POISON IVY
Safety is paramount to making sure your day on the New England trails is an enjoyable experience for all. The best way to ensure safety is to plan for your hike ahead of time. Consider preparedness your first defense in the prevention of accidents and mishaps. If something does go wrong, have an emergency plan in place that will allow you to seek help while keeping all members of your group safe. A Wilderness First Aid class is a great resource for anyone who spends time outdoors. Check out the SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine for classes across New England.
Before you set out on your hike, review a map and research your desired route. Keep in mind that a 2-mile hike straight up a mountain peak may require more time, effort, and resources than a gentle 2-mile hike along a beach. Consider your route’s unique terrain and weather as well as the size and ability of your group when planning and packing for your hike. In addition to “The 10 Essentials” listed below, make sure you have any equipment required for enjoyment and comfort on your hike. It’s also a good idea to double-check the fit and quality of essential gear ahead of time. Does your footwear give you uncomfortable blisters? Does that tear in your rain jacket let in excess moisture? If you foresee trouble with any of your supplies, repair or replace those items before the need to use them arises.
Always be sure to let someone know where you are traveling and when you plan to return, no matter how easy, close to home, or familiar a hike seems. If an accident happens on the trail, this valuable information could be the key to making sure you return home safely. Cell phones and communication devices are prone to battery failures and lapses in service, and should not be relied on as your sole method for obtaining help.
No matter where you travel, experts agree that these “10 Essentials” should make their way into your backpack.
Hydration: Water bottle or hydration pack, plenty of water, and filtration/purification system
Nutrition: Plenty of food, plus extra snacks in case you are out longer than anticipated
Navigation: A detailed map and compass, a GPS device, and knowledge of how to use them
First Aid Kit: Be sure your kit includes enough supplies for the length of your trip and the size of your group
Illumination: A headlamp (even if you don’t expect to be out after dark)
Sun Protection: Sunblock, a hat, and breathable layers to cover your skin
Insulation: Warm layers, preferably made of wool and synthetics that insulate even when wet
Fire: A lighter or waterproof matches in case you need to start a fire for warmth
Pocketknife/Repair Tools: A blade or multi-tool can come in handy throughout a trip, especially if your equipment needs repair or adjusting
Emergency Survival Gear: If stranded, an emergency blanket, tent, and sleeping bag can help protect you from the elements; a whistle and flares allow you to signal for help
Hiking is remarkable in that almost everyone can do it, regardless of age or body type. That said, it’s important to know both your strengths and your limitations when choosing a trail in New England. Some of the trails listed in this book require a high baseline of existing physical fitness and endurance. Hikers should be trained and confident in their physical abilities before attempting trails marked “strenuous.” We absolutely recommend that hikers challenge themselves mentally and physically when exploring New England, but it’s a good idea to start small and work your way up to more challenging trails as your body is ready.
A good understanding of navigation is one of the best tools a hiker can have. In addition to map and compass skills, familiarize yourself with the various forms of trail markers. Most hiking trails use “blazes,” colored markers painted or nailed along the route to mark the way (usually found on trees or rocks). Most trails are marked with a single color or symbol that differentiates that trail from other trails in a park. Some hikes, especially those above the tree line, utilize cairns—pyramid-like towers of rock that mark a pathway. While the majority of the hikes in this book are well marked, hikers should pay especially close attention at intersections to ensure they remain on the right track. If you’re unsure which way to go, don’t be afraid to reach out! Most hikers are friendly and more than willing to help.
Practice common courtesy on the trail. Respect other visitors by yielding and creating space where necessary, controlling your pets, and keeping voices at a polite volume.
There is a saying in New England that “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” In a nutshell, New England weather is unpredictable and often extreme. Summers (late May-September) bring pleasantly warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Still, summer weather can be chilly, especially in the north and at high elevations, and thunderstorms are frequent in warmer weather. Spring and fall consist of cooler daytime temperatures and often cold nights. Spring also brings on the notorious New England “mud season” caused by excessive rain and snow runoff. Winters are long and cold, and snowfall is likely, especially in the mountainous northern states. Snow and frigid temperatures may begin as early as October and linger into April.
Hikers should take extra precautions against weather-related incidents of hypothermia and frostbite, especially on New England’s high peaks. Use additional caution in the event of thunder and lightning storms. Avoid high peaks, open spaces, and water during lightning events.
New England water can be quite cold, even in summertime, and coastal surf can be dangerous. Always heed local warnings regarding swimming and never swim alone.
While hikers are unlikely to encounter hostile wildlife on New England trails, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of any animals you encounter. Observe wild animals from a safe distance and do not attempt to approach or follow them. Be especially cautious around injured, mating, nesting, and young animals, and report any odd or aggressive behavior to local authorities. Always heed local signs regarding wildlife and avoid any restricted areas designated to protect them.
Avoid feeding wildlife intentionally or accidentally by storing and transporting your food and trash properly. A taste of human food can change the feeding behaviors of wild animals in ways that are dangerous for both humans and wildlife. This applies not only to large creatures, but smaller animals like rodents and birds.
Moose are gentle and elusive creatures, and most hikers are lucky to spot them in their natural habitat. However, moose are responsible for hundreds of car accidents each year. Use caution driving to and from the trailhead, especially in areas marked with Moose Crossing signs.
Black bears are common across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the western parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, although they may be spotted elsewhere. In general, these creatures are harmless, but they may cause problems when they have been exposed to human food, or if they feel threatened. When camping, secure food and other scented items in a bear hang or a bear-proof box. If you encounter a bear on the trail, speak in calm tones and slowly wave your arms. This will help the bear identify you as human and it will usually flee. Move away slowly sideways. If the bear charges or makes aggressive movements towards you, stand your ground. Never run or climb a tree, and never place yourself between a mother bear and its cubs. As long as hikers behave respectfully, most bear encounters are exciting experiences that do not result in injury.
Most species of snakes found in New England are harmless. However, although they are endangered and rarely encountered, timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads are present throughout New England. These venomous pit vipers are marked by a triangular head. Timber rattlesnakes have black tails with a distinctive rattle at the end, and are most commonly found in rocky areas of western Massachusetts. Reddish-hued copperheads are most common from Massachusetts southward. Both species are wary of humans and are unlikely to strike unless provoked. When climbing, always look before placing your hand, and never attempt to pick up a snake. In the unlikely event you are bitten by a venomous snake, wrap the wound distally to proximally in an Ace bandage and seek immediate medical treatment.
Biting insects such as mosquitoes, blackflies, no-see-ums, and greenheads are a fact of life in New England. While cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and other mosquito-borne illnesses have occurred in the region, most insect bites are little more than an itchy nuisance. Biting insects usually reach their peak in midsummer, and can be especially vicious in the evening, in shady areas, and near water. Protect yourself with long-sleeved clothing and insect repellant. Various species of bees can also be found in New England. Beestings can be painful and uncomfortable, but they may also cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals. If someone in your party has a history of allergic reactions to beestings, carry an epinephrine injector and an antihistamine such as Benadryl in your first aid kit.
Though some are only as big as a pinhead, ticks are one of the most ubiquitous hazards of hiking in New England. These ectoparasites feed on the blood of humans and other species and may transmit potentially serious illnesses including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. While deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks) are implicated in the spread of most tick-borne diseases in New England, dog ticks and lone star ticks can also spread pathogens. To prevent tick-borne illness, use insect repellant and wear long clothing. Perform a “tick check” after spending time outdoors by scanning your body for crawling or embedded ticks, which prefer warm crevices in the skin. An embedded tick is no cause for alarm, but it should be removed as soon as possible to decrease the likelihood of disease transmission. Simply grasp the tick with a pair of tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull the entire body straight out, firmly but gently. A little bit of irritation is normal, but if you notice a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms following a tick bite, consult your physician immediately. Most tick-borne illnesses are mild when caught early and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Rash-causing plants like poison ivy and poison sumac can put a serious damper on your experience of the great outdoors. These prevalent New England plants contain a compound called urushiol, which causes an extremely itchy, blistery contact dermatitis in most humans. The best defense against both plants is knowing how to identify and avoid them.
Poison ivy is the more common of the two plants. Most New Englanders stand by the rule “Leaves of three, let it be.” The plant is notorious for its three almond-shaped leaves (sometimes notched) with a reddish dot where the leaves meet. Leaves are green in summer, reddish or yellow in fall, and may appear to have a shiny coat. Poison ivy is most often encountered on a hairy vine, but can also grow as a shrub or as individual sprouts. In late summer and fall, it produces clusters of whitish, waxy berries.
Poison sumac is also widespread in New England, though it is most commonly found in and surrounding wetlands. This woody shrub has long ovoid leaves that sometimes take on a reddish hue, and white clustered berries. While less common on the trail, poison sumac is even more toxic than poison ivy, and should be identified and avoided accordingly.
If you suspect you’ve come into contact with either of these plants, it’s important to wash your skin and clothing as soon as possible to reduce the risk of rash. Specialty products like Tecnu can help break down urushiol, but most regular soaps will help remove the rash-causing oil. A typical laundry cycle will remove urushiol from clothing. If a rash breaks out, keep the area clean and ventilated, and avoid scratching. Topical over-the-counter anti-itch treatments can bring some relief, but if the rash is persistent, widespread, or on sensitive areas of the body, a prescription steroid may be necessary.
Help preserve the beauty and tranquility of the natural spaces you visit by following the seven “Leave No Trace” principles as outlined by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: Unprepared hikers are more likely to impact the environment if they become ill, injured, or lost. View the above sections to ensure you and your group have the right equipment, skills, and plan for an enjoyable and environmentally friendly trip.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Trails do not only exist to mark the way and make hiking easier. Restricting foot traffic to designated areas helps reduce human impact, especially in frequently visited areas. Trail crews work hard to maintain safe, weather- and traffic-resistant trails—use them! Staying on-trail helps protect sensitive areas, such as alpine zones, from overuse.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Carry in, carry out! Most backcountry trails are not equipped with trash cans, so hikers should plan to pack out any waste with them. Make sure to scan your area for “microtrash”—items like bottle caps and wrapper corners that are easily left behind. While many trailheads are equipped with outhouses or restroom facilities, hikers should familiarize themselves with protocol for when nature calls on the trail. Bury solid human waste in a “cathole” 6 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from trails, water, or camping areas. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products along with other trash.
Leave What You Find: Finding a beautiful flower, a shed antler, or a historical artifact is one of the many joys of hiking in New England. Let others enjoy the same experience by leaving what you find where you find it. This not only preserves history and natural spaces, but helps eliminate the introduction and transport of non-native species.
Minimize Fire Impacts: While there are other ways of cooking, staying warm, and finding entertainment outdoors, fires can be a great experience when enjoyed safely and sustainably. Where fires are allowed, keep them small, contain them to designated or low-impact areas, and extinguish them properly. Avoid transporting firewood from nonlocal areas to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Respect Wildlife: Treat wildlife and their habitats with caution and dignity. Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed wild animals. See also “Wildlife.”
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Allow other hikers to enjoy a peaceful and pleasant trail experience by sharing spaces, controlling volume, and practicing common courtesy and respect. See also “On the Trail.”
Veterans of the U.S. military can access most New England parks free of charge.
America the Beautiful Pass: Covers entrance fees to all U.S. national parks and national wildlife refuges, plus day-use fees to all national forests, grasslands, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the driver and up to four adults per vehicle. Valid for one year from date of purchase. $80. Purchase at http://store.usgs.gov/pass, 888/275-8747, or at most park entrances.
Maine State Parks Annual Passes: Vehicle season pass admits pass holder and occupants of vehicle to day-use facilities at most Maine state parks and historic sites (some exclusions apply). $105. Individual season pass admits only pass holder. $55. Senior discounts available. Valid for one calendar year. Purchase at http://maine.gov/dacf/parks, 207/624-9950, or at most park entrances.
New Hampshire State Parks Annual Passes: Individual season pass admits pass holder to most day-use New Hampshire state parks (some exclusions apply). $60. Family season passes admit 2 adults and up to 4 dependents. $105 residents/$120 nonresidents. Youth and senior discounts available. Valid for one calendar year. Purchase at http://nhstateparks.org/planning/schedule-and-fees, 603/271-3556, or at most park entrances.
Vermont State Parks Annual Passes: Season vehicle passes admit pass holder and up to 8 passengers to all Vermont state parks. $90. Individual season pass admits only pass holder. $30. Valid for one calendar year. Purchase at http://vtstateparks.com/fees, 888/409-7579, or at most park entrances.
Massachusetts State Parks Annual Passes: The DCR ParksPass covers parking fees at most Massachusetts state parks (park admission is free). $60 residents/$120 nonresidents. Valid for one calendar year. Senior lifetime pass: $10. Purchase at http://reserveamerica.com, 877/422-6762, or at most park entrances.
Connecticut State Parks Annual Pass: Nonresidents may purchase a season pass to cover parking fees at most Connecticut state parks (park admission is free). $112. No on-site charge for CT residents. Valid for one calendar year. Purchase at http://ct.gov/deep, 860/424-3105, or at most park entrances.
Rhode Island Beaches Season Pass: Covers admission and parking at all Rhode Island state beaches for the pass holder’s vehicle and all passengers. $30 residents/$60 nonresidents. Senior discounts available. Valid for one calendar year. Purchase at state beach locations from opening day in May until Labor Day. Info at http://riparks.com.
Trustees of Reservations Membership: Provides free or discounted membership to all Trustees of Reservations properties in Massachusetts. Memberships start at $50 individual/$70 family. Additional parking permit needed for Crane Beach. Valid for one year from date of purchase. Purchase at http://thetrustees.org/membership, 978/921-1944, or at most Trustees park entrances.
White Mountain National Forest Season Pass: Covers parking and admission for one vehicle at developed White Mountain National Forest sites that require a recreation fee (most WMNF areas are free). Holders of the America the Beautiful Pass do not need to purchase an additional WMNF pass. $30 individual/$50 household. Valid for one year from date of purchase. Purchase at http://fs.usda.gov/detail/whitemountain, 603/536-6100, or WMNF offices and information centers.
Baxter State Park Season Pass: Admits vehicles to Baxter State Park for summer season. Additional fees apply for camping. $40. Purchase at park entrance. Info http://baxterstatepark.org, 207/723-5140.
A great resource for Appalachian Trail maps, lodging, and trail information, especially in the White Mountains. Annual membership saves pass holders 20 percent on AMC lodging, programs, and maps, plus gear discounts, a magazine subscription, and more. Valid for one year from date of purchase. Starting at $50. Purchase at http://outdoors.org/get-involved, 800/372-1758, or at most AMC locations.
The best contact for maps and information about the Long Trail in Vermont. Annual membership gives the pass holder a discount on GMC gear, workshops, and publications, plus deals at participating retailers, inns, and B&Bs. Valid for one year from date of purchase. Starting at $45. Purchase at http://greenmountainclub.org, 802/244-5864, or at the GMC visitors center.
Provides helpful information and maps for the Appalachian Trail, especially for thru-hikers. Help protect the Appalachian Trail with an annual ATC membership. Benefits include a map, magazine subscription, retail/lodging discounts, and more. Starting at $50. Purchase at http://atctrailstore.org.
This beloved local group helps maintain trails and shelters in the White Mountains. A great resource for trail information. Members receive discounts on lodging, and fees directly benefit trails. $30 individual/$60 family. Purchase at http://randolphmountainclub.org.
A great resource for trail information and special events at select properties in Massachusetts. See “Passes, Permits, and Fees.”
Aims to protect birds and manages conservation areas throughout the United States. Members receive a magazine subscription, membership in a local chapter, admission to special events, and more. Starting at $20. Purchase at http://audubon.org.
Independent of the National Audubon Society, this Massachusetts group is dedicated to protecting the nature of the commonwealth through conservation lands, programming, and more. Members receive free admission to properties and discounts on programs and gear. Starting at $48 individual/$65 family. Purchase at http://massaudubon.org.
A membership with this conservation organization helps support many of the properties in this book. Members receive news, magazines, and more. Starting at $50. Purchase at http://nature.org.
In case of emergency, dial 911.
Best resource for tidal and weather information nationwide. 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128, Washington, DC 20230. http://noaa.gov.
Best resource for weather information in the White Mountains. 2779 White Mountain Highway, P.O. Box 2310, North Conway, NH 03860. 603/356-2137, http://mountwashington.org.
Great information on hiker preparedness and education. http://hikesafe.com.
Purchase of this voluntary card helps support New Hampshire Fish and Game search and rescue efforts, and pass holders are not required to repay costs in the event they need rescue (not applicable in instances of negligence). $25 individual/$35 family. Purchase at http://nhfishandgame.com or at the Fish and Game office in Concord.
Provides classes for Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, and Wilderness EMT certifications. 623 Tasker Hill Rd., Conway, NH 03818. 603/447-6711, http://soloschools.com.
71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH 03223. 603/536-6100, http://fs.usda.gov/main/whitemountain
231 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701. 802/747-6700, http://fs.usda.gov/main/gmfl
PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Route 3
Bar Harbor, ME 04609. 207/288-3338, http://nps.gov/acad
99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667. 508/771-2144, http://nps.gov/caco
1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. 800/344-WILD, http://fws.gov
11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. 603/271-3421, http://wildlife.state.nh.us
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. 508/389-6300, http://mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife
284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333. 207/287-8000, http://maine.gov/ifw/warden-service
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908. 401/222-4700, http://dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106, 860/424-3000, http://ct.gov/deep
1 National Life Drive, Dewey Building, Montpelier, VT 05620, 802/828-1000; http://vtfishandwildlife.com
251 Causeway Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114. 617/626-1250, http://mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation
22 State House Station, 18 Elkins Lane, Augusta, ME 04333. 207/287-3821, http://maine.gov/dacf/parks
1 National Life Dr., Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620. 888/409-7579, http://vtstateparks.com
172 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03301. 603/271-3556, http://nhstateparks.org
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106, 860/424-3200, http://ct.gov/deep
1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. 401/667-6200, http://riparks.com
http://nationalforestmapstore.com
888/275-8747, http://usgs.gov/products/maps
10 City Square, Boston MA 02129. 800/262-4455, http://amcstore.outdoors.org
Kellogg Conservation Center, P.O. Box 264, South Egremont, MA 01258. 413/528-8002, http://atctrailstore.org
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677. 802/244-7037, http://store.greenmountainclub.org
2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. Managed in New England by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Mountain Club. P.O. Box 50, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. 304/535-6278, http://nps.gov/appa
215 miles from the Connecticut coast through Massachusetts to the New Hampshire border. Managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. http://newenglandtrail.org
273 miles through Vermont to the Canadian border. Managed by the Green Mountain Club. Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. 802/244-7037, http://greenmountainclub.org
21 miles from north-central Massachusetts into southern New Hampshire. Managed by Friends of the Wapack Trail. P.O. Box 115, West Peterborough, NH 03468. http://wapack.org
92 miles through central Massachusetts from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border. Managed by the Midstate Trail Committee. 2 Westinghouse Parkway, Worcester MA 01606. http://midstatetrail.org
77 miles from the Rhode Island coast to the Massachusetts border. Managed by the North South Trail Council and the Appalachian Mountain Club. http://outdoors.org/Narragansett
230 miles circling the Boston area. Managed by the Bay Circuit Alliance. http://baycircuit.org
175 miles from the White Mountains to the Canadian border. Managed by the Cohos Trail Association. P.O. Box 82, Lancaster, NH 03584. http://cohostrail.org
48 miles through central New Hampshire. Managed by the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail Club. P.O. Box 164, Marlow, NH 03456. http://msgtc.org