The blueberries were gone along Crotched Mountain’s Gregg Trail on this July afternoon, but the Queen Anne’s Lace was in full bloom. A fair trade-off. Besides, there were still some raspberries left.
This hen turkey was just off the trail, cooing softly. I’d never heard such a gentle sound from a wild turkey. A moment later I caught a glimpse of her babies, mostly concealed by the tall grass.
Lyndeborough hills (Rose and Pinnacle) seen from Gregg Trail.
Gregg Trail is graded and switchbacked to accommodate wheelchairs. It ends at an open ledge well short of Crotched Mountain’s summits.
Uncanoonucs in Goffstown and and Joe English Hill in New Boston.
Update, 2026: the former Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center is now the Crotched Mountain School. The Gregg Trail is still maintained, with a parking area and map kiosk at the trailhead.
The Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire features two trails on its property that are designed to be accessible for all, including people whose mobility is limited. One of the trails is a short loop around a wetland. I was there today for the longer trail: the Gregg Trail, just under a mile long, leading to a knoll with a view towards Mt. Monadnock. Other trails, rougher and more traditional, continue from there to the several summits of Crotched Mountain.
Gregg Trail is wide, with an average 5% grade. Bring the whole family and take your time along the way. There are blueberry bushes all over the place, which of course did me no good in early spring but should be perfect by July. Along the way, look east to the twin Uncanoonuc Mountains in Goffstown and the whaleback-shaped Joe English Hill in New Boston. As you approach the knoll, you’ll see North Pack Monadnock and Pack Monadnock to the south. Finally, as Monadnock comes into view, you’ll see all kinds of hills that will make you wonder what’s what – and fortunately, there’s an illustration nearby that names each peak.
No dogs allowed except for service animals. Sorry, Fido.
From the Gregg Trail in Greenfield, I could see the multiple peaks of Crotched Mountain.A viewing platform on Gregg Trail provides a panoramic map for identifying distant peaks, including Mount Monadnock (seen here, center).
Head north out of Greenville center on route 31 and look for the blue Crotched Mountain sign at an intersection. Turn right and follow the road uphill about a mile and a half to the rehab facility, and you’ll see the trailhead on your left. There are picnic tables and a porta-john along with a map kiosk at the trailhead.
Granite State Walker 