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Rain drops on leaves

The worst frost on record and near 100-degree temperatures: it’s spring in New Hampshire

The range of temperatures in New Hampshire this spring has been astonishing. Temperatures reached 85 when I hiked the Welch-Dickey Loop in the middle of April. There was still snow on the ground and I wasn’t at all acclimated to the heat. I felt like I was being grilled on the granite slabs and I …

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Sunrise from Cardigan Mountain

The perfect day hike for beginner and experienced hikers: Cardigan Mountain in Orange, New Hampshire

I’ve hiked Cardigan Mountain via the 2.7 mile out-and-back West Ridge Trail more times than I can remember. It was the first mountain I climbed as a kid, and I’ve hiked it in every season and at a range of fitness level.  I’ve even hiked Cardigan at night. I believe I am uniquely qualified to …

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New Hampshire Capitol Building, Concord

Hike New Hampshire’s Oak Hill fire tower trail and stop into the capitol city for some splendid sushi

On yet another unseasonably warm January day, I arrived at the Oak Hill City Forest trailhead to squeeze my car into the last parking space. The lot holds about 15 cars and, in the time it took me to put on my boots, two more cars parked on the road outside the parking area. Since …

Hike New Hampshire’s Oak Hill fire tower trail and stop into the capitol city for some splendid sushi Read More »

Ice cascading over rocks

Turning around – knowing when to end your hike is one of the most important ways to stay safe

Whether you’ve been planning a hike for weeks or whether you set out on a whim – once you’ve decided to reach a certain destination, it can be really hard to turn around. There’s a lot of internal and external pressure pushing you to achieve the goal. But knowing when to turn around is one …

Turning around – knowing when to end your hike is one of the most important ways to stay safe Read More »

Hikers moving along granite rock face above the tree line of the Welch-Dickey loop.

Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop Trail in Thornton, New Hampshire

The 4.4 mile Welch-Dickey Loop Trail in Thornton, NH is non-stop panoramic views and granite slabs. While parking is plentiful at the trailhead, this hike is popular! Arrive early to make sure you can get a spot and don’t forget to bring your $5 park fee.  I recommend you hike the loop counterclockwise, heading toward Mount …

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A view from the caretaker's cottage of the Mount Prospect Fire Tower and setting sun.

A walk to Mount Prospect Fire Tower in Lancaster, New Hampshire.

Most New Hampshire fire towers are built with a metal frame, wooden stairs, and a wooden observation deck. I think that’s why the stone observation tower on Mount Prospect in Lancaster piqued my interest. But getting there and back meant 4-hours in the car for a hike that’s only about 3 miles!  The payoff didn’t …

A walk to Mount Prospect Fire Tower in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Read More »

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