Hike Hadlock Ponds Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Boardwalk sections are narrow and can be genuinely slippery when wet or frosty — take them at a measured pace, especially in spring or after rain. If you're bringing a dog, some of these stretches are tight enough that passing other hikers gets awkward.
Black flies and mosquitoes can be fierce from late May through June in the boggy sections. Head nets and DEET aren't overkill here — they're survival gear.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start at the Upper Hadlock Pond trailhead off Route 198 rather than the Parkman Mountain lot — it's less trafficked and puts you at the water faster, usually within five minutes of leaving your car.
The bog walk sections get slick after rain or morning dew. Trail runners with wet-grip soles work better here than stiff hiking boots, which can feel clumsy on the narrow boardwalks.
Bring binoculars and hit the trail before 8 AM in June or July for the best loon sightings. They're most active at dawn, and the ponds are dead calm before the breeze picks up — ideal for spotting them diving and surfacing.
Photos
NPS
