Join us for a guided hike on the 11th of December, where Lakes Region Conservation Corps member, Nick Langlois, will lead participants along the Brooks Fisher trail up to the summit of Mt. Webster. This fairly new trail starts from Perch Pond Rd and dives into the forest, winding amidst cellar holes, stone walls, and former pasture land - features characteristic of the rich history that New Hampshire holds. A series of switchbacks takes hikers up the steep western side of the Squam Range, offering outlooks of Mt. Prospect and Mt. Cardigan along the way. After 1.3 miles, the Brooks Fisher trail connects to the Crawford-Ridgepole trail, where we will continue for 1.5 miles up to the summit of Mt. Webster. Hikers traveling along this quiet section of the range walk among the wintry evergreens and hardwoods, enjoying brief peeks of the Lakes Region through the ups and downs of the ridgeline. This hike promises to be a wonderful winter journey for all ages through a seldom-seen section of the Squam Range.
Parking is located on Perch Pond Rd, about 3 miles west of US Route 175. Meeting and preparations will start at 8:45-9:00 am, and we will depart at 9:15 am. In total, we will hike for approximately 5.6 miles over moderate terrain. This excursion will take roughly 6 hours to complete, depending on weather conditions and the number of people attending.
What to Bring:
Participants should bring extra layers that can be taken off/added on to stay warm and dry, raingear, a hat, an extra pair of socks, any sort of medication you may need, hiking boots, snowshoes or microspikes (dependent on conditions), a packed lunch and snacks, and plenty of water. The SLA can provide snowshoes for up to six participants.
Audience:
This hike is for all ages, but is of moderate intensity and may increase in difficulty with any icy or rainy weather! Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Location:
Meet at the Brooks Fisher Trail trailhead. Click here for a Google Map that will get you close to the trailhead. Take I-93 to Exit 24 (Ashland). Turn right onto Route 3/Route 25. In Ashland, bear left at the Y, continuing south on 3/25. Turn left onto Route 175 and go 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Hardhack Road. Go about 75 yards and take a right onto Perch Pond Road. Go a little over 2 miles and the trailhead is on the right.
Registration:
Registration is required. Space is limited to 12 people. Register here: https://www.squamlakes.org/2019-fall-adventure-ecology-registration#overlay-context=2019-fall-adventure-ecology-registration