Liberty and I had a little time for a walk so we took advantage of the afternoon light that was left and headed to Amherst NH.
Pull off parking at the Bicentennial Trail
A while back I saw the Rocky and Bullwinkle trail and then noticed that there was a Humpty Dumpty trail and a Jabberwocky trail nearby. It looked like the two could be done as a loop and that was just what we were looking for.
When we got the trail head on Austin Road, there was a small pull-off that I was able to park in. There were some other pull offs along the road but not much room.
Liberty standing on Humpty Dumpty’s wall
The temps were in the high 20’s low 30’s and the sun was shining. A perfect day to be out. We decided to do the loop clockwise, starting with the Humpty Dumpty Trail.
Running across one of the many bridges
This was fun because the trail runs along an old stone wall. I wonder if this is the wall Humpty Dumpty fell on?
Having fun on the trail
The trail is pretty flat, well marked and easy to follow. It runs in a straight line with the wall. When we reached the end of the trail we could go left or right. I choose left. It turns out, my choice was a trail but not a hiking trail.
Jabberwocky Trail Head Sign
I followed it to a 5G tower that was fenced off. So from here I bushwacked over the hill to join the original trail. Once I was back on track the junction for the Jabberwocky trail was not far.
Fun textures in the woods
Liberty and I took a few pics at the sign and started out on the winding, twisting, turning trail. I’m pretty sure these are all mountain bike trails. But they are fun for walks as well.
The Jabberwocky trail is just under a mile long. There were lots of bike bridges and features along this trail.
Some Bike Features on the trail
We came to Bicentennial trail junction and followed that back up to the trail head that we started from. I would like to bring my mountain bike out here some time and explore these trail.
It’s the day after Christmas and I wanted to get out and enjoy some of the snow before the rains come later this weekend.
View of the parking lot from the trail
My buddy Jay and I made our way up to Jackson to explore some more of this cross country trail network. When we arrived in Jackson at the tour center it was about 19 degrees, no wind, the sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky. It really was a perfect day to be out.
After getting our passes ($24), we decided we would go explore some more trails in the Prospect Farm section up in Carter Notch. We got to the trail head around 10am and the lot up there was about half full.
The trail was well tracked and had plenty of snow all around.
This lot can hold 20ish cars if people park correctly, but it does fill up quickly so getting there early is a good idea.
We started up the main trail heading toward the Orchard Trail. When we arrived to the Beaver Bog Trail Jay decided to go explore it. I had been before and he is a much faster skier than I. So, I continued up. From that trail junction the trail gets pretty steep. Going down was going to be an adventure.
The old apple orchard along the Orchard Trail
At the top is the junction to the Orchard Trail. There is also the trail to Halls Ledge which was skied but not groomed and looked a little rough. There is also the Carter Notch Spur that had not been touched in a few days. But I went down the Orchard trail.
At the beginning of this trail is an old apple orchard. The sun was shining above it with blue skys. You could also see Black Mountain through the trees.
Old abandoned car
Across the trail is an old cellar hole from the Johnson Family that used to live there. I continued down the trial. A little ways in I came across an old car covered in snow. It might have a car from the 40’s or 50’s.
This trail is mostly level but has a lot of ups and downs to glide along. At the end there is beautiful line of snow-covered pine trees and an opening with some views. At this point Jay caught up with me and we made our way out back to the trail junction.
Playing around in the orchard and Black Mountain in the background.
At the junction we decided to ski through some of the old orchard. The snow was nice and fluffy and it was fun practice in the fresh snow.
We talked about going up to the ledge, but people said the trial was rough coming down. We decided to go out and break a track on the Carter Notch Spur trial. The snow was pristine. It sparkled in the sunlight. Just beautiful.
The old Johnson Cellar holeSign next to the cellar hold
We both broke a track for a little bit but after the first hill I decided to continue on the track Jay was breaking out. It is a lot of work on an unbroken trail. This trail was as wide as a road and had some ups and downs. There were also about 6 – 7 water bars we had to cross. My skis kept getting wet and would clump snow. At the end there is another clearing we turned around in.
While we were there another skier had made their way out on our tracks. The saying is true. “If you built it, they will come”. On our way back, again I had issues with wet skis and jumping the water bars.
Junction Sign
I also learned that my step-in bindings are not the best in the deep snow. Snow kept getting packed in the bindings when I had to scrape my skis. We made it work though.
Back at the trail junction, we skied down to the Quail trail. Jay went first and When I started down, got a little to much speed and wiped out. Fortunately, the snow was soft. I got up and started down again. This time staying upright.
Breaking a track on the Carter Notch Spur
At the Quail Trail we started up. After a few minutes of climbing, I looked at my GPS and noticed that it had stopped tracking. It must have shut up after my fall. I started the track back up but lost about a mile or so of the route. We arrived at the Marsh Brook Trail junction and decided to go a bit further. I went up as far as the Beaver Bog trail and turned around. Jay went a little further.
Beautiful views along this trail
We had decided to take the Marsh Brook Trail down. This trail was not groomed and looked like only one person had gone on it in the last couple of days. Lots of fresh snow.
Another cellar hole across from the trail
Again, breaking trail is slow going. Jay caught up as I was about half way though the trail. After a bit we saw some tracks coming from the other end and going in to the woods. We followed them for a bit. The trail was tight but fun.
Back on the marsh trail we continued down. The trail is not flat any more and gets steeper as we descend. There was even a caution sign that warned of the steepness.
A little spur trail off the Marsh Trail.
Jay was able to ski down to the bottom where the trail reached the road. I decided to take my skis off for this last section. It was rough and steep.
Jackson XC covered bridge sitting in the shadows
At the road we walked about 20 yards to the parking lot and had a snack and drink before heading down to the village.
I was tired at this point. But any time I get a chance to ski across the Jackson XC covered bridge I do it. Jay went out the Storybook Trail while I tracked some of the trails around the golf course in the village.
Mt. Washington glowing in the background.
We met back at the car around 4pm and called it a day. This was one of the best days I’ve had out xc skiing. Everything was amazing. Unfortunately, warm temps and rain are in the forecast for the next week. Glad I got to enjoy this while I could.
Today is the Winter Solstice and I always try to go for a hike on the solstices and equinoxes during the year. There is something special about those days. Something, unordinary. Today was no different.
Another chilly morning brought me back to the Joe English Reservation. This time I planned on visiting a few trails I didn’t get to see last time.
Informational Signs covered in snow
I went to the same parking lot as last week. When I got there, there were already a number of cars in both lots. The skies were cloudy, and temps were in the low 20’s. There was also a half inch of fresh snow on the ground.
I headed down the trail to do the southern loop. I choose to do the loop clockwise and started down the Bicentennial trail. The trail starts off level until you get to a water crossing with a bridge.
Opera Singer Tree
This trail climbed very gently up toward an un-named mountain. Once I got toward the top, I found the spur trial that loops around the summit called the Un-named trail.
Once back at the spur trail junction I continued down the Hemlock Trail. This trail is a little steeper than the one I came up but was still pretty easy going as far as trails go.
The first of many bridges on this trail
Once I was back at the parking lot, I started up the Old Brook Road. This trail is very easy going and would be one of the first trails I would take my xc skis on if we got some snow.
I followed this trail all the way up to the Ledge Trail which takes me by a pond with the benches and the wooden bridge. It connects with the Bacon trail for a bit and goes around the back side of the pond.
Climbing up the Bicentennial Trail
Once I got to the Oak trail I started to climb lightly up the slope for a while. This trial goes by some interesting rock formations. It soon connects again with the Bacon Trail. There are some small water crossings, but they all had bridges.
Benches and Pulpit back at the center
Soon after I arrived at the Ledge Trail. Then I came to the intersection of the Highland Trail. This is a nice trail and would also be good for xc skiing. I continued up this to the Harding Trail junction and followed the Harding Trail loop.
Trees grow in all shapes and sizes
This is an interesting trail. Lots of small features and it is pretty easy going. There is a small gradual climb when the trail switches back. But it was barley noticeable. I took a break near the crest of the trail. There was an interesting old dead pine that was pecked out by woodpeckers.
The frozen pond
When I finished the loop, I ended up back at the Highland Trial, I thought about going to see the Rocky and Bullwinkle Trail. But that would add about 2 more miles. I thought about it. It would be an additional 45 minutes. There were no tracks on the trail at this point so I decided to go for it. I was out here to hike.
The Rocky Trail
The Bullwinkle Trail
I continued down the Highland Trail. After a bit. It opened from some logging. Then went back into the woods for a bit. The sun was shining through the clouds at times.
Wooden Bridge on the Bullwinkle Trail
Soon I was at the junction of the Rocky and Bullwinkle trail. The Rocky trail is a bit longer (.8mi) so I thought I would start on that. This trail slowly descends and has some small ups and downs. You don’t notice the elevation drop till the end.
Lichen on the side of the tree
When I reached the end of this trail, I took the Bullwinkle trail back up to the first junction. From there I backtracked to the Harding Trail. Then continued down the Highland Trail to the Pine Trail.
The Pine Trail zig zags down some of the slopes. I had taken this trail before, and it leads you back to the parking lot.
Stones along the trail
This was a longer hike than I was planning on taking today. Seven miles in total. But it was pretty easy going. The trails here are very well marked and have a lot of beautiful stone walls and vegetation.
There are a few surrounding forests that have some trails that I’ll be coming back to explore as well. I’ll also be back when the snow gets deeper. Lots to explore here.
Back at the parking lot. it’s about 2pm but looks like it should be 5pm. Picture of my hiking route
This was my first visit to the Joe English Reservation in New Boston. After a few failed attempts at hiking this morning, a friend recommended me visiting this trail system. Joe English Reservation also abuts the Space Force base which does not allow the public to enter.
Hunters and Hikers have to play nicely
When I arrived at the parking lot I was the only car there. The temps were in the low 20s and the sun was shining. The lot can hold 15-20 cars and there is another lot about 50 yards down the road.
Once Liberty and I got our gear on we set out on the Hammond Brook Trail (HBT). This trail loops around the northern section of the Reservation. The first section starts out near the Peabody Mill.
Information Boards along the trail
Not far from the lot was the junction for the Hammond Brook Trail. From here the trail is pretty flat and there is a long bog bridge to follow.
Liberty playing in near the stream
The trail continues through the woods. Every so often there is a plant identification card along the trail. Soon after I came to the timber trail junction and then the Eagle Junction. These are cut offs but I continued along the HBT.
Little dog big shadow
The trail follows a brook, hence the name, and Liberty enjoyed playing in the water despite the cold temps. There are a few large boulders and some rock formations to see as well.
A bridge by a pond
The trail starts to loop back and skirts the property boundary with Space Force. It also starts to climb a little. There are many signs letting people know that this is private government property and trespassers are not welcome. Liberty and I stayed on our side of the wall.
The HBT merges into the Eagle Trail and weaves in and out on the hill side. Then the Eagle Trail turned into the Timber Trail. Both of these trails were passed on my way out.
Small pond along the trail
We took the Timber Trail to the Old Brook Road. This looks like it would be a nice XC Ski trail if we ever get enough snow in southern NH. I was only on this trail for a short time before I got to the Ledge Trail.
This trail goes around a small frozen pond with some benches in different spots. Liberty and I took a break and took some pics. Not to far from here is the junction of the Bacon Trail. Which I had to take because I love bacon.
Cool tree along the trail
The Bacon Trail was my favorite trail of the day. The trail started along the other side of the pond. Then it continues along the permitter of the Space Force property. The trail climbs gently up one of the hills. There were more warning signs and even some that had grown into the trees from being there so long.
Tree growing in to a sign
This trail starts to loop back down the hill. I eventually made it to the Highland Trail. This is a small extension to add some more steps to this hike. The Highland Trail looped and connected back to the Pine Trail, which was just a short distance to the parking lot. This trail was interesting because it had a lot of illustrated signs talking about different animals and things on the trail.
Liberty reading the sign
This section of the Reservation was beautiful and pretty easy to hike. There is lots to see along the trails and Liberty had a blast the whole time. I’ll be back soon to explore the rest of the trails here.
We have been blessed with snow and cold the last couple of weeks and many of the XC resorts have opened their XC courses. But today I choose to go to Waterville Valley and ski up Greeley Ponds Trail.
Getting ready in the parking lot
I have been on this trail a few times in the past couple of months and it seemed like a great trail to get some of the back country snow. We had gotten a few extra inches of snow last night and conditions seemed perfect.
When I got to the lot the sky was cloudy and temps were in the high 20’s. There were some flurries blowing around the parking lot. The lot was already getting full but I was able to find a spot with no issue. Lots of skiers here today.
Heading out into the woods
Once I got my boots on, I grabbed my Fischer S-Bound 98 skis and headed for the trail. Snow was a bit sticky, but I was still ablet o glide a bit on the freshly groomed trail.
I made it to the junction and Greeley Pond Trail is just about a 100 yards from here. At the trail head there was another skier heading out there. I let him get a bit ahead before continuing.
Greeley Ponds Trail
Someone had broke a track at this point but I didn’t use it because my skis are much wider than the track. So I cruised through the fresh snow and made my own track. Snow was about 5-7 inches deep. Perfect for xc skiing.
Breaking my own trail
Before long I made it the Goodrich Rock tail. I had passed one skier heading back. She said she only went to where the incline started. I continued and soon passed the other skier I saw heading back. He said he made it to the water bars on the first incline.
Snowy stream
I skied on a bit. The snow was getting a little deeper and I did not think there was anyone else further out. When I got to the incline I realized I was right. After the second water bar the track I followed stopped. From here I was blazing trail up the hill.
Starting the climb.
The sky was getting dark like it was going to snow but temps seemed just over the freezing mark making the snow very sticky. I broke the trail out the Timber Camp Trail. At this point I took a break before heading back.
Crossing teh water bars. From here I was blazing the trail
The forest was beautiful with all the snow-covered trees and branches. It was quiet and I couldn’t help but enjoy the moment. The trail levels out for a bit and snow was much deeper up here. Around a foot deep in some spots.
Goodrich Rock Trail Sign
I figured going back would be a piece of cake and not take long going down. Boy, was I wrong. The snow kept sticking to my skies making it hard to glide. Or if I did glide, I would abruptly stop. So I made my way down as best I could.
Breaking trail up to the Timber Camp Trail
Once I got to the flats again, I was able to move pretty good in the tracks for a while. On my way down I met a women pulling some camping gear in a sled. We chatted a bit, talking about film and enjoying the winter woods.
Snowy Birches
Soon after I was back at the trail head and Livermore Road. From here the snow on the groomed trail was really sticking to my skis. Almost no glide back to the car. It was a interesting walk/ski with some skiers I passed offering me some wax.
I was almost back but I will remember to put my glide wax back in my bag. This was a great first xc adventure on this trail. I’m looking forward to exploring some other White Mountain XC trails.
Christmas tree along the side of the xc trailMy out and back track
Fox Forest in Hillsborough NH is a 1,445-acre forest managed by NH Forest and Lands. My buddy Jack went to check out some of the trails. There seems to be a lot of interesting things to see on several different trails. Today we set out to hike around the northern perimeter on the Ridge Trail.
It was chilly today. Temps were in the mid 20s. When we arrived at the parking lot, we were the only ones there. There is room for 20+ cars in the lot.
My car sitting in an empty parking lot
Hillsborough had quite a bit more snow than other places in the state. This was a great hike to break in my new winter boots. We started down the trial through the property until we got to the Ridge Trail.
Starting down the Ridge Trail
The plan was to follow the Ridge Trail around the northern part of the forest. This trail weaves in and out in some areas. This first section is combined with the Valley Road. At the end of this road is an old Cemetery.
Approaching the Gearry Cemetery
When we reached the Junction of Valley Road and Concord End Road there is the Gearry Cemetery. This looks like a small family plot from the 1840’s.
Gate at the Gearry Cemetery
We followed Concord End Road to the Ridge Trail which started to climb a little to Spring Road until we got to the Ridge Trail again. We then started climbing until we came to the small fire tower. There is a small view of Crotched Mt. from the tower. We had some coffee while we were there.
The fire tower
From the tower we headed up the Monroe Hill Trail that reconnects with the Ridge Trail. From here the trail is kind of rolling hills with some ups and downs and ins and outs.
Morning views from the tower
We walked past Spring Road, Concord End Road and Oak Lot Road. There were some exceptional views from the high point of land. We eventually made it to Gould Road parking.
looking down from the tower
At this spot there is a cellar hole from the old Baxter Davis Farm. The property was made up of five different farms. We continued down the Ridge trail toward Mud Pond and the Boardwalk.
Numbered trees to help with research
When we reached the trail to Mud Pond we traveled down to the water. Once there, we saw a snowy boardwalk that led out to a well-built bird blind. This would most likely keep the swarms of bugs away during the summer.
Views from near the high point on the trail
We headed back up to the main junction on the Ridge Trail and started back the Fox Forest Head Quarters. On our trip back we passed the Virgin Forest. The trail takes a sharp left when it meets Valley Road.
old cellar hole from the Baxter Davis Farm
From here the trail climbs up easily to the Mushroom Trail. We did not get a change to do this trail but I will be back another time when the forest is in full bloom.
The bird blind at Mud Pond
I really liked this forest. It was beautiful even with the snow on the ground. There are a lot of different trails that are multi use. I’m looking forward to taking the xc skis out there this winter. Can’t wait to explore the southern section of trails.
