We will enjoy hiking or XC skiing on the Northern Rail Trail that goes along Mascoma Lake. Snowshoes or micro spikes are required.
Leader: Kendall Buck (603-608-6670)
Directions: Take I-89 to Exit 17. Turn right onto Route 4 East. Follow for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Route 4A South. Follow for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Main Street and cross bridge. Turn right into Lakeside Park.
Lunch suggestion: Ziggy’s Pizza, Enfield.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
Beautiful well-marked wooded trail near a creek. After crossing 3 bridges (1 mile) continue to the right on Great Brook Trail, which becomes steeper, continuing another 1.5 miles to end. Go as far as you want, but remember this is an out and back trail. Or return by bearing left to Pingree Road (dirt). This is a loop and another 1/2 mile back to the parking area. For those not interested in wooded trails, take an easy walk on the road from the parking area along Lakeshore Drive.
You will need boots and probably micro spikes or snow shoes and poles. Not good for xc skiing.
Hike Leaders: John and Chris Cutting (518-275-3713)
Directions: From the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street in New London turn north (by Artisan’s) and drive about 2 miles, past the Inn at Pleasant Lake. Parking is on the right just beyond Pingree Road.
Lunch suggestion: Ware Student Dining Hall at Colby Sawyer College.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
A selection of good trails extending from the Newbury recreation field. Snowshoes and/or micro spikes are likely required. If it’s a nice day, bring a chair & sandwich for lunch, otherwise lunch at Bubba’s Restaurant in Newbury Harbor.
Leaders: John & Chris Cutting (518-275-3713)
Directions: Coming from Four Corners (Rts. 11 and 114) in New London take Route 11 west towards I-89. Continue under I-89 onto King Hill Road to the stop sign. Take left onto Route 103A to Newbury. At stop sign take a left onto Route 103 for 0.4 miles. Take a left onto Old Post Road and proceed approximately 1.0 miles. The entrance to the recreational fields will be on your left.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
Explore the assorted trails on this historic estate. Go as far as you want on the trails. There are several options for enjoying the extensive trail system.
Option #1: Taking the Meadow Loop out to the gazebo and around Lake Runnemede to the North Dike trail to the end, and then directly back to the beginning (gate on Rt. 5) is mostly flat and is about 1.6 miles. Depending on pace it can easily be done in an hour. You can extend this option by taking a right after going over the dike (North Dike Path) and going onto McLane Trail until it intersects the Hubbard Brook Trail. Snowshoes or micro spikes are mandatory on this section due to constant ice. By turning around at this point it extends this option about 0.6 of a mile.
Option #2: After following Option #1 (above) go left onto Lake Trail for 0.1 miles and angle right to connect to Ridge Loop Trail. This a short uphill climb before it levels off and you go left onto the Ridge Loop Trail. Snowshoes or micro spikes are mandatory for this option due to snow and ice in the woods. Follow Ridge Loop Trail to the left until you reach a small field with a large lean to/shelter. Circle to the right and follow the trail down to Hubbard Brook. Cross two bridges and take an immediate right onto Hubbard Brook Trail. Follow this trail to the end and take a right onto McLane Trail, proceeding back to Lake Runnemede. Take a left and retrace earlier steps back to the park gate. This option is a total of 3.1 miles and you should allow about two hours.
Leader: Kendall Buck (603-608-6670)
Directions: Take I-91 (VT) to Exit 9. At ramp stop sign make a sharp left onto Rt. 5 South. Go about 4 miles until you see a small plaza on your left. Park in front of the Dollar Store. This is right across the street from the estate.
Lunch suggestion: Harpoon Brewery, 336 Ruth Carney Drive.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.