By Peter Hope
Once again, we have enjoyed a great season of Eastman walks and hikes, many to destinations new to us. We still need more leaders, especially for the upcoming winter snowshoe walks. Please let me know if you would be interested in helping in this useful and fun-filled way by contacting me at (603) 863-6456 or phope@worldpath.net.
Remember that fall weather may turn cold unexpectedly, so, when hiking, pack extra layers and storm gear, as well as good footwear, warm gloves and hat. Because days are short, carry an LED headlamp with good batteries. Food, water, first aid kit, guidebook, map and compass are among the other fall hiking essentials. Mobile phones are useful but not always trustworthy because of limited reception in remote areas. Let a friend know your destination, route and expected time of return.
It is wise to note the 2014 hunting season. The dates for deer hunting in New Hampshire are the weekend of Oct. 25-26 for youths and Nov. 12- Dec. 7 for adult rifle season. Vermont has set aside Nov. 8-9 for youths and Nov. 15 to 30 for adult rifle season. Always wear blaze orange when hiking during these seasons and do not hike quietly! Archery and muzzle-loader seasons are longer but generally attract very experienced and careful hunters.
AND NOW TO MY FALL PICKS
Goshen Ocean, Goshen
This is an attractive, easy 5k (3 mile) fairly level walk around a flood controlled lake and wetland, officially named Gunnison Lake. Much of the shoreline is permanently protected and is part of a huge area of conserved land in the Q2C project. (See related Lakes and streams article.) To reach the Ocean, drive south on NH 10 through Newport and Goshen. Then turn left on NH-31. After about a mile, turn left on dirt-packed Cross Road and follow it until it ends.
You’ll see an interesting old cemetery on the left. The trailhead is on the right. Walk toward the dam. You can follow the trail in either direction around the Goshen Ocean. The western side is developed; the other sides conserved. The trail, which is fairly new, is well built, with bridges over the stream crossings. I suggest that you walk slowly, enjoying this really unique wetland. Total distance is 3 miles; it is fairly level. Easy.
Black Mt.(2830’), East Haverhill
Drive north on I-91 or NH-10 to NH- 25, which crosses the Connecticut River just east of Bradford(VT). Follow this to East Haverhill, where you turn left on Lime Kiln Road, bearing left at a fork after 1.4 miles. Just past a sharp left, turn right at 3.1 miles from NH-25, where you will see the small Chippewa trail parking area. The trail descends, then skirts and crosses a wetland to reach a dirt road. Take this a short distance to the left to visit two interesting old lime kilns. To climb the mountain, turn right instead and in a few yards bear left on an older woods-road that climbs at a moderate grade to an old farm site with an interesting cellar hole. This trail climbs more steeply, through woods and across ledges. Several side paths lead to good outlook points. Just below the summit, another trail joins from the left. When you reach the summit ledges (site of the former fire tower), take your time and enjoy the views in many directions, including the other peaks in the Benton Range, Mt. Moosilauke and the Connecticut Valley. Don’t fail to follow the ledges to your left a short distance to Tipping Rock. Total distance is 3.8 miles with a 1,700’ elevation gain. Moderate.
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