The Backroads of Sugar Hill NH

Exploring the Back Roads of Sugar Hill

In all my conversations with you, I always tell you to look for the back roads. To look for the views that don’t get photographed as often. I don’t mean to say ignore the iconic views like the Jenne Farm in Vermont or the Lily Pond on the Kancamagus Highway. To look for those back roads with funny names that may not have an Iconic farm or covered bridge, but may have a view that makes your eyes water, is part of the fun.

But a word of warning, do this because you want to explore and be happy with what you find. I worry that I set your expectations too high and you may be disappointed. Take this journey, not in hopes that the final iconic destination will make you happy, but that the journey itself makes you smile.

Many of the following suggestions are south of Sugar Hill and I will warn you now, make sure that you use common sense. I was traveling down a dirt road that kept closing in on me and the friend driving with me was asking, “Are you sure this is a road?”. Soon, it was leading across a farmer’s field, and even though the gazetteer said this was a road, we turned around to try other roads.

Don’t miss this next one though, I think you will like that one a lot!

Toad Hill Road

This is one of those “funny named” roads that I look for. For the most part, Toad Hill Road is just a backcountry lane with a few homes along it, and while I don’t recall any really great pictures, you will see that the road is tree lined with many different varieties of trees (heavy on the maples and birch). So if you don’t mind driving through a tunnel of fall color, you won’t mind driving along it.

All in all, the drive along this road is quiet and unassuming, and while I would love to say there was a great farm or other Iconic views to be found, not this time. You’ll find one of our unusual roadside finds that will make you smile. (written in another article)

You will meander your way back to Sugar Hill Road (Route 117), and come out one side or the other of Polly’s Pancake Parlor. I never seem to be able to get away from there. 🙂

Sugar Hill Maple Farm

On Easton Road, you will find the Sugar Hill Maple Farm. This was one of my first finds back in 2008 when I found the Beaver Pond on a cloudy, foggy morning. Continuing north from there I strayed onto the… (no… I did not mean, stayed on), onto the various roads like Sugar Hill Road, Toad Hill, and then Easton Road.

According to what I read, this is a conservation property and I pulled my car to the side as far as I can and walk up and down the road looking for good compositions. There is the barn and there was an old truck down in the field near some trees. But to me, the best feature is the hill at the back of the property that is covered in sugar maples.

This can give you a great backdrop for the foreground items, near the road. Either way, I enjoyed finding this place.

Now let’s move to the South of Sugar Hill. Head down Route 117 and at the Junction of 18, make a left, and a short distance on the left is…

Coffin Pond or Streeter Pond Road

You can follow Route 17 back down to Route 18 and head North. It’s only a short distance and be prepared to stop. There is a pullout on Route 18 but you should take the left onto Streeter Pond Road. It’s slower and easier to get someone off your bumper once you make a left. (a right if you are coming south on Route 18 from Littleton).

Coffin Pond is a small pond that has a decent-sized hill behind it, allowing for incredible reflections. The Gale River runs into the pond and this past year was very low so I didn’t stop for any pics. If you explore, there are small hillocks in the pond with evergreens and grasses. I caught it on a cloudy day (so-so) but as sometimes happens, the sun broke out on the hill causing a burst of color on the hill and the pond was like glass… Nuff said.

Most of these images are available in my Fine Art Gallery and if you like it, you can click on the caption and the link will take you to my gallery to view it and purchase it there.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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