Pulpit Rock, Bedford NH
Twenty minutes west of Manchester New Hampshire, the Pulpit Rock Conservation Lands maintained by the Bedford Land Trust are an enchanting escape into a rocky forest enclave that will provide peace to those seeking serenity. The main attraction, the Pulpit Rock natural cathedral is accessible via a short, well maintained and in some places rock and root covered half mile path from the Kennard Trailhead on New Boston Road. There are miles of trails to explore here. You can spend a couple hours exploring the Pulpit, or the entire day trekking this beautiful property See BLT links at the bottom of this article for detailed parking and other information about this land trust property.
The Pulpit
It's always difficult to depict the impressiveness of a location with a picture, but we'll give it a shot with this 360 degree photo below. While you can make this hike in sneakers, note that the base of the pulpit gorge area is wet, and if you want to stand directly below it, you'll need to do a tight rope walk on random small trees placed by other visitors. You don't NEED to walk the plank to experience the grandeur of this natural attraction....but you know you're gonna. So - waterproof boots are a consideration.
It's always difficult to depict the impressiveness of a location with a picture, but we'll give it a shot with this 360 degree photo below. While you can make this hike in sneakers, note that the base of the pulpit gorge area is wet, and if you want to stand directly below it, you'll need to do a tight rope walk on random small trees placed by other visitors. You don't NEED to walk the plank to experience the grandeur of this natural attraction....but you know you're gonna. So - waterproof boots are a consideration.
The Gorge
Just downstream from the Pulpit, you'll experience a set of small cascading waterfalls that seem to be coming from several directions at once. The effect can be mesmerizing and if you're seeking peace - and who isn't these days - sit down on the bank near where this photo was taken, above the rushing water and let the idyllic scenery work its magic.
Just downstream from the Pulpit, you'll experience a set of small cascading waterfalls that seem to be coming from several directions at once. The effect can be mesmerizing and if you're seeking peace - and who isn't these days - sit down on the bank near where this photo was taken, above the rushing water and let the idyllic scenery work its magic.
Here's a 360 degree video of a portion of the gorge area below the Pulpit. Drag to view.
Water flows at this site, and the action is probably best in the spring and after a rainy period. But even in dry periods, this location will offer lots of opportunity for exploring, relaxing and decompressing.
The views are amazing.
On the way out, I noticed at the top of the pulpit area some kind of carving in the granite bedrock. Formed some 14,000 years ago through geologic runoff this land feature has no doubt been an attraction for indigenous New Englanders and follow on settlers for a long time. In the early 20th century, it was a paid attraction where visitors could awe at the geology and spend the day picnicking. Hopefully this carving is not a 'recent' defacing of a pristine natural treasure. While it incorporates a hint of the 'anarchy' symbol, I don't think that's what it is. The image on the right is the item in its natural state, on the left, the carved lines are highlighted. If anyone has info on what they think the image might be - please share!
Learn More
To learn more about this property and the Bedford Land Trust that protects and maintains it, click the links below. You might also consider a donation if you enjoy your visit as much as I did.
General info: http://www.bedfordlandtrust.org/pulpit-rock-conservation-land/
Specific parking info: http://www.bedfordlandtrust.org/pulpit-rock-parking-information
General info: http://www.bedfordlandtrust.org/pulpit-rock-conservation-land/
Specific parking info: http://www.bedfordlandtrust.org/pulpit-rock-parking-information
What else is nearby?
There's lots more to see and do in the area - much of it free - so check the map below and get out and 'make a day of it'! If you think a family friendly attraction needs to be added to the map, click 'suggest a place' at the top of the page and let us know so we can share!