Hey, if they are good enough for the bears, they are good enough for people too, right? Of course, I'm talking about wild blueberries, which can be found on sunny ledges all across New Hampshire. Not only are they fun to harvest and take home but they are also great quick bites of energy while on the hiking trail. Along one trail in Stoddard, you can find some of the best wild blueberry picking in the state between the summits of Pitcher Mountain and Hubbard Hill.
The easy walk up to Pitcher Mountain features one of the best vistas in southern New Hampshire for minimal effort.
Atop Pitcher Mountain, you'll be treated to extensive views in all directions, including a look north along the ridge beyond the blueberry shrubs.
Late summer is the best time to visit, as this is when the berries will be at their ripest and the pickings are most bountiful.
In addition to the blueberry picking and scenic views, the summit of Pitcher Mountain is also home to one of the state's active fire lookouts.
Leaving the summit of Pitcher Mountain, the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway winds through blueberry shrubs where many diverging paths have been created by berry pickers.
The blueberry barrens along this ridge have been helped by prescribed burns, which help to clear brush, kill insects, and generate new growth.
Near the summit of Hubbard Hill, a sign marks the halfway point of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway amidst extensive blueberry fields.
If you're like me, the walk between the two summits takes a little longer than usual during the summer due to all of the snacking along the way!
It's not too early to start getting prepared for summer hikes or wild blueberry picking. Fortunately, this walk between Pitcher Mountain and Hubbard Hill fits the bill for both! For more information and to get a trail map, visit the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail Club or consult the AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide.
While you are waiting for the blueberries to ripen, also check out this beautiful wildflower hike in southern New Hampshire:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/summer-wildflower-viewing-nh/
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!