Hiking activities in New England
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Catamount Trail
- Stowe, USA
- Activities › Hiking
Within Stowe's wide network of trails that traverse mountains and skirt lakes is the longest cross-country ski trail in the US, a 300-mile-long route that runs the length of Vermont. Known as the Catamount Trail, it starts in southern Vermont at Readsboro and ends at North Troy on the Canadian border.
In between lies some of the finest skiing in the east, from backcountry trails on Mt Mansfield to 11 ski touring centers (some within the Green Mountain National Forest), including Blueberry Hill (www.blueberryhillinn.com) and Mountain Top Inn & Resort (www.mountaintopinn.com). Contact the Catamount Trail Association (%802-864-5794; www.catamounttrail.org) for more…
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Portland Trails
Thanks to the hard work of the conservation organization Portland Trails, there are more than 30 miles of multi-use trails sprinkled about the Greater Portland area, with another 20 miles on the horizon. One of the most popular paths is the 3.5-mile Back Cove Loop, which provides excellent water and city views northwest of the city center. This trail connects to the Eastern Promenade, a 2.1-mile paved waterfront path that follows a former railway, just east of East End. For a complete rundown of trails (26 in all), with maps, visit the Portland Trails website or purchase their Portland Trails Map & Guide ($4.95).
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Bartholomew’s Cobble
After an hour or two’s rest in small-town America, you might consider a hike in the hills. Ten miles south of Great Barrington along US 7 and MA 7A toward Ashley Falls is Bartholomew’s Cobble, a ‘cobble’ being a high, rocky knoll of limestone, marble or quartzite. The highly alkaline soil of this 329-acre reservation supports an unusual variety of trees, flowers, moss and especially ferns. Six miles of hiking trails provide routes for enjoying the cobble and the woods, which are set beneath a flyway used by over 200 species of birds. Try the Ledges Trail that weaves along the Housatonic River.
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Hiking Trails
At 2384ft, Belknap Mountain is the highest peak in the Belknap Range, with numerous hiking trails. The most direct route to the summit is from the Belknap Carriage Rd in Gilford. From NH 11A, take Cherry Valley Rd and follow the signs for the Belknap Fire Tower. Three marked trails lead from the parking lot to the summit of Belknap Mountain, a one-hour trek. The white-blazed trail leads to the summit of nearby Piper Mountain (2030ft).
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Monument Mountain
On US 7, less than 5 miles north of Great Barrington center, is Monument Mountain, which has two trails to the summit of Squaw Peak. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote that Monument’s summit resembled ‘a headless sphinx wrapped in a Persian shawl.’ On August 5, 1850, Hawthorne climbed the mountain with Oliver Wendell Holmes and Herman Melville, thus sealing a lifelong friendship.
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Bald Mountain
A moderate 1.4-mile hike up this lone mountain (1234ft) yields spectacular views over the countryside; there's a fire tower you can climb for better views. Reach the trailhead by taking Wilson St/ME 1A southeast just past ME 46 and turn right onto Upper Dedham Rd; go 2.5 miles and veer left onto Dedham Rd; the trailhead is another 3.5 miles on the left.
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Mt Major Summit Trail
Within the Belknap Mountain State Forest, the Mt Major Summit Trail is a good 2-mile trek up that 1780ft peak. The summit offers spectacular views of all corners of Lake Winnipesaukee. The trailhead is a few miles south of West Alton on NH 11; park just off the road.
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Grafton Notch State Park
If you're ready for a hike, head to this park north of Bethel for pretty mountain scenery, waterfalls and lots of trails of varying lengths.
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St Saveur-Flying Mountain Loop Trail
For a walk on the more secluded 'backside' of the island, try the St Saveur-Flying Mountain Loop Trail. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots to avoid an injury.
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Mt Will Trail
The Mt Will Trail is a hiking trail that starts east of Bethel and ascends to mountain ledges with fine views of the Androscoggin Valley.
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The Beehive
For a nice, easy hike, consider making the quick (20-minute) ascent of The Beehive.
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Portland Trails
Thanks to the hard work of the conservation organization Portland Trails, there are more than 30 miles of multi-use trails sprinkled about the Greater Portland area, with another 20 miles on the horizon. One of the most popular paths is the 3.5-mile Back Cove Loop, which provides excellent water and city views northwest of the city center. This trail connects to the Eastern Promenade, a 2.1-mile paved waterfront path that follows a former railway, just east of East End. For a complete rundown of trails (26 in all), with maps, visit the Portland Trails website or purchase their Portland Trails Map & Guide ($4.95).
reviewed