Place
Overview
Upper Dogwood is a short, shady forest walk on North Mountain that rewards with easy flow, a few quick vistas, and plenty of quiet. Officially it’s 1.0 mile one way with a typical 4.8% grade on compacted dirt. Most hikers close it into a loop (about 1.5 miles total) using a brief roadside segment, which feels natural and keeps the effort mellow.
Route and Stats
Expect mostly long, flat stretches punctuated by short rises. The common loop variation is roughly 1.5 miles with around 230–250 feet of gain. While the overall grade stays gentle, a few short pitches can feel steeper (and the tread narrows to 1–2 feet in spots), so it’s not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly.
What You’ll See
This is a woods-first hike: a cool, shaded canopy and a classic North Mountain feel. Sections pass through older forest, and you’ll catch occasional peeks through the trees. Looking for a marquee viewpoint? Add the neighboring Goat Rock Trail to turn this into a longer loop with a big payoff, then return via Upper Dogwood’s calmer, shadier path.
Access and Connections
You can hop on Upper Dogwood just below the North Mountain Overlook or from the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. It links easily with Lower Dogwood and Goat Rock, making it great for mix‑and‑match loops depending on time and energy.
Trail Conditions and Cautions
Underfoot is compacted dirt with uneven and sometimes rocky footing. Watch for narrow tread, brief steeper grades, and one short segment along the road when closing the loop. Ticks are a seasonal reality—do your checks. Dogs are welcome on leash; pack out waste.
Best Time to Hike
Open year‑round. The shade helps on warm days, but summer heat still builds—start early for cooler temps, easier parking, and calmer trails. Weekday mornings are the quietest; soft forest light makes early and late day the most photogenic.
Is It Worth It?
If you want a low‑commitment, shady North Mountain sampler with easy connections, yes. It’s not a destination viewpoint by itself, but it’s a pleasant forest stroll and pairs perfectly with Goat Rock when you want extra miles and a big overlook.
Pros
- Naturally shady alternative to nearby sun-exposed options
- Easy links to Goat Rock and Lower Dogwood for build-your-own loops
- Older forest character adds interest on an otherwise mellow path
Cons
- Brief roadside stretch to complete the loop
- Narrow, uneven tread with a few short steep bits despite overall gentle grade
- Limited parking near North Mountain Overlook/Goat Rock trailhead
Parking
Park near the North Mountain Overlook or by the Goat Rock trailhead; spaces are limited—arrive early.
Caution
Narrow, uneven singletrack with brief steep sections (up to ~17%); short roadside segment; ticks in season; not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
