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View Full Version : Good Warm up hikes in NH



Panchito
03-23-2009, 18:57
Trying to get in shape for the trip this summer and I'm tired of walking up hill on the treadmill at the gym. I did Kearesarge and Major this weekend and it was nice but real simple. I am not at all experienced in winter hiking. What are some good hikes? Any suggestions?

neighbor dave
03-23-2009, 19:00
http://www.srkg.com/

http://www.msgtc.org/

Slo-go'en
03-23-2009, 19:59
Get one of the day hiker guides to NH trails. There are many, many trails with in an hour or two drive from Concord. Maybe even less.

Pokey2006
03-23-2009, 20:04
www.viewsfromthetop.com (http://www.viewsfromthetop.com) is a great resource, especially at this time of year, as you look for trails where the snow is melting and mud is drying up.

Chocorua is one of my favorite NH hikes.

From Concord, you have tons of great hiking right up I-93.

celt
03-23-2009, 20:40
Last summer I bought a guidebook to trails on public land in and around Concord at the EMS in Concord. It was compiled by the Concord Conservation Commission in 2001. It includes maps to 19 trails or trail systems around the City.

I've hiked on only two of the systems so far: the trails of The Society for the Protection of NH Forests along the Merrimack River are easy but scenic and The Oak Hill Trails off Shaker Road in North Concord were a great find, especially the Oak Hill Fire Tower.

Panchito
03-23-2009, 20:48
www.viewsfromthetop.com (http://www.viewsfromthetop.com) is a great resource, especially at this time of year, as you look for trails where the snow is melting and mud is drying up.

Chocorua is one of my favorite NH hikes.

From Concord, you have tons of great hiking right up I-93.

Thanks for the link. I know a lot of the hikes, just not familiar with winter hiking. That site is an excellent resource. WB ounce again proves to be awesome!

Slo-go'en
03-23-2009, 21:10
Thanks for the link. I know a lot of the hikes, just not familiar with winter hiking.

Hiking in the winter isn't much different than any other time of year, except you need slightly warmer clothes, boots and maybe snow shoes. Winter camping on the other hand takes a bit more gear.

It's getting to be more like mud season now though, but there is still a goodly amount of snow above say 3000 feet around here.

Pokey2006
03-23-2009, 21:15
You're welcome. That site was invaluable to me when I lived up there. Just wish I could find something as good for the southern Apps!

Enjoy. As much as I complained about it when I was there, I do miss the hiking in NH...sometimes...

Peaks
03-24-2009, 08:01
Welsh Dickey loop is a good early season hike that is also quick.

warraghiyagey
03-24-2009, 08:05
http://www.coostrails.com/intro.htm

Bearpaw88
03-24-2009, 08:08
There are so many great places to hike in NH I miss. I spent a few months in Glencliff after hiking this year. Glencliff is on the Appalachian trail right before Mt. Moosealauki on Hwy 25. If you want to get in shape and want some easier hikes, not to cold or wind exposed, try anywhere between Hanover and Glenciff on the AT. Smarts Mt. can be tough going north for some. Try hiking it south. There are lots of other trails in NH but I am not familiar with most of them. There is a book called new hampshire day hikes they sell most places in Hanover that has some good ones.

Manwich
03-24-2009, 08:18
Tuckermans Ravine

peakbagger
03-24-2009, 08:40
Barring some late season snowfall, the trails are boilerplate right now. About the only thing you need outside of some warmer clothes is a pair of Kathoola Microspikes for 90% of the trails. Note, dont try it without some sort of traction as the trails can be slippery. If you want company, meetup.com has a couple of groups who hike almost every weekend. The members are usually southern NH and Mass so you may be able to carpool.

Pick up a NH Delorme Map guide and look for trails that are south facing, they will tend to melt out the quickest, but do remember that you also have to find trails that dont require significant steam crossings as the water levels can be high this time of year. Middel and South Moat and Kearsage North in North Conway are two good day hikes with great views and a nearby brew pub

Tuckermans Ravine is always worth a couple of trips every spring and normally you dont need traction

Lost Boy
03-24-2009, 09:16
Man there are tons of good warm up hikes in NH.
Chocorua, Cardogan, Smarts are all great ones. There are a lot up and around the Dartmouth Ski Way in Lyme, NH (Including Smarts).

Dont forget - VT isnt that far away either - and there are great mnts there too!

Lost Boy
03-24-2009, 09:18
Cardogan,

Correcting myself... correct spelling is Cardigan.

Peaks
03-24-2009, 17:22
http://www.coostrails.com/intro.htm

Cohos Trail may be a great trail, but I certainly would not recommend it as a warm-up hike. too remote, undeveloped, etc.

Panchito
03-24-2009, 19:43
Thanks again......I've been studying a little seems like micro spikes might be a good addition to the equipment.