Hiking the Devils Hopyard in Stark, New Hampshire
The Devil’s Hopyard hike in Stark, New Hampshire, offers a short but thrilling adventure through a glacial gorge/flume lined with near-vertical cliffs and large, moss-covered boulders. The hike is a 2.4 mile in and out hike that starts on a very easy, accessible trail that becomes challenging due to the rocky and uneven terrain once you enter the Devil's Hopyard. You will encounter steep-walled sections where the Hopyard is filled with slippery boulders that make navigation more difficult, especially in the upper reaches of the trail.
One of the notable features of Devil's Hopyard is the cool microclimate created by the shaded, mossy rocks, which trap cooler air and provide a refreshing contrast to the warmer temperatures outside the gorge. The elevation gain is modest at around 250 feet, but the rugged landscape and unique surroundings make the hike rewarding.
Trail Guide: The Kilkenny Ridge Trail’s trailhead for Devils Hopyard is located at the South Pond Recreation Area, off Route 110 on South Pond Road, within the White Mountain National Forest. The Road to the South Pond Recreation Area is open daily during the summer monoths, but closed during the off season, adding a mile each way to your hike as you’ll have to park at gate and walk into the trailhead.
From the Recreation Area’s parking lot, the Kilkenny Ridge Trail begins to the right of the beach area and follows the shoreline on a well maintained trail for a short distance to an opening overlooking the pond and a bench. At this point the trail becomes somewhat rougher, but more or less what you would expect a hiking trail to be in the White Mountains.
At 0.7 miles you’ll come to the trail junction with the Devils Hopyard Trail and the Kilkenny Ridge Trail. The Devils Hopyard Trail turns right, while the Kilkenny Ridge Trail goes straight ahead, ascending to Roger’s Ledge. After turning right you’ll follow the Devils Hopyard Trail alongside the stream that empties the Hopyard, crossing it on a small log bridge and shortly afterwards, you enter the Devils Hopyard.
The stream disappears underneath the rocks (you can still hear it) and becomes much rockier and more challenging. For about 0.5 miles from the trail junction, the trail makes is way through the Devils Hopyard to the end of the flume marked with a “End of Trail” sign.
You’ll return the same way that you came for a roughly 2.4 mile round trip hike. There’s almost no elevation gain or loss along the way (250 feet) and the trail outside of the Devils Hopyard is an easy to moderate walk. Within the Devils Hopyard we would consider this a moderate to challenging hike, becoming more challenging the further into the Hopyard you go. Be aware and careful of the damp, wet rocks covered with moss that can be very slippery and choose your footing wisely along the way.
For More Information About This Hike
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Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Gear we used on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
Plan and Prepare: Research your hike beforehand and it is always a good idea to carry a paper map in addition to any apps or online maps you may have - remember batteries can die, especially in colder weather.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
