After last year’s dearth of snow, let’s hope for a better winter. If conditions are good, I will lead snowshoe hikes, usually on Tuesday mornings, either in Eastman or somewhere in the Upper Valley. They will be listed in Eastman Highlights and on the Eastman Calendar. Please volunteer as a hike leader so that we may enjoy more outings. Contact me at 603-863-6456 or email me at phope@worldpath.net.
Winter = Cold! Wear layered clothing and take appropriate gear, food and water. Always tell friends and family exactly where you plan to go. A cell phone is not always reliable in the wild. Consider the purchase of a Hike Safe NH card: www.wildlife.state.nh.us/safe/.
NOW FOR PETER’S PICKS:
Beaver Fells Trail, Eastman, Grantham, NH
This is an easy but very attractive woodlands trail recently added to our Northern Trail network. It climbs past interesting rock formations from Road Round the Lake, opposite the west side of Rhododendron Park, to Butternut Trail, across from the start of Anderson Pond Trail. For a longer walk, explore the trail around Anderson Pond or the easy loops in Rhododendron Park. It is a good short route in all seasons.
To access the trail, park either at the Rhododendron Park on Shore Road or at the trailhead on Anderson Pond Road.
Mt. Peg, Woodstock, VT
In winter there are two ways to climb this small but interesting peak overlooking Woodstock Village. You may buy a trail pass at the Woodstock Nordic Center Peter’s Picks on Route VT-12. Several ski trails climb this peak from the west side of the golf course. Much of the peak is wooded, but you can enjoy great views by following the ridge to the open fields at its southern end.
Alternatively, a hiking trail suitable for snowshoeing starts from a parking area on Golf Avenue just north of Cross Street off VT-12 behind the Woodstock Inn. The best winter route follows the Summit Trail and turns left onto a long loop on the Golf Trail, then left again on the Summit Trail. All junctions are well marked. Ignore multiple other trails. You will have a few ups and downs but then will arrive at the extensive open fields below the summit. Climb to the picnic benches at the summit’s viewpoint, tarry a while and return the way you ascended. Avoid the Red Pine and Spruce Trails as they are much too steep!
Total distance 1 to 2 miles with 320’ elevation gain. Easy/ Moderate
Enjoy and stay warm!
Peter Hope
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