By Peter Hope
This summer we will once again schedule Woodland walks, short easy to moderate excursions on trails in Eastman and in the Upper Valley. On most Wednesday mornings from July to October, we’ll meet at 8 a.m. at the Alpine Vista parking area above the dam in Eastman. We will then carpool to the trailhead. Walks will be announced each week in Eastman Highlights.
Also this year, we will schedule Saturday or Sunday hikes to mountains in New Hampshire or Vermont. I will be leading many but we need other experienced hikers to volunteer to lead. It’s a fun and rewarding way to help our Eastman community. If interested in helping out, please contact me at 863-6456 or at phope@worldpath.net.
Dates and contact information for leaders for our weekend hikes will also be announced in Eastman Highlights. Because these hikes are moderate to strenuous, we ask that participants contact the leader by telephone a few days in advance of the trip to better ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We meet at Alpine Vista parking, usually early in the morning.
As always, safety must be our most important concern when venturing into the wild, whether as part of a group or alone. All hiking requires planning and appropriate advanced preparation. Take with you more than enough water and food, as well as more layers of clothing (wool or synthetic, not cotton) than you expect to need to protect against cold or wet conditions. Bring gear for emergencies, an adequately restocked First Aid kit, guidebook, map and compass, headlamp, insect repellant and sunscreen. Do not rely on a GPS or a cell phone. Before leaving home, inform family or friends of your exact plans, including your destination, route, and expected time of return. And if you get into a jam, think how you might self-rescue before you call 911.
Also, please remember that ticks are common and can carry serious disease pathogens. Be sure to do a body check after each hike, especially after walking through tall grass or brush. And do stay on trails, especially in wet areas or at elevations where there may be endangered plants.
I send out a weekly listing of group hikes in our area and beyond. If interested on being on the mailing list, contact me at phope@worldpath.net.
And now to Peter’s Picks:
PITCHER HILL, SPRINGFIELD
Drive south on I-89 to exit 12A. Turn left under the freeway, and continue a short distance to Stryker Road on your left. Drive until you reach a small parking area on your left, just before a gate across the road.
Hike up the road about 100 feet to a trailhead on your left. The trail through attractive woods alternates between fairly level sections and short climbs, and is not arduous. You will reach an area of ledge with good views toward the south. Continuing on, the trail reaches the summit area, with viewpoints to the west and the north. Total distance is 0.5 miles round trip, with ~500’ elevation gain. Easy
HAZEN TRAIL, NORWICH/WILDER, VT
From Hanover, cross the Ledyard Bridge into Norwich, then take your first left. Pass the left turn for the Montshire Museum and you will reach the new trailhead on your left. The trail, with only gradual grades, traverses attractive woods as well as more open areas. Shortly after crossing a power line, the trail rejoins the former route. If you turn left, you will be on The Montshire Museum nature trail system. There is an admission fee required for the museum’s trail system. Turn right instead, and follow along an open ridge with views over the Connecticut River. Eventually the trail angles to the right and descends to VT-5 a little south of the underpass under I-89. (A few cars can be parked here.) A few feet before this, the Backwater Trail goes left and down to the shore of the river, passing an old dam and attractive waterfall along the way. Total distance is 2 miles each way, with minor ups and downs. Easy.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.