Page 5 - November2021

November 2021 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 5 Looking for Something To Do? Take a Hike Community
By leslie sanDerson
Looking for something to do on a nice fall day? Whether you want solitude or the company of friends, there are nearby, well- marked, and traveled hikes in Bristol, Hebron, and Alexandria that reward you with beautiful views. The trails offer a variety of terrain and lengths that wel- come hikers of all abilities. Even if you’ve never hiked, the trails may make you wonder why you’ve waited.
Try the Grey Rocks Conser- vation Area paths for beginners, small children, and hikers look- ing for flat trails, which New- found Lake Region Association maintains. Located in Hebron on Newfound Lake, Grey Rocks offers 1.5 miles of level walking on well-marked, wooded trails along the Cockermouth River and amid benches and walkways donated by the Association’s sup- porters. Kayakers and canoeists can launch into Newfound Lake
from Grey Rocks. There’s a spe- cial kayak launching pad that makes getting in and out easier. For a map and more informa- tion: www.newfoundlake.org
Inspiration Point is in the Slim Baker Area for Outdoor Living minutes from downtown Bris- tol. It offers gorgeous views of Bristol, the Pemigewasset Valley, and surrounding mountains with relatively easy access. Founded in the 1950s as a tribute to conser- vationist Everett “Slim” Baker, the area sits on 125 mountain acres, and its Worthen trail goes directly up Little Roundtop to Inspiration Point. Although it’s a steady uphill walk, the path is relatively short and easy to navi- gate. Meandering up takes about 10 minutes. At the top, enjoy the views and serenity. If you’re lucky, you may spot a kettle of hawks floating on thermal winds as they migrate south.
The Worthen Trail is the eas- iest way down, but more trails branch off from the top and lead
you by massive granite shelves to an overnight camping site and down to the original lodge. The area also allows snowshoeing and camping. You can learn more about the area, watch a Slim Baker (History) video, and print a trail map (Facilities) at www. slimbaker.org.
The Elwell Trail near Wel- lington State Park in Alexan- dria has many trails for differing abilities, including a 12-mile trek to Mount Cardigan. For hikers
wanting easier terrain, the route to Goose Pond is wide and unob- structed, about a mile round trip, with easy elevation. You have two choices from the parking lot to get started: Goose Pond Trail (orange) or Elwell Trail (yellow). In wetter weather, beginning on Goose Pond Trail is usually drier but slightly steeper. Where the trails intersect in about 1/4 mile, follow Goose Pond Trail down to the pond where you may see a munching moose or waterfowl.
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Look for mushrooms, lichen, moss, blowdowns, and glacial er- ratics too. Then, return the way you came. To add about a mile to your hike, take the red loop trail that goes around the pond with a slight elevation. Try www.new- foundlake.org/hiking for more information and maps, although other websites have information too.
On these hikes, cell phone service can be non-existent, so be sure to print a map and take it with you. Best to wear sturdy shoes with traction to avoid slips and injury. All of these hikes wel- come leashed dogs. Bring water, and be sure to carry out anything you bring in. Bring $5 to cover the fee at the Elwell Trail, but NH residents 65 years and older hike for free. For directions to all these hikes and to donate to Newfound Lake Region Associ- ation and the Slim Baker Area, visit their websites above.
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