Whether you’re hiking Blue Job Mountain on a cool spring morning or exploring the Bellamy River trails with your family, Strafford County offers some of New Hampshire’s most beloved wooded escapes. But while you’re enjoying these trails, ticks are also active and waiting.
Ticks thrive in environments where moisture is retained and hosts (like deer, rodents, and even dogs) are plentiful. Strafford County’s trails, from the forests around Blue Job Mountain to the meadows near the Bellamy River, provide both.
Along these trails, ticks often hide in:
Leaf piles and ground debris along footpaths
Tall grasses and underbrush near the tree line
Shaded areas that stay humid, even in dry stretches
In Strafford County, tick activity surges from late spring through early fall, with nymphs emerging in May and adult ticks remaining active into October—especially during warmer, humid stretches.
Because the early nymph stage is smaller than a poppy seed, many people don’t realize they’ve been bitten until later, making awareness and prevention all the more important when using local trails.
Stick to the center of the trail to avoid brushing against overgrown edges.
Wear light-colored clothing to help spot ticks more easily.
Tuck pants into socks and wear long sleeves when hiking wooded areas.
Do a full tick check after returning home, especially behind knees, near the waistband, and around the scalp.
Treat your yard if you live near wooded zones or frequently hike with pets.
