Watson Lot Trailhead – Exeter, NH

Watson Lot Trailhead - Exeter, NH

Parking

Watson Lot Trailhead: A Dog-Friendly Adventure in Exeter, New Hampshire

Watson Lot Trailhead is a popular starting point for outdoor enthusiasts looking for dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly trails in Exeter, New Hampshire. Located conveniently on Watson Road, this trailhead provides direct access to the scenic and dynamic Fort Rock trail system, with routes that wind through beautiful woods, bridges, and rocky terrain. It is especially enjoyed by locals for mountain biking, hiking, and spotting wildlife – from nesting turtles to beavers and the occasional fairy lights in the enchanted forest!

Dog owners will appreciate the adventure, but should note that the lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. There is minimal shade at the parking area and some open, sandy sections along the trail, so it’s wise to plan accordingly for hot or buggy days. While there is no specifically fenced dog run, the natural open space and diverse trails make it a fantastic spot for leashed walks and exploration with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to park? The park has a small lot at the Watson Lot Trailhead, but it can fill up fast. Street parking is sometimes available as an alternative.
Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the trailhead connects to the extensive Fort Rock trail system, offering a variety of pathways for hiking and pet-friendly exploration.
Is there shade or shelter available? The parking lot has minimal shade, though some shaded areas can be found along the wooded trails.
Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, bugs can be especially bad after rain or near water, so bringing bug spray is recommended.
How busy does the park get on weekends? The lot is not very large and fills up fast, so expect it to be busier on weekends and plan your visit accordingly.

Reviews

Great place to park if you’re Mountain biking..

Good place to start a ride.

Small lot with minimal shade so can be quite hot in the summer. It sets you off on a rocky trail and then quickly you are into the beautiful, dynamic routes that make up Fort Rock. Parker way and olive branch are some of the most diverse sections. There are plenty of bridges and rolls and even some serious drops for the more advanced riders. awesome area for all levels of bike riders.

Absolutely great hiking area!! This time of year the turtle’s are nesting and eggs are hatching so please be careful while walking or biking on the trails, especially near the water!🏞🐢🐢🐢🥚🥚🥚🐣⬅️pretend that is a hatching turtle lol I rescued a just hatched baby turtle last time I was there because he was injured and was far from the water so I brought him back to the water and he seemed okay, definitely a lot better. We saw a lot of other wildlife there too. There is a HUGE beaver den too that can be seen from one of the footbridges. We went at night and heard coyotes howling and an owl. It was a lot of fun but make sure to bring a good bug spray cuz they are relentless!!🦟🧴🛡 bugs are worse after it rains and near water sources. June Beatles definitely live there as well 🐞 and millipedes 🐛. Also while walking through the sandy open area underneath the power lines be careful of wasps, ground bees and all bees and bugs alike because they like to nest in that area 🐝🐝🐜🦗🕷🕸 oh ya and btw we saw a unicorn and fairy lights in the enchanted forest too🦄🧚‍♀️✨ it was magical 🔮😉🤗🥰🙃 hope you enjoy your adventure!!🏞🌄🌌🏕