This could be the perfect trip for the youngest hikers. A short trail leads to commanding views and a fun trip up a fire tower at the top. Blue Job Mountain can be very busy on weekends, so if you are looking for a more secluded experience, try visiting on a weekday afternoon after school or for an early evening supper on the summit. Always bring a headlamp if you plan to be out in the late afternoon or early evening.

From the trailhead and parking lot, ascend the steeper, right-hand trail; you’ll come down the mountain by taking the longer yet easier-to-descend trail on the left. The entire route is marked with orange blazes, both on trees and on the rocky ledges. There are many side trails and older routes, so be sure to keep the blazes in sight.

At 0.4 mile the rocky path approaches a small lookout on the right. This is a good spot to take a water break, but don’t stay too long because the summit is just ahead. Continue on to the summit where you will find a working fire tower (0.5 mile). While the views from the summit are good, climb the tower’s stairs to look out over a giant swath of New Hampshire. Blue Job Mountain has a high degree of prominence (the vertical rise above surrounding land), so the views are excellent. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Mount Washington to the north.

After taking a break or a picnic at the summit, continue on the loop following the orange blazes to the southwest. Another small ledge with a communications tower (0.6 mile) has nice views to the west. This is a great alternative break or picnic spot if the summit is crowded when you visit. Continuing on, follow the orange blazes down the hill. At the trail junction at the base of the mountain, head left. The path crosses a couple of bridges and muddy areas, so leave time to explore the brooks and aquatic life along this woodland section of the trail.

If you are in the area and if the kids (and you) have the energy, plan to stop at Parker Mountain and the nearby abandoned mica mine. From Blue Job Mountain, follow First Crown Point Road back to NH 202A and turn right. Continue on to Strafford and turn right on NH 126. Follow NH 126 west through Strafford and the road will begin to rise up to a small notch.

Chichester on NH 28 and Center Barnstead on NH 126 both have general stores with basic picnic supplies and ice cream, while Epsom and Concord offer a full array of eating options. The Chichester Country Store is famous for its homemade doughnuts.