I am hoping once again to have an active Eastman walking and hiking program. We always need more leaders, so please do come forward! To learn more about these trips and other guided trips in the Upper Valley and beyond, or to sign up for my weekly hiking e-newsletter, please call me at 603-863-6456 or email me at phope@worldpath.net. Also, look for my trips listed each week in Eastman Highlights.
When you go out on your own, please stay safe! Have with you the 10 essentials. And this year in particular, protect yourself from ticks and mosquitos. And now to Peter’s Picks:
Lower Slade Brook, Hanover, NH
This half-mile long trail is a great place to unwind, to commune with nature, or to enjoy a family picnic. Drive north from Hanover on NH-10, then turn left onto River Road. In 0.6 miles, just after crossing Slade Brook, you will reach a small parking area on your right at the trailhead. The trail follows an old woods road along the north side of lovely Slade Brook, passing by three waterfalls and stretches of quiet water. Farther along, the trail swings left, climbs a little, and ends at an old road leading to the right in 0.25 miles to NH-10. While there are no direct trail links, one can go right on the highway to cross Slade Brook, then walk uphill on town roads to reach the attractive trail network on conservation land along Upper Slade Brook and Huntington Hill.
Total round-trip distance: 1 mile with little elevation gain. Easy.
Mt. Ascutney (3150’), Weathersfield, VT
There are five major trails and an auto road that climb this iconic peak that is visible from many parts of the Upper Valley. Of these, my absolute favorite is the Weathersfield Trail.
From Exit 8 on I-91 in Ascutney, follow VT-131 west 3.3 miles, then turn right onto Cascade Falls Road. At the first road junction, bear left; at the second, bear right to the trailhead parking area. The trail climbs gently through attractive woods to first reach Little Cascade Falls and then a truly beautiful tiny gorge on the right. Cross the stream, and climb stairs to reach a rolling plateau with good viewpoints south. Peter’s Picks This trail descends a little to reach the brink of lovely Cascade Falls at 1.2 miles. Be very careful, as many accidents have occurred here, especially to hikers who have slipped at the edge of this 84-foot high waterfall! The trail then ascends a little, before it levels off and eventually crosses Ascutney Brook to briefly join the original route up the mountain. Soon after, where the two Halfway Brooks join just to your right, the trail swings left to climb by switchbacks to Gus’s Lookout at 2.3 miles, with great views both to the south and to the north toward the summit. The trail then climbs gently to a trail junction. Walk a short distance to the left to the hang gliders’ launching platform, where there are good views southwest. Finally, climb more steeply to the summit ridge. It is well worth the effort to climb the observation tower, with outstanding views in all directions. To reach a great lunch spot from there, take the Brownsville Trail north 0.2 miles along the ridge to the site of the Stone Hut, then walk left a few hundred feet to the open ledges at Brownsville Rock, with the best natural views from the mountain.
Total round trip distance: 6 miles, with 2063’ elevation gain. Moderate/Strenuous.
Happy hiking!
— PETER HOPE
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