Craney Hill is a small side hill to Pats Peak. This fire tower seemed like an easy one to visit since I was feeling a little under the weather but still needed to get some fresh air. The trail head is located on Craney Hill Road. A steep side road just before Pats Peak.
A few feet up the trail
The trail head has a pull off on the opposite side of the road. The trail itself looks like a gated class 6 road.
I stared up the trail past some houses on the right. The trail is easy to moderate. Towards the top it started to level out a bit.
Approching the Fire Tower
As I made my way up there was a small level area to the side that looked like had some communication equipment at some point. There were a few artifacts laying around.
From here I could see a giant communication tower and a much shorter fire tower to the right.
The towers at the top
As I got a little closer, I noticed that access to the tower was not available. They had the first floor gated and locked. This was a bit of a bummer. I took a few more pics and started heading back down.
Craney Hill Fire Tower
This was a quick and easy tower to visit. The whole out and back was less than a mile. I’ll have to look and see if there is a time the tower is open. Maybe in the fall.
I’ve heard some great things about the Green Woodland Ski Trails. I saw some recent photos, and the trails seemed fully covered so I thought I would give it a shot.
On the drive up to Lyme the ground had snow most of the way but not enough to ski. I was beginning to wonder if Green Woodland would still have some snow.
Trail map at the lot
As I climbed closer to the trail system the snow was starting to look more promising. After I finally arrived at the parking lot, which can hold 30+ cars. I was surprised to see so many cars in such a remote lot. The weather was a bit on the warmer side, in the high 30’s and the sky was overcast.
Another nice thing about this network of groomed trails is there is no cost. If you feel compelled to leave something you can make a donation.
Crossing some rocky areas on the trail.
I grabbed my gear and made my way to the trail head. I started up Dorchester Road. This trail gradually climbs to the first side trail that I decided would be my exit route.
I saw lots of other skiers all the way up to the junction at Cummings Pond. There are a lot of camps and buildings here. There was a warming hut with a nice fire going on. Also, in the barn next to the fire pit is where you can borrow skis if you want to try it out. Since I was by myself, I keep going.
Some gates near the trail network
I started out on Norris Road. This also gradually climbs but has a lot of flat areas too. Lots of pretty tree lined trails and stone walls. Lots of interesting old trees.
Soon I made to the junction of the Spur trail and the Black Bog Trail. I followed the Black Bog trail. This trail had a few ups and downs at the start before the long downhill.
Thw warming hut and ski borrow barn
I was hoping for more of a glide, but temps were in the high 30’s and my skis were starting to ice up after a few glides. This was going to be an issue the rest of the trip. Many times, I had to stop and scrape the snow off my skis.
The down hills were not too bad. There as one area that I had to side step down due to a sharp turn and thin cover.
The rest of the trip was mostly flat. Around this time I was getting a little tired, especially with the ski issue but I kept going. Soon I made it back to the Dorchester Road junction I passed on my way in.
From here it was only about a half mile back to the parking lot. Toward the very end, there is another steep drop and thin cover, so I walked down this one. Then I put the skis back on for about another 100 feet back to the parking lot.
Skiing down the trail
Over all these trails seem great. I am looking forward to going back after a nice snowstorm and exploring some of the other trails in the area. Lots to see and explore in this network.
It was a bit of a drive over the Kancamagus Highway to the trail head, but it was worth it. I was glad to see when I arrived there was snow covering the ground under the trees. The whole ride up much of the ground was bare.
There were a few other cars in the lot and it was icy. There was room for only 7-8 cars. Temps were in the low 20’s. There were some clouds, but still the sun seemed to shine through.
Kiosk at the start of the trail.
Once I got all my gear on, I headed to the trail. The snow was about 6-8 inches deep. It was hard packed snow. It was also going to be very fast. The trail was packed out with a ski track and a snowshoe track. It was also pretty nice to ski where there was no track.
Where the ski trail splits off on the Eastern Loop
I got to the split of the ski trail. I choose to go up the Eastside loop first and went clockwise following the Oliverian Brook Trail. At this point the trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate. A few spots I had to take off skis to go over some icy spots on the trail. Again, it is fast and better safe than sorry.
Snow covered camp site by the brook
A little further up the ski trail breaks right. There is still a faint ski track. It looked like someone had been out earlier that day. But other than that, it seems not many people use this trail.
Further up there is a steep section I had to take my skis off for and hike up. From here it is a steady climb up to the high point. This section is definably more of a blue/black section.
Steep section where I had to take my skis off to climb up. Almost needed microspikes.
When I reached the top of the trail there was a junction and a fire road. The fire road had not been tracked at all going up. It continued down to the main trail at the bottom. This was a fun ski and a long run.
At the bottom I started to make my way over to the Downs Brook Trailhead. This is a nice tree lined trail. After about a half mile or so it opens up to a wide marshy area. There are nice views of Hedgehog Mountain.
Skiing down to the main trail.
When I got a bit further out there the track disappeared. It looked like the trail went over the ice. It all looked a bit sketchy to cross. After being able to poke my pole through the ice, I decided to turn around. It was cold and I didn’t wat to get wet.
I skied back the way I came. Shortly after passing the trail I just came down, I saw a wallet in the snow. Not far after that was a set of keys and a glove. I picked them up of the trail.
Things got a little icy on the marshy area. Ice was still a bit thin. So I turned around.
When I got back to the trailhead none of the cars matched the car key. There is no cell service out there. So I drove everything into Conway and dropped it off at the police station. The gentleman was able to retrieve them and was very thankful.
Tree lined trail back to the car.
As for these trails. I really want to come back after we get some more snow. I also want to make it over to the Downs Brook section. It is always a good time exploring these forest trails on the skis.
View of Mt. Chocorua from the fire tower on Great Hill
Date:
1-2-2025
Location:
Tamworth, NH
Distance:
8.81 mi
Elevation Gain:
1006′
Total Time:
5 hr 50 min
Parking:
20+ cars
Another day, Another “Plan C”. I originally was going to go up to Sunday River skiing, but with high winds in the forecast I figured many lifts might be closed. So I went to King Pine to see how their cross country trails were. They were not skiable. So plan C was to hike Great Hill in Tamworth, NH.
Big Pine Natural Area Sign
When I got close to the trail head, I was surprised to see that there was snow on the ground. The trail head is a pull off with room for 2-4 cars depending on the snow plowing.
There is a large wooden sign, and the trail entrance is well marked. There was snow and ice so the Micro spikes went on right away.
A mailbox along the side of the trial.
About 20 yards in the trail there is a mailbox marked Maps. I’m not sure who this Map family is but I bet they don’t get much mail delivered out here. The mailbox was empty when I opened it.
This first part of the trail was very icy. The trail drops a bit down to the Swift River. There is a well-constructed foot bridge to cross.
Shortly after that I came across a large pine tree with a sign stating that it was a New Hampshire Big Tree Champion. That was cool. I’ve never seen a big tree champion before.
Then the trail starts to climb a bit up to the junction of Betty Steele Loop. I choose to go counterclockwise. The trail is in pretty good condition, and it maintained by the Tamworth Conservation Commission.
A tree starting to growing around a trail sign.
There are some interesting rock features and some small water crossings, but they were all easy to hop over.
Halfway around the loop I got to the Peg King Spur Trail that leads up to the fire tower. From here the trail gradually gets steeper and there is just enough snow on the ground to easily grip with the micro spikes.
A pretty cool looking tree
This trail had some cool log cutouts where trees had fallen over the trail. There were also some knarly and knotty trees growing along the trail. The last little push to the top was a little steep but manageable even with the ice spots.
When I got near the top, I could see the fire tower through the trees. As I approached it looked like the cabin on top was open so that was exciting.
Climbing up toward the top
As I climbed up the steep narrow stairs, the wind was really howling. It was really a lot more noticeable when I was out of the trees. Inside the cabin there are no windows. So the wind is blowing pretty good up there too.
Approaching the tower
There is a great view of Mount Chocorua up there. It was windy and snowy in the mountains, and you could see it. To the south there are views of Ossipee Lake. It was cold up there, so I didn’t stay up there long.
On the way down I did have to be a little more careful, there was a lot of hidden ice on the steeper areas. Even with the spikes I did slip a few times. The Spur trail back to the Betty Steel Loop seemed to go quicky.
Inside the tower
Once there I continued the loop. There was a small section that was rerouted due to some erosion but was easily followable.
The only people I saw where toward the end of the hike, there was a couple climbing up from the bridge.
Coming down the tower
Before long I was back at the car. This was a nice little hike. If you are in the area I and just looking for something simple and easy with a view (and a tower). This is a good choice. I’d like to come back some time with my camera and shoot some stars from the tower.
It is New Years Eve and I was out of work at 11am this morning, so I decided to sneak in one more hike this year. Since I’ve been exploring the New Boston and Amherst trails, I decided to check out the Haseltine Community Preserve.
Started on Frodo’s Ring
I know by just looking at the trial map on Gaia that these were mountain bike trails. But sometimes it’s fine to hike these and see if this is something I want to bring my bike back to during warmer months.
Liberty enjoying the moss
I arrived at the parking lot on Austin Road. It was in the 40’s and warm. The sun was out and I was the only one in the lot. This is a good-sized lot and can hold 15+ cars.
Gandalf Trail
I decided to do my route in a counterclockwise loop. I started out on Frodo’s Ring, This would be the main trail with several off shoots along the way. The trail starts out pretty flat and is well marked.
A very interesting rock along the trail. It is Liberty approved.
After a short ways, I came to Gimli, a small off shoot trail that I followed until it brought me back to Frodo’s Ring. Lots of mossy longs and large stones along the meandering path.
Stonewall detail
Frodo’s Ring led me to Gandalf. This was a much longer, winding and turning trail with lots of features. There were bridges, cool rock formations and beautiful terrain. This was a fun trail to explore.
Old hollow tree
Gandalf led me to The Shire. So of course, I had to go into the Shire for a little bit. I did not make it down to the end of the Shire but will return on another day.
Strider Sign
There is a small section of land here that is private property, and they ask that you leash your dogs because of free range chickens.
Liberty Biberty
Not to far in the Shire I came to the Gollum and followed that switchy backy trail loop. There were some interesting bridges and water crossing on this trail. This trail does climb a little but looked bikeable.
Liberty thinking about crossing the bridge.
I came out on the Shire trail down a little way from where started. I was on a bit of a time constraint to I stared to back track to Frodo’s Ring and continue that.
One of the many bridges
As I hiked, I passed other trails that I’ll have to explore another time, Strider and Legolas. We continued and the trail started to climb slightly along a few rolling hills.
Legolas Trail Sign
We came to another trail head, but this one is not the one we parked at. We continued on for a bit and before we know it we are back at our trail head.
Playing on the bridges
This was a very cool network of trails. Lots of natural beauty and some cool bike features. I will be coming back to explore more.
A quick trip down Eastside Trail. When I got to the Lincoln Woods trail head there was plenty of parking available. It was also nice to see a few people with cross country skis in hand.
The ranger station at the beginning of the trail.
I grabbed my Fisher S-bounds out of the back, got my boots on and grabbed my bag. Headed over to the trail head. I was going to do down the Lincoln Woods Trail but there was a good amount of people out, so I decided to go down the Eastside Trail instead.
This trail was also well traveled but I knew it would be less busy than the other. As I made my way through the snow-covered trees there was some fresh snow still on the sides. So I rode on that for a bit. These skis really do well on this type of fresh snow.
Looking down the trail
There are a few bridges to cross but all very sturdy. You could drive a vehicle out there if you needed to. Temps were in the low to mid 30’s and the snow was getting a bit sticky. At one point I had to apply wax to the skis. Learned this lesson the last time I was out.
I took a few spur paths to get some shots of the river. It was flowing nicely, and it had that beautiful turquoise green glow with frozen ice on top.
Trash as art
I got to the junction of the Pine Island Trail and made my way down to the river. This small downhill is blocked by a bunch of downed trees. I followed the trail for a bit but it looked like it would require some water crossings, so I turned around and went back up the Eastside trail.
I followed this trail for a bit. There was long gradual uphill that is followed by a steeper downhill toward a bridge. I decided to take my skis off and walk this section. Better safe than sorry.
The cold turquoise waters
My goal was to go out to the Wilderness tent site. Some areas of the trail are icy and thin. As I got further down the trail it was becoming wetter and more rocky. So I decided to turn around.
The trip back seemed to go much quicker. I enjoyed the long gradual downhill. I was cruising at just the right speed.
Skiing across the suspension bridge
I only saw a few people on this side. Some skiing, some hiking and some just out for a walk. I had a few conversations with a few of them. It was nice to see everyone enjoying the snow.
When I made it back to the beginning of the trail. I had to go across the suspension bridge to get a pic and say I skied across it.
A quick reel of my trip
This was a quick but fun ski. I’ll be back when we have more snow. I would really like to ski out and spend the night at tent site and ski back in the morning sometime.
