Mts. Straightback, Anna and Major 6/26/11

" A day on the Southern Belknaps" (pictures)

Difficulty: Brook Trail, Major-Belknap Trail, Boulder Trail - Moderate (loose footing and moderate ledges in spots)

Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: Yet again, another weekend with reports of unsettled weather. We were hoping to bag a 4000 footer to get back going on the list but with the chance of rain and thundershowers increasing the further North you go, we cancelled those plans! We watched the weather again in the morning and moped around trying to get somewhat motivated and figure out what to do. Finally we just packed our lunches and headed out to somewhere, anywhere! As we approached Alton it was decision time as to which way to go. The sun was poking out a bit so I decided to head for Mt. Major to take advantage of this sliver of sun before it was too late! I thought we could try and find Mt. Anna and maybe make it over to Mt. Belknap. The lot was already filling up at 8:30am and already plenty of unleashed dogs barking and running around in the parking lot. Grrr!

The humidity was going up quick so we took the long sleeves off and headed up Mt. Major Trail (blue blazes). At the junction we kept straight along Brook Trail (yellow blazes). Blazes had been freshly painted. We made our way along the gradual woods road and up the washed out hillside along the brook bank. A boring trail this time of year but was void of all but a couple hikers descending. Trails today were wet and teaming with Northern Red-Spotted Nutes! Mushrooms were also making an appearance, YAY! I LOVE mushrooms, for those who don't know!

Once we hit the junction on the ridge (Major-Belknap trail I think) we took a right and followed the trail along ledgy pine forest. A pair of Mourning Doves were hanging out along a trail section and I was excited to be able to snap a couple good pictures of one! After some time we arrived at the Mt. Straightback summit. Our third time on this peak. After pics Scott kept the lead headed in the direction for Mt. Anna. We passed the open ledges below Straighback and began to descend down other ledges. Then the trail dropped steeply next to broken ledge.

Below the ledge the forest changed dramatically to a beach tree forest and lovely mosquito's! They weren't too bad so bug spray was not needed all day. A long journey took us to an interesting ledgy climb up to a pine forested ridge and across to a junction sign. Here we were startled by a man who came out of the woods with a chain saw! Apparently he was just as startled! He noticed my Forest Society hat and asked if we were members. I told him we were new stewards for the Moose Mountains Reservation. Turns out he was a trail maintainer for the Belknap trails and used to work for the Forest Society as a Forester. A great person to meet on the trails! We asked where Mt. Anna was to find out we were standing on the summit! He pointed us to a view that was just down the trail a little more ways. He said he just topped some view obstructing trees and said we had to go check it out!

So off we went! And sure enough there was a wonderful ledge view to the South and West. Particularly of the nearby pond and on a clear day he said you could see Monadnock from this point. It was a nice and quite spot. The sky's remained overcast but otherwise rain free and it was turning out to be a pretty good day. We decided not to push our luck and head back.

So after a quick break we headed back past Anna and back up to Straightback. A young couple was taking a break at the summit and the guy was asking all sorts of questions about the trails and peaks. He was rather intrigued when I told him the mountain in the distance with the building on it was Gunstock. He was excited to learn there was a trail all the way through to it and said he would head that way.

We continued onto Mt. Major. The summit was very busy, not surprisingly. People, kids and dogs! 40 or so people, yuck! We took a quick look over Lake Winnipesaukee and the barely visible Ossipee and Sandwich Range hazed in with clouds. We weaved around the people and around the backside of the summit foundation. From here we decided to head down Boulder Trail (orange blazes).

We continued to pass people coming up and heading down. Many were making there way up the steep ledge section. I have to say, some looked like they were ready to drop dead. Some had young kids who were having a hard time and some adults were even annoyed by the onslaught of climbing. Some people just don't know what they are getting into! Then again, this very busy summer mountain has no kiosk or trail map at the parking lot. A shame considering all the tourists that visit this mountain. Many out of shape and many with children who would benefit from a sign showing the trails, distance and difficulties. We arrived back at the parking lot at 2pm, the parking lot full and cars parked down along the road.

The Rattlesnakes 3/12/11

"Small Mountains, Huge View!" (pictures)

Our hike up Mt. Major with Laurie, Russ and Marcus cancelled last weekend due to rain, we met for lunch in Concord instead. Before heading our separate ways we decided to try again the following weekend and set our sights on Mt. Cardigan. Friday came along and the weather was looking bad again, rain! Sure enough Laurie saw the same and we decided to scrap the hike again. Bummed out I kept an open mind for Saturday and Scott too thought we should try for something and see how the weather turns out. I had the feeling we would have a half decent day if we stayed away from the North Country.

Along came the morning, cool, sunny and dry! I headed North through Meredith for Squam Lake. I had been wanting to try something along the Northern fringe of Squam Lake for some time now. Percival was the destination, the Rattlesnake's in the back of my mind as a back up. As we came closer to Rt. 113 I began to notice signs for "No Northern Passage, LiveFreeOrFry.org". It was rather humorous, on the other side of the lake are signs for "Free Ward Bird". Us Northern'ers don't mess around! And for the record, I say NO to the Northern Passage! Clouds were thicker the further North we went but I kept my hopes up that they would break! We past the Rattlesnake/Morgan parking lots and found the Percival lot not plowed in the winter. So back to the Morgan parking lot we went. One other car was in the parking lot.

We began our hike at 9:13am on the Mt. Morgan Trail. We did not bring our snow shoes or winter jackets, why? Well, we weren't looking to get all that into a big hike today and frankly we are ready for Spring! The trail was well packed but getting a little soft in places. The wind was blowing a cold breeze at us and by the time we reached the Morse trail to cut over to Mt. Percival trail I wasn't feeling good about this hike. Based on conditions and our lack of winter jackets there was a slim chance of us getting all that far on a 2200 foot mountain!

So I made the decision to head back and across the street to do the Rattlesnakes. This was OK as I have been wanting to check these out anyway. The Old Bridle Path trail for the West peak almost immediately begins to climb moderately. We were slow for much of the climb. Neither of us were feeling very energetic today. So we just took our time and enjoyed the cool fresh air. As the trail leveled off we got a little more energy about us. Just then an owl swooped across the trail and landed in the trees ahead. An owl sighting is rare and always exciting! I was able to spot him through the trees and was excited that I could get a picture of him watching us. No sooner did I get the pic, he took off out of sight.

We now began to see wooded ledges to our right and then a spur trail breaks right to a small ledge. The sun was beginning to break through the clouds lending a warming touch to the brisk air. Soon there after the main trail comes out onto a fabulous ledge. All I could say was WOW! The spectacular 180 degree view wraps around from Red Hill to the left, across Squam & Winnipesaukee Lakes and their surrounding mountains and part of the Squam Range. The time was 10am. We took a bunch of pics here and on the rock outcrops. There is also a survey marker here too. The cold wind chilling us down I talked Scott into heading to the East peak.

There is a large sign here at the ledge marked as the Armstrong Natural Area. Past this, now on the Ridge trail you pass a very interesting rock formation on the left. It is triangular shaped and sliced perfectly leaving a cross section of puzzle like cracked stone in the center. As you traverse the small ridge you cross at or near the West summit peak (1260'). Then you descend down to a col. and climb again to another ledge. This ledge smaller and a more limited view looks directly over to the massive presence of Fire Tower topped Redhill and it's long ridge marked on it's North end by Eagle Cliff. You can also see the even more massive Northern section of the Shaw/Ossippee Range beyond Redhill's ridge. We then made the short walk up to the summit of East peak (1289') for about 10:45am.

Back at the ledge for a quick bite then it was back down to the col. and back up to the West peak ledge. As we climbed back up I couldn't help but notice the immense growth of lichen on the trees. I first noticed this on a few trees which had a white bark that was crackled and had reddish splotches. I don't recall seeing this type of tree before. The lichen and moss were growing all over these and other trees clinging to the small cracks in the bark. I began to think about just how many enemies tree's have going against them! Lichen, moss, wind, ice, wood peckers, termites, erosion, fire, humans and that's just the obvious ones! And yet they survive!

One more stop at the ledge, then we began the climb down. We passed a family of four heading up and nearer the bottom passed two sister's whom we had a pleasant conversation with. It sounded as though they were beginners to hiking. They mentioned doing Mt. Willey via. "the ladders" and said it killed them but was in awe at the summit ledge and with the Gray Jays greeting them! Having just done this hike this past summer we new all too well the difficulty of that trail and the beauty at the summit ledge. They had snow shoes on order and were hiking the Rattlesnakes regularly to get in shape for some more 4k hiking in the summer.

We quickly reached the parking lot from here to find this lot half full and the Morgan lot full! There were 5 Rhode Island plates and a Texas plate. Odd, perhaps all visiting the area together?? We finished this wonderful hike around 12:00pm. Highly recommended, a great short family hike! 3.4 miles for the day, 1000 feet elevation gain.

Mt. Major 2/6/11

"Frozen" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: The wind was howling outside as we awoke at 6:30am. It was an interesting night! What was originally supposed to be 3-6 inches of snow turned out to be an inch of snow and a night of sleet and freezing rain. To top that off a thunder storm rolled through about 11pm which took me by surprise! The sun was shining however this Super Bowl Sunday morning. The clouds were a-glow in dark orange as the sun rose from behind the hills. I quickly decided to scrap what was supposed to be a fresh powder snow shoe up Locke's Hill and instead do the undoubtedly ice covered Mt. Major. It had been some years since I have done Major in ice and I was excited.

We arrived at the trail head at 8:00am. Art was right on time (a Mt. Major regular) and he was heading up his usual way up the Express route off the boulder trail. We geared up, deciding to leave the little used snow shoes behind as the trail was well packed and holding a fresh crusty inch of snow. Threw the micro-spikes on and headed up the Mount Major trail. Trees were coated in ice and made an erie noise as the wind blew the branches to and fro. The rising sun shined through lighting them up like glass. I threw aside the occasional branch that lay in the trail, apparently not able to withstand the weight of the gripping ice on it's bow and falling to it's doom.

As we climbed the temperatures got cooler and the winds picked up. Scott began to fall behind but I pushed on and coaxed him along. We slowly snaked our way around bent frozen trees and snow drifts to the first ledge followed by the second ledge and then the third and final. We arrived at the summit at 9:30am. Winds were whipping at a face numbing 40 mph. Views were beautiful as always, although the Ossipee mountains and beyond were wrapped in gray snow clouds. Ice covered trees shined brightly in the sunlight up here. Snow was deep, nearly a foot and crusty on top.

Scott rejuvenated took the lead down as usual. We made our descent of the ledge and crossed paths with a lady hiking up with two dogs. One of the dogs this tiny little black thing was so cute and adorable! We talked with the lady a bit and the little dog kept barking at her to "let's go!" We soon arrived at the cut off for the Express route and made quick time down the softening snow. We passed Art on his second trip up this trail today! We chatted, I updated him on my parents whom he passed often on the trail and we returned to our descent. We arrived back down quickly, hitting the Boulder trail for a short 100 feet then back on the parking lot at 10:00am Always the perfect little hike on any day!

Red Hill 12/19/10

"A lovely day in the woods" (pictures)

Finally! We were gonna head out Sunday to do a regular hike! We hadn't done anything since our Thanksgiving trip to Georgia and hadn't done a significant hike in NH since before that! Scott was up an hour early and ready to go when I finally rolled outta bed. We geared up and Java in hand jumped in the truck. I wasn't sure yet where we were headed. The weather looked to be very nice and I wanted to hit something close by as to take advantage of the sunny sky before clouds rolled in. Three options were in my mind. A return visit to Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, Mt. Israel and Red Hill. Once we arrived in Center Sandwich we decided on Red Hill.

We found the Eagle Cliff trail head sign and parked on the side of the road. Last time we missed this and ended up hiking the Teedie trail and missing the cliff. We started off at 9:30am and up the partially icy trail. We left the micro spikes behind figuring we wouldn't need them. We made our way up to the ledges which were decorated in Ice. The trail even had a river of ice down it, but we were able to maneuver around. At one point I told Scott I was going to be careful this year to watch where I am stepping, especially whilst taking pictures. No sooner than I said this I slipped off a small dirt banking that we used to bypass some ice, and I fell onto the ice sheet that dropped 20ft. down the trail and into some rocks! I dug my fingers into the frozen dirt just enough to hold on. I had nothing to grab hold of and no way to get myself off the ice. Scott came over and pulled me to safety. Another hiking accident averted!

Up to the cliff the view opens up across the frozen Squam lake and there is a nice view over to the Sandwich Range. We took a break here and took in the view. It didn't take long however that we began to feel the chill in the air. Up and over the two knolls, the second giving a wide open view of Red Hill and a partial view of the Sandwich Range, then down the col. to meet the Teedie trail. Then up the long, but gradual side of the mountain. Up on the ridge we encountered two female deer who somehow didn't here us talking and didn't scatter until we were 30 feet from them! It startled us as one darted across the trail in front of us and the other stopped to stare before taking off down hill. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough with the camera!

Once over the false summit we arrived up at the Red Hill summit (2030'). Just as we came up to the Wardens cabins an owl took flight from a dead tree next to one of the cabins. The wildlife was out today! We dropped our bags and climbed the fire tower. The Sandwich Range was clouded in ... grrr! But the view was nice back over to Squam lake and the sun shining off Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap range. Back down we ate a snack and watched as a man in his 50's, walking with a pole and a bit of a limp, with no gear what-so-ever and in shorts walked up to the tower, touched it, looked at his watch and headed back down. OK then!

On our way back down another small owl or hawk took off right above me making me jump. We carefully made our way across the cliff area where we ran into a family. And we made our way ever so slowly down the icy ledges, finishing around 2pm. Ironically, the next day I looked at when we last did this mountain and it was on 12/16/09, almost exactly a year later! That time we were trudging through deep snow! This is a lovely hike. And on a clear day the views are some of the best! 5.4 miles / 1,850' elevation gain / 4.5 hours

Mt. Major/Straightback/Straightback North 11/21/10

"A Major Figure 8" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: Once again Scott and I didn't make it to the White Mountains :'( The forecast was for bitter temperatures and a breeze, and with some things do to at home we decided to stay close by yet again. Well it turned out to still be a great day and wonderful weather! We decided on Mt. Major and figured we'd attempt to tramp some new trails. And of course I had to tell the mountain "HI" for my parents who moved to Georgia this past fall and whom are really missing "their" mountain!

We arrived at the relatively quite parking lot, maybe 8 vehicles including the red van of never-miss-a-day-on-major Art! We began at 9:30am and I decided to take the Boulder trail on the Left side of the parking lot (orange blaze). I had come down this way two or three times with my mom in the winter and was curious as to how it was on dry ground. We made our way past some boulders and stopping to put our necks and heavier hats on. The ground here-and-there was thin curly ice crystals topped with dry mud. Following the logging road we soon came to a trail off the right side. This is what I remember coming down but the blazes continued down the road. I was confused at first but realized that what I thought was the boulder trail is apparently one of the many unmarked trails on this peak.

Continuing on up a hill and through birch and beach tree glades then into a red pine glade. I love red pines!! Then we saw why this trail is called boulder trail! A huge boulder field lay ahead of us. No matter how many boulder fields I've been at it's always very cool. Midway up we began to noticed charred trees and brush. Apparently this was the area where the last forest fire occurred this past summer. Views began to peak through the trees of Alton Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. The trail became steeper as it climbed up to and around a large ledge.

On top of the ledge views open up even more and a wonderful half mile hike up this East ridge to the summit of Mt. Major. This side of the mountain was spectacular and I can't believe after 20 or so years of hiking here I had never ventured off the main trail! Ice now appeared on the trail and ledges here-and-there. The summit reached (1786') at 11:00am we were greeted by Mt. Washington glowing almost an orange color as the sun shined off it's white peak across the lake. The summit area was quite and empty, visibility was excellent! I pulled my phone out and sent a pic to my mother. The cold set in quick upon stopping so a short breather here then off to find the Quarry trail.

Down the red/blue blazed trail to the Quarry Spur junction, which we took. New territory for us now! The trail drops down to a col. through a logged area. Then climbs up to a ledgy area of Straightback North summit. We banged a right now on Quarry Trail up to the peaks wooded summit (1910'). We continued down the other side to nab some photo's of Gunstock with it's snow guns blasting white stuff on the mountain. The trail soon drops steeply and it was decided we'd head back towards Straightback instead. Once back to the North summit ledge views of Mt. Major were wonderful and unique from here. A very worthwhile side trip!

Down this small ridge to the ledges below Straightback we stopped here to relax a bit and have a lunch break at 12:30pm. The sun was glimmering off the lakes or ponds to our East. Once done with lunch we packed up and headed up over Straightback's summit (1880') and back down to the Brook Trail (yellow blaze). We followed this trail down, well, Scott did. Once we got to visibility of the brook I took off down the banking and through the woods to snap photo's! Back on the Mt. Major trail (blue blaze) we began to pass many people headed up. We finished our figure 8 loop at 2:00pm. Total mileage about 5.5 miles.

Abenaki Tower 11/7/10

"A Quicky Side Trip"

On our way back from Castle in the Clouds I stopped at a sign I had seen earlier off Rt. 109 for Abenaki Tower. I was curious and had to check it out! A short, easy walk up a gated logging road brings you to a small clearing where a observation tower stands. The tower itself is in really good condition, just covered in graffitti, apparently a popular hang out spot! The view is pretty good across to Lake Winnipesaukee and over to Castle in the Clouds. A neat

little spot that I had passed many times and never new of it's existence!

The plaque on the entrance sign reads: "This tower is maintained voluntarily by local residents who desire to share it's view and beauty with friends and visitors ...... Abenaki Tower Association, Melvin Village, NH 03850.

According to firelookout.org it was built around 1929 and rebuilt 1979.

It's original use was to spot aircraft during World War II and was occasional used as a fire tower. Now it serves as an observation tower for any who wish to visit.

Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area 11/7/10

"This is NH at it's Best!" (pictures)

With an array of weekends that brought Scott and I more work than usual we had not made our way into the White Mountains in some time. And we were itching to get back! Well we didn't quite make it again but boy were we in for a treat! The weather was "iffy" and we again decided to stick close to home. After contemplating on possible candidates for our hike Scott said suddenly "how about Castle in the Clouds?" He has mentioned this over and again all year and I always shrugged it off as probably too crowded and probably not much for trail options or views. WELL, was I WRONG!! We arrived at the access road to find the Castle closed for the season. Hmmmm, now what? The sign pointed to the Castle Springs Road and Castle Springs Park. Sounds like a possible entry point..... Up the road we went and found a hiker parking area and the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area. 5,380 acres of mountains, ledgy views, farm land, ponds, waterfalls and oh, a castle!

The trail map was iced over and the small one on the side of the kiosk was difficult to read. So we would just be going with the flow, let the trails take us wherever. We began the brisk morning by walking up the road to the castle. What a beauty! And a view to match, fog lifting off Lake Winnipesaukee with mountains beyond and all around us. I saw a large rock knob in the distance towards Mt. Shaw and I really hoped we could find a trail to it!

Back down to the road we took a turn down a logging road marked by white diamonds and a kiosk that read Brook Walk. I thought, eh, just the usual babbling brook, no biggie! The trail follows the road a little distance then breaks off to the brook. A beautiful ledgy cascade greeted us. And so it would be down this entire trail, complete with interpretive signs at each stop. So many cascades, a beautiful 50 foot waterfall and a flume/waterfall 40 ft. high with a boardwalk that brings you close to the foot of this spectacular water feature! It was like being out west in Yellow Stone or in the Amazon. Wonderful!! The trail now crosses the brook and loops back making a steep climb up the banking. Then it meets the Shannon Brook trail. Brook Walk was .4 miles I believe and a bit rough. Certainly not for the unfit tourist! Careful with kids!!

A short ways on Shannon Brook Trail which is another logging road we soon arrived at Bald Knob Cutoff. This got me excited! One mile up this rough, granite covered trail passing over several small partially wooded knobs. You pass a sign at one point noting an unusual and rare rock formation called Columnar Jointing. It was pretty interesting! Especially for the rock lover I am! We then came to Bald Knob Trail which appeared to be a carriage road. A short distance you pass by granite ledge to your left and a slight drop off to your right and views begin to open up. Then you arrive atop the granite knob at 1,801 feet. Views again to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap range. Down to Castle in the Clouds sitting atop Lee Mountain, and views of the conservations mountains including Turtleback directly behind us.

Satisfied with our climb, the weather getting colder and cloudier as the morning rolled by, we called it a day and decided to head back to the parking lot. We returned the way we came, stopping again at the columnar jointing rock to investigate it further. Than down to Shannon Brook trail which we took back to Shannon Pond near the parks entrance, passing first an area with views back up to the castle. It was at the Shannon Brook kiosk that we found a more suitable map of the area. More to add to the to-do list! And believe me, We'll be back!! NH at it's best. Historic structures, cascades and waterfalls, rough trails, granite ledges, lake Winnipesaukee and mountain views and wonderful trails (well marked here might I add)! Total trail mileage round trip was almost 5 miles I believe. (pictures)



The Map



Mt. Major 11/2/10

"Playing Like Kids on Major" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: The original plan for Tuesday with my brother and his son Jonathan to hike Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME was shot down that morning when my brother told me that he would not have his son today. I was hoping to get JJ up on his second mountain but it would have to wait! My bro still wanted to hike so we decided he would come my way and we'd do Mt. Major. It was a beautiful day. A little cool but very nice. We made our way quickly up the Main trail passing several people along the way. We reached the ledges which had some ice here and there. A small break on the ledges, I sent a picture to my mom in Georgia who hiked this every day was missing it. Onward up the icy ledges we reached the summit 45 minutes from our start time. We spent more time up here than usual. Jeremy had not been up here in a long time and the vivibilty today was amazing. Mt. Washington as usual this time of year showing off a bright white over the Ossippee range.

After exploring the entire crown of the summit we made our way down, jumping rocks and playing around like we were kids again. I found the unmarked trail I used to take in the winter which connects from the Main trail level road area to the first ledge. Down we went running through the forest and leaf covered trail. I had to stop a few times to figure out which way the trail went, then off we went again. I was happy to make it back to the main trail knowing that my mind is still sharp enough to remember this obscure route I used to travel! Once down to the boulder section I decided to explore this area more in depth. I have never really got deep in the woods here and there is a huge expanse of boulder all along the trail. Again we jumped up, over, around, through and inside the boulders like we were kids again (and I was reminded the next morning that I was not, I was SORE!!). We finally made it back to the truck, all-in-all I think we were on the mountain 2.5 hours or so! Great afternoon and always enjoy having my Bro along with me :) (pictures)

Kimball Forest/Lockes Hill 10/17/10

"A lovely hill, a magnificent Castle" (pictures)

Well, having extra work this weekend and having to work both Saturday and Sunday, we once again decided to stay close to home. We slept in a bit and once up and ready we headed for the Belknap Range. Scott had been reading about Round Pond on Mt. Belknap and I had yet to explore these close-by mountains that I grew up next to but never knew about. Sure, I grew up skiing Gunstock but hiking wasn't really on my mind then. Anyway, the plan was to hike to the pond then ascend Belknap Mt., looping down Gunstock and back to base. To make a long story short we headed down a logging road we thought was the trail. It didn't seem right so we headed back to the lot to look for any sign of a hiking trail. There was a sign that read all hiking trails start here. And a trail name of "Acid Deposition Trail". Huh? This wasn't in any trail descriptions! There was a trail that headed up between th ski trails which I concluded was what we wanted. I ran back to inform Scott. He wasn't convinced, and didn't want to be walking up and down trails aimlessly all day. So back in the truck I picked my brain. I remembered a trail I took with the AMC group back when I was in middle school. I remembered a wooded summit with a small fire tower. I knew it was off Rt.11 and remember seeing the brown hiker sign before. I made the mistake of heading back towards Mt. Major, turning around at the quickly-filling-up parking lot then heading back up past the Gunstock turn and up past Ellacoya State Park and the spot I was looking for a mile or so further on the left.

Now the trip report starts! The parking lot for Kimball Wildlife Forest and Lockes Hill was a good size and still empty. We got started at 8am as Scott checked the trail guide mailbox, with brochures in them much to my surprise. It gives the history of the hill and a trail map. We began counter clockwise, that being Lakeview Trail. You make your way on very gentle grades passing by nature intreptive signs. After sign 2 the trail makes switch backs up steeper terrain passing some trail side rock walls and boulders. We reached the Glade at 8:30am. This is a neat area. Much like the lower ridge crest of South Baldface mountain in that people had built chairs and benches out of the granite rock. They look out to a nice view of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Sandwich Range and Mt. Washington (which was in the clouds). There is also a fairly new binocular scope "thingy" (I don't know what they're called!) and I was able to actually find Castle in the Clouds, how awesome!

Onward we arrived at the powerlines with another partial view to the lake and just caught a plane flying by at eye level! Following the lines up to the Plane beacon where the summit of Locke's Hill (1057') is marked by a small cairn. Beyond here there is a ledge with a nice view to Belknap and Gunstock Mts. and house and farm dotted hills in the close by foreground.

Back to the beacon the Quarry trail brings us back down for the loop. You pass by some nice oak trees and soon will notice Granite Quarry sites, long abandoned and overgrown. These sights were used primarlily to build Lockes Hill Castle. According to the brochure it was built in 1897-1899 and owned by Benjamin Kimball who was a successful Concord businessman and new president of the Boston and Montreal Railroad. The castle was built inspired by his trip along the Rhine River and the Castle's he saw there. After his death the castle passed to his wife, his daughter-in-law, a trust, then to the Town of Gilford and ultimately to private hands. To be continued....

We began to pass many pairs of people now as the trail descends easily and then drops down into a quarry with a small pond in the middle. The trail then follows a small river, past more quarries, past a tree damaged area from the '98 Ice Storm and ends at the parking lot. We finsihed at 9:30am. Not the mountain I was looking for, but glad we checked it out. 1 hour, 1.8 miles. Many dogs on this trail, very kid friendly and a nice leisulrely hike with a handful of nice outlooks. Should make a great winter hike for this winter!

Still puzzled as to where the castle was, I headed towards Laconia keeping an eye out to the left for a sighting, or a road or something...then I saw it, Locke Hill road. Up the road to it's end there is a long driveway up the hill with "No Tresspassing" signs. The chain that should be across the driveway was down so I figured either the public was welcome or someone lived there. Up we went anyway! And sure enough there it was to our left. At the top of the hill the driveway passes through the middle of a fallen down barn and 3 abbandond cabins. And then the castle came into full view. Empty, falling apart and just sitting up there a complete waste! How sad. A beautiful structure and a view to match. I would do almost anything to own this parcel of land. It's sad to think that whomever owns it is just letting it rot, and apparently not allowing the public to see this bit of Lakes Region History. We left with thoughts running through our heads of winning the lottery and restoring it. Something that I will probably never get off my mind. (pictures)