Hiking Unity Mountain Trail

Even if you're a born-and-bred Granite Stater, there's a good chance the small town of Unity isn't on your radar. There is an even greater chance you're not familiar with Unity Mountain. Lately, my longtime hiking friend Curtis Carroll and I have been exploring the Monadnock Highlands for new trails. While we've discovered great opportunities in the towns of Alstead and Acworth, our latest find is the Unity Mountain Trail, just north of those communities. Built on public lands in the town of Unity, the trail is a 4-mile-long footpath that traverses the flanks of the 1,879-foot mountain, showcasing the cultural and natural histories of Sullivan County. It follows the shoreline of Marshall Pond, climbs to a scenic outlook, crosses the 2nd New Hampshire turnpike and travels through a cattail marsh natural area. The trail's western end is at the Sullivan County Complex in Unity; the easterners is located at Mica Mine Road. Dogs are allowed on the trail. On a brisk, late April day, Curtis and I decided to hike a six-mile out-and-back portion of the trail. We began at the Mica Mine Road trailhead and hiked to a crossing point of the 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike. After checking out the Marshall family cemetery opposite the trailhead, we started at the kiosk in the small, gravel parking lot beyond a metal gate. The trail was leaf-matted and grassy. In a few minutes, we reached a clear-cut area with rambling stone walls. The blue-blazed trail moved downhill, and we soon reached Marshall Pond — which was ringed by tall white pines. We examined a small dam and bundles of sticks contributed to the construction by beavers. Back on the trail, we walked uphill and away from the pond. Soon we saw a sign pointing to "Sam's Outlook." After turning right and climbing a ledge area, minutes later we arrived at an outcrop with two benches that offered a wide view beyond a logged off area to the west. After a brief rest, we continued on the trail which was enveloped by pioneer growth of birch and beech saplings. A sign reading "Unity Mountain Trial" appeared. An arrow pointing right directed hikers back to Mica Mine Road and the parking lot, but we followed the arrow pointing left to continue the Unity Mountain Trail. The rutted path moved downhill to a stream crossing. We continued through open woods, crossing plank bridges and admiring old stone walls. I was surprised that for the most part, the Unity Mountain Trail is a tree enclosed, rolling-wooded path that offered very few views. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and tranquility that this trail offered. As we continued, we saw lots of intersecting side trails that indicated past logging activity, but the blue blazes were abundant and easy to follow. About 45 minutes from the start, we turned right into an open, crossroads area. Locating a direction sign, we continued on the trail which moved through a stretch of hemlock. "The woods are different here. Notice how the property markers go along the stone wall. The trees are much older on that side of the wall. You can see the logging activity on this side," said Curtis. We made our way downhill over a ledge area and crossed a stream on a plank bridge. An hour and a half into the hike, we arrived at another opening. A sign here noted "No snowmobiles." Turning left, we continued on the trail which at this point was a wide, grassy path. We crossed several fields and heard the sound of traffic. Soon we arrived at a metal gate, kiosk, Department of Transportation lot, and crossing point of the 2nd New Hampshire. TO GET TO Unity Mountain from the junction of Routes 9, 10, and 12 in Keene, drive east on Route 9. After 1.3 miles, bear left onto Route 12 North. Continue on Route 12 for another 1.3 miles and take the Maple Ave/Surry exit for Route 12-A. Continue on Route 12-A for 14.6 miles to Alstead. Turn left onto Route 123 South and continue for 0.8 mile. Turn right onto Route 123-East. After driving for 5.2 miles, turn left onto Hunt Road. Continue uphill for 2.1 miles to the town of Acworth. Turn slightly right onto Cold Pond Road and continue for 4.1 miles. Take a quick left, then a quick right onto North Shore Road and continue for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto the 2nd NH Turnpike. Drive for 1.4 miles to the Unity Elementary School. Just beyond the school, turn right onto Mica Mine Road. Travel 1.8 miles down Mica Mine Road, turning left twice to remain on Mica Mine Road. The trailhead and parking are on the left across from the Marshall Family Cemetery.