We took Route 3 north past the first Connecticut Lake (there are three on route 3), made a right on Magalloway Road, we followed the signs “TO TOWER” and at the dead end, there was a small parking area, an out house and the Coot Trail, a steep climb of about 1 mile, with an approximate 45 degree angle, steeper in some parts. Hiking up with two small pups, Baron and Twister, was not as bad as we initially thought, they definitely did better than we expected.

At the top of the mountain are two gems: A rustic cabin that accommodates 4 and an observation tower that gives you 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and mountain peaks, Canada to the north, Maine to the east, Central New Hampshire to the south, and Vermont to the west. The images from the tower are simply breathtaking!

On the way back we thought we’d be smart and took the Bobcat Trail, a longer but more gradual hike. As it turned out it was muddy, slippery, rocky and not as easy as we thought. If you have children or pets, beware!

Next time, we hope to hike up and stay at least one night in the cabin and enjoy the panoramic views to the fullest! If you would like to this, and I hope you do, please tell us your experience, you may reserve the cabin by calling 1-877-647-2757 or visiting their website at www.nhstateparks.org