THE topography of New Hampshire offers ideal facilities for recreation. There is an attractive stretch of seashore for those who crave the salt air and the ocean. There are large fresh-water lakes such as Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Asquam, Newfound, and Sunapee, smaller lakes such as Mascoma, Canobie, Stoddard, Ossipee, Wentworth, and Dublin. Quiet little ponds are scattered over the State, while rivers and brooks abound. For lovers of majestic mountains there is the matchless White Mountain group or such isolated peaks as Moosilauke, Kearsarge, Sunapee, and Monadnock. Little villages with their white churches remain in unsullied New England serenity, and wide-sweeping meadowlands and farms offer retreat to those desiring solitude. Woodlands of pine and spruce, of birch and beech, are abundant and inviting.
The distinction between recreation and exploration is rather indefinite in the records of visitors to the State in earlier days. President Timothy Dwight of Yale was not simply on a scientific trip when, in 1797 and 1803, he made his horseback tours to the upper part of New Hampshire. In 1803, Captain Eleazar Rosebrook built the first hotel in the White Mountain region, on the site of the present Fabyan House; but a generation slipped away before people began to come and spend entire seasons in the mountains. The middle of the last century, however, saw a constantly growing stream of summer vacationists to the White Mountain region, and by 1875 a number of large hotels had been erected and were drawing guests by the hundreds every summer season.
But the mountains were not the sole attraction for early recreationists in New Hampshire. Governor John Wentworth, in 1769, set the fashion of building summer homes by starting an elaborate one at Wolfeborough on the lake now known as Wentworth. By 1880, Winnipesaukee and Sunapee had begun to attract many admirers, who built simple summer dwellings on their shores and islands. Old farm houses throughout the State were purchased, restored, and fitted as seasonal homes for summer residents. With the coming of the automobile and the consequent building of superb highways, the number of summer visitors and residents increased enormously; the thousands at the turn of the century have become the millions of today.
From the day when the Indians had their weirs at the outlet of Lake Winnipesaukee, and took their salmon at Amoskeag (‘the fishing place’), New Hampshire has always been a favorite region for the angler. Today, fishermen from far and near know of the sport available in New Hampshire waters, from the Connecticut Lakes to Sunapee, which are continually restocked by the State.
New Hampshire offers excellent opportunities for hunting. Its many marginal lands and varied terrain provide coverts for grouse, woodcock, and pheasants, while the wide areas of wild country in the northern part of the State have long been recognized as an ideal deer-hunting section.
The following synopsis of the fishing and hunting laws may have some variation as there are special regulations pertaining to different lakes and streams and to separate counties. It is suggested that a copy of Fish and Game Laws be obtained from the Department of Fish and Game at Concord.
FISHING LAWS
Season: Brook trout, Coos, Carroll, and Grafton Counties (fly fishing only in September), May 1 to Sept. 1; all other counties (fly fishing only in August), May 1 to Aug. 1; rainbow trout, same as brook trout; brown trout, same as brook trout; aureolus trout, April 15 to Sept. 1; lake trout (fly fishing only in September), Jan. 1 to Sept. 1; salmon (fly fishing only in September), April 15 to Sept. 1; black bass, July 1 to Nov. 1; pike perch, June 1 to Nov. 1; white perch, June 1 to Nov. 1; shad, Jan. 1 to Sept. 1; pickerel, June 1 to Jan. 16; hornpout, June 1 to Nov. 1; smelt (fresh-water) (see Fish and Game Laws, obtainable from the Department of Fish and Game, Concord); yellow perch (see Fish and Game Laws); suckers, may be taken with a spear, March 1 to June 1; cusk (not protected).
Limit: Brook trout, 25 fish, not to exceed 5 pounds per day, legal length 6 inches (see special regulations in Fish and Game Laws regarding certain ponds and streams); rainbow trout, same as brook trout; brown trout, same as brook trout; aureolus trout, 4 fish per day, not less than 12 inches in length; lake trout, 2 fish per person, 3 or more persons to a boat not more than 6 fish, 15 inches minimum length (see exceptions in Fish and Game Laws); salmon, same as lake trout; black bass, 10 pounds per day, 9 inches minimum length; hornpout, 40 fish per day; smelt (fresh-water), 5 pounds per day (see closures in Fish and Game Laws); yellow perch, 40 fish per day or 10 pounds per day.
License Fees: All persons over 16 years of age must take out a license to fish, except resident landowners, minor children, blind people and resident soldiers and sailors over 70; resident $2, non-resident (3 days), $1.50; non-resident (year), $3.15; effective Jan. 1, 1938, resident $2.50, non-resident $4.
Method of Taking: Fish may be taken by angling only (rod or line in hand), one hook for bait or a cast of artificial flies, except smelt which may be taken with hand dipnet.
HUNTING LAWS
Season: Deer, Coos, Carroll, and Grafton Counties, Nov. 1 to Dec. 1; all other counties, Dec. 1 to Dec. 16; moose, no open season; caribou, no open season; elk, no open season; bear, not protected (bounty); wildcat, not protected (bounty); lynx, not protected (bounty); hare-rabbit, Oct. 1 to Feb. 1; gray squirrel, Oct. 1 to Nov. 1; fox, Sept. 1 to March 1; raccoon (may be taken with a dog and gun from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1), except in Grafton County, Oct. 15 to Dec. 1; grouse, Oct. 1 to Dec. 1; pheasant, Nov. 1 to Nov. 11; woodcock, Oct. 1 to Nov. 1; Wilson snipe, Oct. 9 to Nov. 7; plover, no open season; yellowlegs, no open season; duck, Oct. 9 to Nov. 7; rail, Sept. 1 to Nov. 30; sora, Sept. 1 to Nov. 30; gallinule, Sept. 1 to Nov. 30; no open season on wood duck, canvasback duck, red-head duck, ruddy duck and bufflehead duck (see Federal Laws Regarding Migratory Birds).
Limit: Raccoon, 3 per day, 10 per season; fox, no limit; ruffed grouse, 4 per day, 25 per season; pheasant (male), 1 per day, 4 per season, in all counties except Coos and Carroll; duck, geese (be sure and see Federal Laws Regarding Migratory Birds); deer (must be tagged and reported to the Department of Fish and Game, Concord, within ten days after killing), 1 per season; hare, 3 per day; rabbit (cottontail), 5 per day (not more than 5 per day of both hare and cottontail); gray squirrel, 5 per day.
License Fees: Resident $2, Jan. 1, 1938, $2.50, non-resident $15.15; licenses to hunt may be purchased at agencies in the towns or from the Department of Fish and Game, Concord. Trapping licenses may be obtained from the Department of Fish and Game, Concord, only.
Trapping Permits: Copy must be on file at Concord office before it is legal to trap.
Early in 1876, a group of enthusiasts was organized in Boston under the name of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Though not exclusively devoted to New Hampshire or to summer recreation, their interests through the six ensuing decades have centered largely here; and, by the trails and huts which they have built and maintained, they have been a major influence in attracting recreation seekers to the State. Co-operating with them, a dozen or more local clubs have made available a network of alluring trails. Along these trails the hiker and climber may quickly penetrate a mountain wilderness, camping in the open if desired, or finding shelter in the eight huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
The most popular trails are in the Monadnock and White Mountain regions. For detailed description of trails, consult the Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide. Huts are maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club at Carter Notch, Pinkham Notch, Madison Spring, Lakes of the Clouds, Zealand Falls, Galehead, Greenleaf, and Lonesome Lake. For further information, consult Joseph B. Dodge, Huts Manager, Gorham, N.H.; or Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy St., Boston, Mass.
The coming of the automobile has made camping facilities necessary, and these are now supplied in abundance, through public and private enterprise. New Hampshire has forty public camping grounds of which twenty-five are maintained by the State, the remainder being in the National Forests. Varying accommodations are offered, in these camps; some have areas for tents, while others provide facilities for out-door cooking, bathing, and picnicking. The Dolly Copp Forest Camp, six miles south of Gorham at the northern approach to Pinkham Notch, is the most popular of the forest camps. Nine of the State areas are bathing beaches; recreation centers are also established at the beaches and at many of the lakes. The most extensive of the lake centers was opened in 1936 at Gilford, near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
The following recreational areas, with varying facilities, are maintained by the State: Milan Hill (Tour 6), Moose Brook Park (Tour 7), Merrimack River (Tour 3, sec. b), Forest Lake Park (Tour 3, sec. d), Crawford Notch (Tour 8, sec. b), Franconia Notch (Tour 3, sec. c), Joseph Story Fay Tract (Tour 3, sec. c), Cathedral Ledge (Tour 2, sec. b), Hemenway Reservation (Tour 2, sec. b), White Lake (Tour 2, sec. b), Cardigan Mountain (Tour 14, sec. b), Wellington Beach (Tour 3A), Endicott Rock (Tour 3, sec. b), Wentworth Beach (Tour 13, sec. a), Belknap Mountain (Tour 3, sec. b), Kearsarge Mountain (Tour 12), Wadleigh Park (Tour 16), Pillsbury Reservation (Tour 4 sec. a), Bellamy Park, Dover, Pawtuckaway Reservation (Tour 17, sec. a), John Clough Reservation (Tour 16), Kingston Lake Park (Tour 17, sec. a), Hampton Beach (Tour 1A), Peterborough Pool (Tour 17, sec. b), Monadnock Reservation (Tour 15B).
The White Mountain National Forest maintains the following camps: Campton Lake (Tour 3, sec. c), Cold River (Tour 2, sec. b), Dolly Copp (Tour 2, sec. c), Dugway (Tour 2, sec. b), Gale River (Tour 3, sec. c), Long Pond (Tour 10, sec. b), Oliverian (Tour 10, sec. b), Passaconaway (Tour 8, sec. b), Waterville (Tour 3, sec. c), White Ledge (Tour 2, sec. b), Wildwood (Tour 9), Wild River (Tour 2, sec. c), Zealand (Tour 8, sec. b), Rocky Gorge (Tour 3, sec. b), Sawyer Rock (Tour 8, sec. b).
Golf obtained a foothold in New Hampshire in 1897, when the first course was opened by the Beaver Meadow Club in Concord. Since then, seventy-two golf clubs have been established throughout the State, fringing the seacoast, bordering on lakes and rivers, looking down from hilltops, or lying sheltered in mountain valleys. Many of them are eighteen-hole courses.
With the first court established in 1883 by the Cygnet Boat Club of Manchester, tennis has become increasingly popular. Claremont, Concord, Durham, Exeter, Franklin, Hanover, Keene, Laconia, Manchester, Milford, Nashua, and Rochester have municipal or semi-private courts (see separate cities).
GOLF CLUBS
Location |
Name of Club |
Bethlehem |
Bethlehem Golf and Tennis Club* and Mt. Agassiz Golf Links |
Bradford |
Pleasant View Golf Club |
Bretton Woods |
Bretton Woods Golf Club Courses** |
Claremont |
Claremont Country Club |
Colebrook |
Colebrook Golf Club |
Concord |
Beaver Meadow Municipal Golf Club and Concord Country Club |
Crawford House |
Crawford Notch Golf Club |
Dixville Notch |
Balsams Country Club* |
Dover |
Cochecho Country Club |
Dublin |
Dublin Lake Club |
Exeter |
Exeter Country Club |
Fabyan |
White Mountain Golf Club |
Farmington |
Farmington Country Club |
Mt. Crotched Country Club |
|
Franconia |
Forest Hills Hotel Golf Course |
Franconia |
Franconia Golf Club |
Franconia Notch |
Profile Golf Club |
Franklin |
Mojalaki Country Club |
Gorham |
Androscoggin Valley Country Club |
Hanover |
Hanover Country Club** |
Hopkinton |
Duston Country Club |
Jackson |
Eagle Mountain House, Gray’s Inn, and Wentworth Hall* Golf Clubs |
Jefferson |
Waumbek Golf Club* |
Kearsarge |
Russell Cottages Golf Association |
Keene |
Keene Country Club* |
Laconia |
Laconia Country Club* |
Lancaster |
Lancaster Golf Club |
Lebanon |
Carter Country Club |
Lisbon |
Ammonoosuc Golf Club |
Littleton |
Littleton Golf Club |
Manchester |
Intervale, Manchester,* and Derryfield Country Clubs |
Maplewood |
Maplewood Country Club* |
Melvin Village |
Bald Peak Colony Club* |
Mont Vernon |
Mont Vernon Golf Club |
Nashua |
Dotmoor Club and Nashua Country Club* |
New Castle |
Wentworth Hotel Golf Club |
New London |
Lake Sunapee Country Club* and Willow Farm Golf Club |
Newport |
Newport Golf Club |
North Conway |
Kearsarge Country Club |
North Sutton |
Maple Leaf Golf Club |
North Woodstock |
Alpine Hotel Country Club and Deer Park Hotel Golf Club |
Peterborough |
Peterborough Golf Club |
Pike |
Lake Tarleton Golf Club |
Pittsfield |
Pittsfield Country Club |
Plymouth |
Plymouth Golf Club |
Portsmouth |
Portsmouth Country Club* |
Raymond |
Cross Road Farm Golf Course |
Rochester |
Rochester Country Club |
Rye Beach |
Abenaqui Golf Club* |
South Newbury |
Bald Sunapee Club |
Spofford |
Pine Grove Springs Hotel Golf Club |
Sugar Hill |
Hotel Lookoff Golf Club and Sunset Hill House Golf Course |
Sunapee |
Granliden Hotel and Soo-Nipi Park Golf Clubs |
Twin Mountain |
Twin Mountain Golf Club |
Walpole |
Hooper Golf Club |
warren |
Moosilauke Golf Club |
Waterville |
Waterville Valley Golf Course |
Whitefield |
Mountain View Golf Club |
Wolfeborough |
Kingswood Golf Club* |
* Eighteen-hole courses |
** Both. |
With its 1301 ponds and lakes, the State provides abundant facilities for fresh-water swimming and bathing. These bodies of water vary in size from Lake Winnipesaukee with an area of nearly 45,000 acres to a small pond in Wentworth little more than one-sixth of an acre in area. Some are highly developed resort regions, while others can be reached only by hiking through woods and deserted farmland. Surf bathing is popular along the many fine beaches of New Hampshire’s eighteen miles of coastline, while tidewater swimming is available in the inland reaches of Great Bay. Public bath-houses are maintained at Rye, Hampton, and Seabrook.
Sailing and motor boating are popular recreational activities on the larger lakes such as Winnipesaukee and Sunapee, where annual races are held.
Yachting is prominent at Portsmouth. Hampton and Rye Harbor also offer limited anchorage facilities.
Many of New Hampshire’s rivers are well adapted to canoeing and this sport is being enjoyed by increasing numbers. ‘Quick-Water and Smooth’ (Stephen Daye Press, Brattleboro, Vt., $1.50) outlines trips on 52 rivers of the State.
An interesting recreational feature of the past is perpetuated in the fairs annually held in eight New Hampshire towns: Hopkinton, Lancaster, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Rochester, Sandwich, Tamworth, Tuftonboro (see Calendar of Annual Events). In addition to the educational exhibits and ‘midways,’ horse and automobile racing are featured at these events. There is a season of organized horse racing each year at Rockingham Park in Salem (Tour 13, sec. b), where pari-mutuel betting is allowed; and dirt-track automobile races are held in Swanzey (Tour 4A).
Until well into the present century, few residents of or visitors to New Hampshire gave much thought to the possibilities of recreation in the winter. A snowshoe club (the first in the State) had been formed by a group of six enthusiasts in Concord in the winter of 1887. With snow-shoes bought in Montreal, they ranged the countryside around Concord. The few members of the Club, however, were eyed with suspicion or designated as ‘freaks.’ Winter recreation received its first real impetus in the organization of the Dartmouth Outing Club in 1909. Winter sports for young people up to that time had consisted of skating, sleigh-rides, coasting parties, and snowball fights. The Dartmouth Club was responsible for the inauguration in the early 1900’s of those gay and picturesque winter carnivals that now are important events in various parts of the State. Twenty-three of these carnivals were held in 1937 (see Calendar of Events).
During the winter season, recreationists now come by hundreds of thousands to revel in snow-sports. Paths that were rarely trodden, when snow covered them, have become ski trails; and in addition, places inaccessible in the summer have come within the range of the ski enthusiast. To further this new recreation, the State Planning Commission stimulated the development and conditioning of 233 miles of trails during the season of 1936–37. The State Highway Commission has kept the main highways open all winter, and local highway officials have done their part on the secondary roads. To promote winter sports, the National and State Forest officials have built new trails and adapted old trails for ski use. The Civilian Conservation Corps under Government sponsorship has also done much in this respect. Fourteen ski tows have been put into operation, eliminating wearisome climbing to the top of the trails. An aërial tramway from the Franconia Notch Highway to the summit of Profile (Cannon) Mountain will be open in 1938. Winter sports can now be enjoyed in seventy-two different localities of the State, where there are seventeen ski jumps and more than a hundred marked trails.
In the winter of 1930–31, the Boston and Maine Railroad put on its first ‘snow train,’ which proved an immediate success. In five years these trains carried nearly 60,000 passengers, the majority to New Hampshire centers; while during the winter of 1936–37, 13,623 came to this State. In other than the winter season, ‘hike and bike trains’ offer a similar service to walkers and cyclists.
Winter sports are featured either publicly or privately in the following towns: Ashland, Bartlett, Bath, Berlin, Bethlehem, Bradford, Bridgewater, Brookline, Campton, Canaan, Carroll, Chichester, Chocorua, Colebrook, Concord, Conway, Crawford Notch, Derry, Durham, East Hebron, East Jaffrey, Elmwood, Epsom, Fitzwilliam, Franconia, Glen, Goffstown, Gorham, Groveton, Hancock, Hanover, Intervale, Jackson, Jaffrey, Jefferson, Jefferson Highlands, Kearsarge, Laconia, Lakeport, Lake Spofford, Lancaster, Lincoln, Lisbon, Littleton, Lyme, Mount Sunapee, New Ipswich, New London, Newport, North Conway, North Weare, North Woodstock, Peterborough, Pike, Pinkham Notch, Plymouth, Raymond, Shelburne, South Lyndeborough, Sugar Hill, Tamworth, Tilton, Twin Mountain, Warner, Warren, Waterville, West Rindge, Whitefield, Wilmot Flat, Wilton, Wolfeborough, Wonalancet.
(As of the Season of 1937)
The following list, prepared by the State Planning and Development Commission, is published through the courtesy of that body. Numbers in parentheses after the regional headings correspond with location numbers on the special Ski Tour Map in the present volume. Abbreviations have been used for the names of organizations, etc., as follows: A.M.C., Appalachian Mountain Club; A.O.C., Abenaki Outing Club; D.O.C., Dartmouth Outing Club; U.S.C., Uncanoonuc Ski Club; W.M.N.F., White Mountain National Forest; W.M.S.R., White Mountain Ski Runners. (Pocket Ski Map available free on application to State Planning and Development Commission, Concord.)
BARTLETT (31)
Bear Mt. Upper Trail (W.M.N.F.). From Bartlett take Bear Mt. Road which divides upper and lower sections of trail. Trail leads to summit of Bear Mt. Length 1.4 m. Max. grade 28°. Difficult trail.
Bear Mt. Lower Trail (W.M.N.F.). Same as Upper Trail. Length 0.8 m. Max. grade 15°. This section is very easy.
Sawyer Pond Trail (W.M.N.F.), 6 m. Between Passaconaway and Livermore via Sawyer Pond at western base of Mt. Tremont.
BELKNAP MOUNTAINS (11)
Five connecting trails provide 14 m. of cross-country skiing of varying degrees of difficulty over the Belknap Range.
Belknap Trail. S. side of Mt. Belknap, starting from Murray Weeks’ farm in Gilford. Length 3.75 m. Max. grades 11°–15°.
Gunstock Trail. N. side, of Mt. Gunstock, starting from Fred Weeks’ farm in Gilford. Length 1.75 m. Max. grades 11°–14°. Offers a good downhill run for the intermediate skier.
Rowe Trail. N. side of Mt. Rowe, starting from Clarence Sawyer’s farm. Length 3 m. Max. grades 8°–15°.
Piper Trail. Piper Mt., starting from A. W. Clark’s farm. Length 1.5 m. Max. grades 11°–15°.
Winnipesaukee Trail. Follow signs from W.M.S.R. cabin or from the ski tow. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 30°. Short, fast, exciting trail for the advanced skier.
Corkscrew Trail. Mt. Gunstock. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 15°. Intermediate.
Stonebar Trail. Mt. Gunstock. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 15°. Novice and intermediate.
BERLIN (28)
The Nansen Ski Club maintains the Pipeline Trail and the Lodge Trail leading to their two huts, also a 65-meter ski hill.
Mt. Agassiz Trail. 1.5 m. from Bethlehem. Length 1.1 m. Max. grade 11°. Intermediate.
CARDIGAN (13)
In connection with the A.M.C. Ski Reservation on the E. side of Mt. Cardigan, there are four main trails offering a wide variety. The entrance to the E. side trails is best reached from Cardigan Ski Lodge, in the vicinity of which are excellent open practice slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. To reach the Lodge, turn W. off State 3A at foot of Newfound Lake, and follow A.M.C. signs to end of plowed road. The Lodge is open to A.M.C. members and guests only.
Alexandria Trail. From A.M.C. Cardigan Ski Lodge up E. side of Mt. Cardigan connecting with West-Side Trail. Length 1.7 m. Max. grades 20°–25°. A trail with enough variety and grade to satisfy the expert — at the same time sufficiently wide to be safe and suitable for the intermediate skier.
Duke’s Trail. From A.M.C. Cardigan Ski Lodge to summit of Firescrew on Mt. Cardigan. Length 2 m. Max. grade 18°. Very easy trail with gentle grades suitable for the novice. Upper sections are semi-open slopes, good when weather and snow conditions are favorable.
Kimball Trail. From junction of Alexandria and Duke’s trails to upper end of open pastures to the S. Length 1 m. Max. grade 15°. Trail suitable for the intermediate skier, leading to a large open pasture area offering all varieties of skiing.
West-Side Trail. From Orange, 4.5 m. E. of Canaan, up W. side of Mt. Cardigan. Follow road marked ‘Fire Lookout.’ Length 2.5 m. Max. grade 20°. Lower section for the novice and upper part for the intermediate skier.
CHOCORUA REGION (34)
(Tamworth, Chocorua and Wonalancet)
Chocorua Trail (W.M.N.F.). Starts W. of State 16 opposite Wing Tavern, to E. shoulder of Mt. Chocorua. Length, continuous downhill section 1.25 m.; total 2.75 m. Max. grade 34°. The lower 1.5 m. is nearly flat; the downhill portion is an expert trail. Connects at top with the Liberty Trail and trail to Jim Liberty Cabin (equipped only with bunks and stove).
Liberty Trail (W.M.N.F.). Go to Tamworth by Chinook Trail from State 25 or through Chocorua from State 16; head toward Wonalancet and follow signs along plowed road to base. Length 3 m. Max. grade 13°. Very gradual trail with interesting turns in the upper mile. Connects with the Chocorua Trail at the top and trail to Jim Liberty Cabin.
Bolles Trail (W.M.N.F.), 5 m. Provides a cross-country route between Albany Intervale and Wonalancet, crossing the Sandwich Range between Mt. Chocorua and Mt. Paugus.
Champney Falls Trail (W.M.N.F.), 3.9 m. Ascends the N.W. slope of Mt. Chocorua from the Swift River Road.
Downes Brook Trail (W.M.N.F.), 5 m. From present western end of the Swift River Road to the col between Mt. Whiteface and Mt. Tripyramid.
Quimby Practice Slope (W.M.N.F.), 0.15 m. A practice slope, 0.5 m. W. of Ferncroft, Wonalancet, and immediately S. of Blueberry Ledge Trail up Mt. Whiteface. Novice and intermediate.
CLAREMONT (7)
Flat Rock Trail. 0.5 m. from center of town. Length 0.5 m. Max. grade 28°. Short fast trail with a variety of interesting turns.
Green Mountain Trails. 3 m. E. of town on State 103. Length 2 m. Max. grade 30°. A variety of trails suitable for general skiing.
Sky Hill Trails. 5 m. E. of town on State 103. Length 3 m. Max. grades 12°–15°. 10 m. of trails over unused country roads.
CONCORD (36)
Concord Ski and Outing Club Trails (3). Turn R. off State 9, 3 m. W. of Concord. Follow signs. Length 0.6 m.
Cranmore Mt. Trail. On W. slope of Cranmore Mt., 1 m. E. of North Conway. Length 0.5 m. Max. grades 8°–11°. Trail merges into open slopes of about two acres.
Oak Hill Twin Trails. On road leading from Conway to Madison. Length 1 m. each. Max. grade 25°.
Oak Hill Novice Trail. 1.5 m. S. of Conway, off State 16. Length 2000 ft.
DALTON MOUNTAIN (26)
Forest Lake Trail. Four m. S. of Whitefield on State 116, take road N.W., marked ‘Forest Lake,’ 2 m., to parking area by bath-house. Then follow trail markers to Dalton Mt. Here short trails offer wide choice for all grades of skiers; also open slopes for practice. Two A.M.C. shelters on slopes are provided with firewood. By arrangement with Ernest Plant, caretaker for Forestry and Recreation Dept. (farm house on entrance road), the public room with fireplace and kitchen will be opened for groups during the winter months.
Davison Trail. N.E. side of Dalton Mt. Range on Capt. Morris Road about 2 m. from Whitefield Village. Length 1.25 m. Max. grade 25°.
FRANCONIA REGION (22)
The Franconia district has, besides the main trails mentioned below, many short and easy trails and numerous fine practice slopes to suit all classes of skiers. There is also a small practice ski jump of 20-meter size and tow near the town.
Bald Mt. Trail. Starts at parking area, top of 3-m. hill, and ascends to ridge between Bald Mt. and Artist Bluff. Length 1.1 m. Max. grades 10°–15°. Choice of intermediate trail around Bald Mt. or expert trail from top.
Cascade Brook Trail. Starts at Whitehouse Bridge on US 3 N. of Flume. Trail runs N.W. to Lonesome Lake. Length 1.75 m. Max. grades 5°–15°. Easy steady run for the novice. Rather narrow.
Coppermine Trail (W.M.N.F.). S. of Franconia on State 116 (E). Trail joins Richard Taft Trail at start of race course. Length 4 m. to Richard Taft Trail; 2.5 m. to Bridal Veil Falls and shelter. Max. grade 25°. Easy novice trail as far as Bridal Veil Falls. Upper section for intermediate and expert skiers.
Flume Trail. Flume Reservation E. of US 3. Length 6 m. Max. grades 10°–15°. Novice route 1 m. from Gate W. to Head of Flume, thence S. 1.8 m. to Snowshoe Trail, 4 m. to Clark’s Dog Ranch, and 5 m. to either Lincoln or N. Woodstock.
Kinsman Trail (W.M.N.F.). S. of Franconia on State 116. Starts near Kinsman Lodge. Goes E. to Kinsman Ridge. Length 3 m. Max. grades 5°–15°. A branch trail goes to Bald Knob. Both trails are suitable for intermediate skiers. Extensive open slopes at foot of trail for novices. Public Cabin (W.M.N.F.), equipped with stove and four bunks, open in 1937 at Kinsman and Kinsman Branch Trails, 1.5 m. from highway.
Richard Taft Trail. W. from State 18 at height of land in Franconia Notch leading to summit of Cannon Mt. Total length 2.1 m.; race course 1.4 m. Max. grade 34°. Expert trail with wide steep sections and variety of turns. Shelter with stove at foot of trail.
Tucker Brook Trail. Take Well’s Road E. from State 116 S. of Franconia, and continue straight to trail which leads over ridge to Coppermine Trail near Falls. Length 2 m. Max. grade 15°. Novice trail.
FRANKLIN (9)
Hogback Trail. 3 m. from Franklin on New Boston road. Length 0.25 m. Max. grade 25°. Club cabin at foot of trail.
HANOVER (DARTMOUTH COLLEGE) (15)
Ski tow. The D.O.C. has installed an improved tow 1150 ft. in length, with a capacity of 600 skiers per hr., on Mel Adams Hill to serve a series of large open slopes and connecting touring and downhill trails described below. Also minor touring trails not described below.
Ski jumps. Small practice jumps on golf course; also 20-meter and 40-meter jumps.
Mel Adams Hill (D.O.C.). N. out of Hanover on State 10 for 1.5 m.; then R. (E) on Reservoir Road for 0.5 m. Length 0.27 m. Max. grades 7°–23°. Wide variety of grades and terrain, with sections suitable for all classes of skiers.
Mel Adams North Trail (D.O.C.). N. from top of tow on Mel Adams Hill along ridge, thence looping back to foot of tow. Length 1.37 m. Max. grade, short pitches up to 17°. Touring trail, with mixed downhill running.
Balch Hill Link Trail (D.O.C.). From summit of Balch N. to foot of Mel Adams Hill Tow and Reservoir Road. Splits to provide an alternate loop back to foot of Balch Hill. Length, summit to foot of Mel Adams Tow, 1 m.; loop summit to base of Balch, 0.62 m. Max. grade, short pitches up to 15°. Easy trail, but varied and interesting. Good for either descent or ascent of Balch.
Balch Hill Trail (D.O.C.). 1.25 m. E. and N. of Hanover. Can be approached either from foot of Mel Adams Tow or from 1 m. out on E. Wheelock St., or across open fields from State 10, 1 m. N. of Hanover. Length 0.23 m. Max. grade up to 21°. Fast, short run.
Velvet Rocks (or Ledyard) Trail (D.O.C.). 1.25 m. due E. of Hanover, on R. side of E. Wheelock St. opp. red house, ⅔ up hill; thence 0.5 m. to summit of Velvet Rocks and back to foot of hill. Length, entrance 0.5 m.; downhill, 0.88 m. Max. grade up to 18°. Fast downhill run. Intermediate.
Moose Mt. Trail (D.O.C.). 10 m. N.E. of Hanover. Length 1.3 m. Max. grade 22°. Intermediate trail open to public.
HILLSBOROUGH (4)
Lookout Trail. Fox Research Forest, Hillsborough Center. Length 0.5 m. Max. grade 20°. Intermediate and novice.
INTERVALE REGION (32)
Maple Villa Trail, E. from State 16 opposite Maple Villa Hotel in Intervale to summit of Bartlett Mt. Length 2.5 m. Max. grade 26°. Lower section is gradual but becomes progressively more difficult.
Unplowed roads on Cathedral Ledge and Hurricane Mt. provide good novice and intermediate skiing.
JACKSON REGION (30)
Black Mt. Trail (W.M.N.F.). Take road past Eagle Mt. House, Jackson, to Fernald’s cottages. Can drive to within 0.25 m. of foot of trail which runs E. to public cabin (stove and bunks for 12) and Davis Tower on Black Mt. Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 25°. Consists of a series of open slopes with openings cut between them. Suitable skiing for all degrees of ability. Lookout tower at summit. Other accessible open slopes on E. side.
North Doublehead Trail (W.M.N.F.). Starts 2.75 m. from Jackson on Dundee Road. Goes to summit of North Doublehead Mountain, public cabin (stove and bunks for 12). Length 1.75 m. Max. grade 20°. Wide, fairly steep trail suitable for advanced and intermediate skiers.
E. Branch S. Trail (W.M.N.F.), 7.8 m. Provides a cross-country ski route from Dundee to the head of the Saco River E. Branch and Wild River Valley.
Mountain Pond Trail (W.M.N.F.), 5.3 m. Maintained for E.-W. ski travel between Dundee and Chatham. Public cabin (W.M.N.F.) with stove and bunks for 12, located on S. shore of Mountain Pond.
Spruce Mountain Trail. Carter Notch Road, Jackson. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 28°. Terminates on open slope at Spruce Mountain Camp.
KEARSARGE MOUNTAIN (8)
Kearsarge North Slope. Turn S. off State 11 about 1 m. W. of Wilmot Flat on road marked ‘Kearsarge Fire Lookout.’ Drive to end of plowed road. Follow fire lookout signs to large clearing at foot of mountain where signed cut-off on L. leads to trail. Length (downhill section) 1.27 m. Max. grade 21°. A trail amply wide for its grade, with a variety of wide and interesting turns. Intermediate.
Kearsarge South Slope. S.E. slope of Mt. Kearsarge. Turn N. off State 103 at village of Warner, about 3 m. to base of mountain. Road plowed most of way. Length 3.3 m. Max. grade 18°. Easy trail suitable for the novice.
Sinclair Weeks Trail. On Prospect Mt., Lancaster, 1.5 m. S. of village on US 3. Length 1 m. Max. grade 35°. Novice trail, with only a few extremely sharp slopes and moderate curves.
LEBANON (14)
Storr’s Hill Trail. 0.75 m. S.E. of Lebanon. Length 0.5 m. Max. grade 20°.
LISBON (23)
The Lisbon Outing Club maintains 1000-ft. ski tow on an extensive N.W. slope off State 10, 1 m. N. of Lisbon. Two different trails nearly 1 m., about 12–30 ft. in width, descend with an m.g. of 25° to foot of ski tow.
Down Hill Trail. On Moffett Mt. about 0.75 m. from center of village. Length 0.8 m. Max. grade 20°.
Cross Country Trail. On Moffett Mt. about 0.75 m. from center of village. Length 3 m. Max. grade 20°. Novice trail.
LITTLETON (24)
Buddy Nute Trail. Mt. Eustis, Littleton, Length 1 m. Max. grade 12°. Novice trail, with parts suitable for intermediate. Shelter and grill near summit.
MEREDITH (12)
Pinnacle Park Trail. N.W. side of Pinnacle Hill, Meredith Neck. Connects with Big Lake Trail. Length 0.75 m. Max. grades 8°–13°. Runs through open slopes, and is a short easy trail for novices.
Big Lake Trail. Runs due W. from Pinnacle Peak to shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Length 0.9 m. Max. grades 10°–18°. Easy open slopes at start, with interesting turns and steep grades at lower section, and ends on the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee.
MONADNOCK REGION (3)
Monadnock Trail. 2 m. from Jaffrey Village; park car at ‘The Ark’ and follow Poole Memorial Road to Monadnock Reservation caretaker’s cabin, back of which is a new log cabin for skiers. Length 2 m. Max. grades 14°–26°. First mile, novice, 8” snow; second mile, intermediate, 18” snow.
Hurd Hill Trail. At Tolman Pond, Nelson, 6 m. from Dublin. Length 1 m. Max. grade 28°. One section for experts only and one for novices.
To the N. of Mt. Monadnock in the vicinity of Nelson and Dublin there are a number of good open practice slopes.
MOOSILAUKE MOUNTAIN (19)
A network of trails of varying degrees of difficulty center around the site of the D.O.C. Ravine Camp on E. side of Mt. Moosilauke. Spyglass Hill Farm is usually the headquarters and is open to the public. Turn E. off State 25 a third of a m. N. of Warren Village, and follow signs 3.5 m. to Spyglass Hill Farm. 2 m. beyond on L. (W) side of plowed road is Entrance Trail; 1.5 m. long, easy grade.
Asquamchumauke River Trail (D.O.C.). From Ravine Camp (D.O.C.) N. into Upper Jobildunk Ravine and Jobildunk Cabin (D.O.C.). Length 2 m. Max. grade 12°. Provides an easily graded run for the novice.
East Peak Loop (D.O.C.). Up and down E. Peak of Mt. Moosilauke from the Ravine Camp. Length, E. arm of Loop 0.89 m., W. arm of Loop 0.9 m. Max. grades, E. arm of Loop 8°–16°, W. arm of Loop 5°–13°. Moderately easy trail providing an interesting trip for skiers with but little trail-running experience.
Moosilauke Carriage Road (D.O C). 8. shoulder of Mt. Moosilauke. Foot of carriage road may be reached by continuing on road to Moosilauke Inn, thence straight on about 1.5 m. to Camp Misery. Length 2.8 m. (Camp Misery to S. Peak). Max. grades 18°–20°. Best ski route to summit. A fast run but very narrow, hence requiring ability of the expert skier to run safely under fast snow conditions.
Hell’s Highway (D.O.C.). E. slope of Mt. Moosilauke into Gorge Brook Ravine. Foot of trail reached from Ravine Camp. Length 2.1 m. Max. grade 38°. Upper part steepest and most difficult trail in New England, requiring expert technique. Lower 0.75 m. suitable for the novice.
NEWFOUND LAKE REGION (16)
Tenney Hill Trail. Starts on E. side of State 3A 6 m. N. of Bristol. Length 1.2 m. Max. grades 26°–28°. This side of Tenney Hill is practically all open, with sections suitable for all classes of skiers.
Colony Trail. Starts on E. side of State 3A, N. of Bristol. Length 0.25 m. Max. grade 20°. Short practice trail for the novice and intermediate skier.
Norman Jeffries Trail. Follow signs on side road opposite Bridgewater Winter Club. Length 1 m. Max. grade 16°. Easy smooth trail for the novice or intermediate skier.
PAWTUCKAWAY (37)
The three trails provide excellent sport for those who desire some interesting runs S. of the White Mountains. To reach mountains, take State 101 out of Raymond for about 3 m. toward Manchester, swing diagonally to R. on State 109 to Deerfield for about 3 m., then swing R. on C.C.C. road to mountains.
Pawtuckaway Ski Club Trail. From fire-tower on S. Mt. to Ranger’s Farm. Length 0.5 m. Max. grades 15°–25°. Provides an interesting run for all classes.
Round Pond Trail. From E. end of Middle Mt. to Round Pond. Length 0.5 m. Max. grades 12°–20°. Snow remains in this trail for some time after surrounding country is bare.
Rollins Trail. From fire-tower on S. Mt. to Rollins Farm. Length 0.5 m, Max. grade 15°. Moderately easy trail, suitable for beginners. Upper third with its narrow tricky curves might interest the experienced runner.
PETERBOROUGH AND GREENFIELD (2)
Wapack Trail. Starts at Ashby on State 119; crosses State 101 at Peterborough Gap; ends on State 31 at Russell. Length 21 m. Max. grade 14°. Cross-country trail running N.–S. over Mts. Watatic, Barrett, Temple, and Pack Monadnocks. The most popular section is that on the Pack Monadnocks, reached either from Peterborough Gap or Russell. Provides downhill runs of varying degrees of difficulty for novice and intermediate skiers.
Winrose Trail. Starts at Russell and goes to Greenfield, both on State 31. Length 11 m. Max. grade 14*. Cross-country novice trail running over Winn, Rose, and Crotched Mts.
PINKHAM NOTCH (29)
The Pinkham Notch district provides an abundance of trails of all degrees of difficulty. Practice slopes located near Glen House and Pinkham Notch Camp; small ski jump at Glen House.
In late winter and spring, Tuckerman Ravine Gulf of Slides and the upper slopes on Mt. Washington provide the best open skiing in New England. Sudden and severe storms frequently arise on Mt. Washington and make the ascent dangerous for those poorly equipped and unfamiliar with the mountain.
Go-Back Trail (W.M.N.F.). Start either from State 16 about 1 m. N. of Glen House, from Aqueduct Path, or from Katzensteig Trail. Connects with Wildcat Col Trail, and thence to summit of Little Wildcat Mt. Length 2.2 m. Max. grade about 11°. Very easy novice trail.
Gulf of Slides Trail (W.M.N.F.). Starts from State 16 at Pinkham Notch Camp. Length 2.5 m. Max. grade 20°. Easy trail leading to Gulf of Slides — a large above-tree-line practice area with skiing comparable to that in Tuckerman Ravine.
Hopper Loop—South Side (W.M.N.F.). Opposite A.M.C. Camp on State 16. Length 0.7 m. Max. grade 26°. Short steep trail for advanced skiers.
Hopper Loop—North Side (W.M.N.F.). Branches S. from 0.25 m. up Wildcat Trail. Length 0.7 m. Max. grade 14°. Moderate trail for novice and intermediate skiers.
Katzensteig Trail (W.M.N.F.). Starts behind Glen House and goes to summit of Little Wildcat Mt. Length 1.3 m. Max. grade 28°. Lower 0.25 m. is for the intermediate skier, and the rest is suitable for the advanced.
Pinkham Notch Trail (W.M.N.F.). From A.M.C. Camp to Glen House, paralleling State 16. Length 3.25 m. Max. grade 20°. Cross-country trail, easy for the novice skier with exception of one or two short steep pitches.
John Sherburne Trail (W.M.N.F.). Starts from State 16 at Pinkham Notch Camp. Length 2.5 m. to floor of Ravine. Max. grade 25°. Trail cut through to tree line in Tuckerman Ravine. Ground is smooth, cut amply wide, and is a suitable downhill run for all classes. It is best to use the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for climbing, as the grade is more even than the ski trail and two public cabins (W.M.N.F.) temporarily provide for daytime shelter below Hermit Lake.
Wildcat Trail (W.M.N.F.). Running E. from State 16 about 0.25 m. N. of A.M.C. Camp to summit ‘E’ of Wildcat Mt. and public cabin (equipped only with stove and bunks). Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 33°. Fast difficult trail, with good variety of grades and turns.
Wildcat Col Trail (W.M.N.F.). Runs E. from State 16 about 1 m. S. of Glen House. Length 1.9 m. Max. grade 26°. Intermediate trail linking with the Katzensteig Trail at summit of Little Wildcat Mt.
Mt. Washington Summit Road. Opposite Glen House on State 16 to summit of Mt. Washington. Length. 8 m. Max. grade 15°. Lower 4 m. to Halfway House is a beginner’s trail under usual conditions. Above timberline the trail is often hard to follow, and can only be skied when snow and weather conditions are favorable.
PLYMOUTH (17)
Frontenac Trail. Bird’s Eye Mountain, Plymouth. Length 1.25 m. Max. grade 25°. Novice trail. Swiss Chateau shelter.
Mt. Prospect Trail. Mt. Prospect, Plymouth. Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 20°. Novice trail.
Edelweiss Trail. Pinnacle Mt. on State 3A, 1 m. S. of W. Plymouth. Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 33°. Expert or intermediate trail.
Mt. Pero Trail. Beech Hill, 1.5 m. from Plymouth. Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 30°. Novice trail.
STINSON MOUNTAIN (W.M.N.F.) (18)
Stinson Mt. Trail. W. side Stinson Mt. 3.4 m. from Rumney Depot (State 25) via Rumney. Length 2.3 m. Max. grade about 18°. Lower part of trail suitable for novices, upper half for intermediate and expert skiers. Open slopes with vertical decline of 1000 ft. at W. base of mountain.
SUNAPEE MOUNTAIN (6)
Sunapee Mt. Trail. Starts on W. side of State 103 at Newbury, about 100 yards N. of R.R. crossing. Length 2.5 m. Max. grade 28°. Suitable for intermediate skier and interesting for the expert. Upper 0.5 m. runs along the ridge of Sunapee Mt.
THE MINK HILLS (5)
Mink Run. Follow signs 3.6 m. from Waterloo Station on State 103 to N.W. side of Stewart Peak. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 28°. Shelters and fireplaces at top and bottom of trail. Trail of moderate grade leads from foot of Mink Run to large open pasture on N.W. summit of Bald Mink (Kelley).
TILTON (10)
Bean Hill Trail. At Tilton Center R.R. crossing take road into Northfield. At abandoned schoolhouse pick up trail S. to ravine. Trail runs S. to summit. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 15°. Good trail for novices, but interesting for intermediates because of several pitches and sharp turns.
UNCANOONUC MOUNTAINS (1)
The Base Station at the South Mountain has been designated as the central point of this terrain. From this point the electric incline railway may be taken to the South Mountain summit. From the latter, three trails may be taken back to the Base Station, and another trail leads to the North Mountain, which offers three additional trails.
South Mountain, U.S.C. Trail. Base Station Inclined Railway. Turn S. off State 114 in Goffstown on road marked ‘Uncanoonuc Mountains.’ Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 26°. One section is quite steep and provides enjoyable and exciting skiing for the expert, but because of its width it is safe for the inexperienced skier. The railway takes one to within 200 ft. of the trail, the ascent taking from 6 to 8 minutes.
West-Side Trail. Same as U.S.C. Trail. Length 1.25 m. Max. grade 15°. Designed for the inexperienced skier, and like the U.S.C. has the advantage of the railway.
East-Side Trail. Same as U.S.C. Trail. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 30°.
Carriage Road. Same as U.S.C. Trail. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 10°. Very simple, easy grade for novices. Used as a connecting link between the summits of the N. and S. peaks.
North Mountain Trail. Turn S. off State 114 in Goffstown at sign ‘Mountain Road.’ Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 18°. Classed as intermediate because of several sharp turns near the summit. Halfway point to base suitable for novices.
Dorsey Ravine Trail. Same as North Mountain Trail. Length 1.25 m. Max. grade 23°. Another intermediate trail. Its course down a rough ravine requires considerable depth of well-packed snow.
Shirley Trail. Same as North Mountain Trail. Length 1.5 m. Max. grade 20°. Excellent intermediate run over smooth course. Near summit will be found several fairly steep grades, but lower half follows an easy grade to base of mountain.
WATERVILLE VALLEY (20)
Waterville Valley provides a number of ski trails and open slopes. Near the Inn are several short and easy trails some of which connect and make possible short and easy cross-country trips. Greeley Pasture Slopes have been developed close by the Inn.
Atwood Pond Trail (W.M.N.F.) 2 m. An intermediate run from Sandwich Notch to Mad River via Atwood Pond and Smarts Brook.
Mad River Trail (W.M.N.F.), 2.5 m. A novice route along N.W. bank of Mad River, in vicinity of Elliott Dam.
Town Road Trail, 2 m. Follows the S.E. bank of Mad River upstream from Six Mile Bridge. For the novice.
Tecumseh Trail (W.M.N.F.). From Waterville Valley up E. side to summit of Mt. Tecumseh. Signs lead from Waterville Inn. Length 2.75 m. Max. grade 20°. Suitable for intermediate skier. Two open practice areas, the upper one being the steeper and the lower one being located behind a public cabin, 1 m. from foot of trail, equipped only with bunks and stove.
Drake’s Brook Trail (W.M.N.F.). E. from road about 2 m. S. of Waterville Inn to N. side of Sandwich Dome. Length 2.5 m. Grade on trail very gradual; grades on open slopes 15°–30°. Easy trail providing excellent open skiing.
WOLFEBOROUGH (35)
A.O.C. Copple Crown Mt. Trail. 4 m. S.E. of Wolfeborough. Length 1.2 m. Max. grade 25°. Suitable for the intermediate, but also interesting for the expert.
A.O.C. Trail No. 1. 5 m. N. of Wolfeborough on Poor Farm Hill. Length 0.5 m. Max. grade 18°. Intermediate and novice.
A.O.C. Trail No. 2. 5 m. N. of Wolfeborough on Poor Farm Hill. Length 0.5 m. Max. grade 14°. An easy trail for the novice.
A.O.C. Trail No. 3. Longstack Mt. 2 m. S. of Wolfeborough. Length 0.75 m. Max. grade 22°. Novice and intermediate.
WOODSTOCK REGION (21)
Russell Mt. Trail—North (W.M.N.F.). Starts 1 m. S.E. of village at Irving Cox Farm, runs S. up Russell Mt. Length 1.9 m. Max. grade 15°. Upper part is intermediate while lower is safe for the novice.
Russell Mt. Trail — South (W.M.N.F.). Starts S. of Irving Cox Farm 0.3 m. from Fairview Hotel, and runs N. on Russell Mt. to join the N. Trail. Length 2.25 m. Max. grade 12°. Easy novice trail. Shelter at junction of trails.
Grand View Ski Trail (W.M.N.F.). 2.55 m. An intermediate trail from Daniel Webster Highway US 3, 4 m. S. of N. Woodstock to summit of Grand View Mt. Trail, crosses watershed of Woodstock water supply.