I am hoping to have a more active schedule of three season walks and hikes in 2017. Leaders are needed to help Eastmanites enjoy the New England outdoors. Easy walks in Eastman or the Upper Valley are usually scheduled on weekday mornings, and more strenuous hikes to nearby peaks and destinations farther afield on weekends and holidays. Please respect trails inside and outside of Eastman and walk on roads until the trails are dry following snowmelt. Avoid hikes above treeline in the northern mountains until after Memorial Day. Above all, stay safe!
Two thousand sixteen marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service. In partnership with the Green Mountain Club, the Sierra Club, and other groups, our local national parks in Woodstock, VT and Cornish, NH sponsored a very successful “Boots to Boats” program of guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail and water events on the Connecticut River. This program has been extended into 2017. Go to nps.gov/mabi/ index.htm for more information.
And now to my spring pick:
Little Mt. Washington, Grantham, NH
There are several access routes, all on gated dirt roads. One starts from Olde Farms, two from Miller Pond Road, and another from Old Route 10—all in North Grantham. A through-hike that requires an easy car-spot is what I believe to be the most attractive.
Spot a car on Old Route 10 past the turn to the on-ramp for I-89 in North Grantham. Then drive back to Miller Pond Road off Route 10 and follow it to the sharp right turn a short distance above the old breached dam on your right. Park there without blocking the school bus turnaround and walk uphill past several houses until you see Mountain Road, a Class VI road that branches off to the left. Climb past the Blue Mountain Snowdusters’ warming hut on your left. You will soon arrive at Grantham’s Four Corners. Poke around and you will find cellar holes at this old settlement site. If you continue straight ahead, you will reach the short path that veers left to Mountain Cemetery. Lily Pond is farther west on Mountain Road, with the boundary fence of the private Corbin Park Hunting Preserve to the left. Turn left (north) on Croydon Turnpike. Follow this uphill and cross bridges over two brooks. At the top of the last rise, a short path goes left to the shore of Chase Pond, a good site for a break. Continuing on, Croydon Turnpike follows the pond’s shoreline. You will see evidence of a major clear-cut on the hill beyond. The route continues with a few minor turns until a logging road crosses at right angles. Turn right at this junction. The road climbs significantly then swings right. Watch carefully for a trail branching right. Follow this trail uphill. You will come out on extensive open ledges with fabulous views toward Mt. Kearsarge and many other peaks. Stay for lunch!
Return to the new logging road and turn right. The road winds and descends steeply then levels out above Leavitt Pond. At the east end of this, bear right at a road junction, then right again to reach the shore and a wooden bench where you can enjoy this special spot. Retrace your steps to the main logging road. Follow it right over the dam, then bear left at each intersection. The road climbs a little, then swings right and descends slowly to Old Route 10.
Total distance: 5.7 miles, with 900’ elevation gain. Moderate.
To volunteer to lead spring and summer hikes, call Peter Hope at (603) 863-6456.
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