Fox Forest, Mud Pond Bog: Peatland System
Description: Mud Pond Bog contains an exemplary poor level fen/bog system. At least 6 peatland natural community types are present within the system in addition to the open water pond at the center and the surrounding forest types. Black spruce and tamarack (larch) trees are scattered across the open peat moss mat. Small streams feed this wetland at the northern end and a sluggish outlet stream at the southern end drains it.
Directions: From Main Street in Hillsboro, proceed east and take a left opposite the Agway store onto Old Henniker Road. At the top of the hill take the left fork onto Whitney Road. At the next fork take another left (actually straight) continuing on Whitney Road. Just before the road turns left, you will see an orange gate on the right. Park along Whitney Road but do not block the gate. Walk around the gate onto Mud Pond Road. The trail to Mud Pond Bog is about 1,200 feet ahead on the right. Once you reach Mud Pond, a boardwalk leads out onto the peat mat. Trailhead, trail, and sign improvements were made in summer 2004. An alternate means of visiting Mud Pond Bog is to take trails east from the Fox State Forest headquarters building.
Landowner: State of NH – DRED, Division of Forests & Lands
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Link: Fox Research and Demonstration Forest
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