Blue Job: a beautiful view tops off this easy hike

Thomas Trumble, 11, of Barrington, N.H., looks southward from atop Blue Job's fire tower during a Sunday morning hike with his family. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photos)

Blue Job Mountain is an absolute delight any day of the year, but on Sunday it was at its breathtaking best, with long views to the White Mountains, the Lakes Region, Mount Monadnock and the Atlantic all on the horizon.

At only 1,356 feet, this easy trail is perfect for young and old alike. It takes less than a half hour of moderate pace to reach the summit where you can climb part way up the fire tower for some of the best views in southern New Hampshire.

There’s plenty of blueberries to pick along the way, not as many as there were Sunday, though.

Lots of owners let their dogs run free, but we didn’t see any problems.

This is a perfect hike for young families or older folk and because of that, is a very popular trail.

A view north from near the top of Blue Job.

Mosquitos were no problem.

From the base of the trailhead a walk along the eastern trail is a bit steeper, but has some of the best views and is the quickest way to the fire tower.

From the fire tower there are several orange-blazed trails to choose from for your return loop to the parking lot.

Bring suntan lotion, bug spray just in case, water and a picnic lunch if you care.

You will adore Blue Job.

Directions: From North Main Street in downtown Rochester head west on 202A toward Strafford. When 202A bends hard left three or four miles from town take a right on First Crown Point Road for about five miles. The trailhead parking area will be on your right.