DATE: Sep 02, 2016 to Sep 05, 2016
Backpacking Cohos Backpack: Nash Stream Forest

Meeting Time: 7:00 PM

Event Coordinator: shep5
Stark, NH
US

Max # People: 6

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

SUMMARY:

Take a break from the White Mountains and join me for this 3-day backpack through the Nash Stream Forest, a parcel of roughly 40,000 acres.  The forest's remote location and many natural features, such as ponds, streams, mountain peaks and forest land, contribute to its natural beauty and ecological value.  It is home to an estimated 180 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.  The Cohos Trail is a 165-mile trail which heads north from Crawford Notch in the White Mountains to the Canadian border.  We will hike a section of this between Stark and Dixville Notch...through the middle of the Nash Stream Forest.  This section is approximately 38 miles and provides a true wilderness experience.  Notable features along this route include the Percy Peaks, Mount Sugarloaf, the Devil's Jacuzzi, Nash Bog, Gadwah and Kelsey Notches, Dixville Peak, Huntington Falls and magnificient views from Table Rock over Dixville Notch.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  Approximately 38 miles from Stark to Dixville Notch...expect 12-15 miles and 2500 feet in elevation gain per day.

Harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  You will need a pack, tent/bivy, sleeping bag/pad, extra dry clothes/towel, food for 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, headlamp, bear bag/cannister, camp stove, water filter, etc. (some double up is possible for shared equipment...tents, bear bags, stoves, water filter).  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water can be filtered along the way).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a multi-day hike.  NOTE:  There are some lean-tos along the route, but we cannot count on them, so be prepared to camp each night.

NOTE:  We will be hiking northbound out of Stark, NH.  To do this, we will need to spot a car up in Dixville Notch Friday evening.  The plan is to start the backpack early Saturday morning.  SOME ADDITIONAL LOGISTICS MAY NEED TO BE ARRANGED PRIOR TO THE TRIP (E.G. FRIDAY NIGHT CAMPING/LODGING AS WELL AS FRIDAY DINNER AND SATURDAY BREAKFAST).  THIS WILL BE COORDINATED ONCE I HAVE A FEEL FOR ATTENDANCE.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

From the northern intersection of Routes 2 and 16 in GORHAM, NH, follow Route 16 north for 34.6 miles.  Once in the center of Errol, turn left onto Route 26 and follow this west for 9.7 miles.  There will be a salt shed on the left side of the road near the trailhead parking.  If you reach the Balsams Hotel and Resort, you've gone too far.  Look for a gray Hyundai Elantra.

For GPS Users:  NH Route 26, Colebrook, NH  03576 (44.855892, -71.284985)