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Lockes Hill was once part of the estate of Benjamin Kimball, president of the Boston and Montreal Railroad a century ago. He had a European-style castle built on the N shoulder of Lockes Hill overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, which is not presently open to the public although it may become an inn. The bulk of the estate is now the Kimball Wildlife Forest, preserved for the study and enjoyment of wildlife habitat. A two-mile trail loops over the summit of Lockes Hill and provides views particularly over Lake Winnipesaukee.
Distance: About 1.9 miles around loop
Elevation gain: About 400 feet
Maps:
USGS West Alton, Laconia
Trail map posted at parking lot
Location: Lakes Region
NH 2004-2005 map L-7
DeLorme NHA&G 36-C4 - Gilford
Gilford is near Lake Winnipesaukee between Laconia and Alton on NH Route 11
Trailhead: Parking lot on S side of NH Route 11 about 2.0 miles E of junction with NH Route 11-B, elevation about 630 feet
N 43.578, -71.370 W (WGS84)
From I-93 Exit 20, take US Route 3 N/NH Route 11 E about 12.1 miles until the N end of the Laconia bypass. Turn L to stay on NH Route 11 and continue about 3.7 miles to driveway on R with hiking trail symbol.
Highest Point: Summit of Lockes Hill, elevation about 1057 feet
Owner: unknown
Maintainer: unknown
Special regulations: unknown
Just inside the entrance to the parking area is a sign where nature guides can sometimes be obtained. The Lakeview Trail climbs moderately uphill with switchbacks from here, passing a viewpoint over The Broads of Lake Winnipesaukee. After about .7 miles, the trail reaches the flattish summit area and ends. There is a viewpoint ahead to the R, and another to the L near the utility pole.
The Quarry Trail starts L from near the utility pole and provides a longer return to the parking area. It leads along the flattish ridge before descending moderately to a saddle where it wanders before descending again. The trail passes the quarry where stone for the castle was obtained, then follows the brook downstream before angling away to the L. The trail passes through a gate to end at the parking area 1.2 miles from the summit.
Parking lot may not be plowed, but you may be able to park at the nearby scenic overlook
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show these trails
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