loop, can involve nearly 650 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles. The route described here is rated as moderate, with an elevation gain of approximately 187 meters over 7.9 kilometers.

The trails are a testament to the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The CCC played a crucial role in developing much of Moose Brook State Park's infrastructure and initial trail network, including the construction of rustic buildings. The CCC Perimeter Trail is a fine example of their craftsmanship, known for its gentle to moderate grades.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths within the park's extensive network. You'll find sections of the CCC Hub North trails, CCC Perimeter Path West, Perkins Path, CCC Perimeter East, and Berry Farm Road, among others. This allows for various loop options and extended hikes.

Many sections of the CCC Moose Brook Trails are suitable for families and beginners, offering easily-accessible paths and gentle grades. For instance, the Perkins Path and Perimeter Path Loop is a shorter option. However, some parts, especially those shared with mountain bikers or on Berry Farm Road, can be steeper or have rougher surfaces, so choose your route according to your group's fitness level.

Moose Brook State Park itself offers facilities, including a swimming area where Moose Brook and Perkins Brook meet. For additional amenities like cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would need to head into the nearby town of Gorham, New Hampshire, which is a short drive away.