Trip/Event Location: Pinkham Notch, NHUS
Trip Leader(s): Richardg
Max # People: 8
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Join us for Christmas weekend at AMC's Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, NH for a GO get-together and a Saturday hike. A four bunk room has been reserved at Joe Dodge for Friday and
Driving Directions to Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center:
From central and south-central New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord, etc.): 1. Take Interstate 93 North to Route 104 East (Exit 23). 2. Take Route 104 East to Route 3 North (near Meredith). 3. Take Route 3 North to Route 25 East (intersection in Meredith). 4. Take Route 25 East to Route 16 North (near West Ossipee). 5. Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
From eastern and southeastern New Hampshire (Portsmouth, etc.): 1. Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North. 2. Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
From Boston and its northern suburbs: 1. Take Interstate 93 North to central New Hampshire. 2. Follow directions above for central New Hampshire.
Or,
1. Take Interstate 95 North to Spaulding Turnpike North (at Portsmouth, N.H.). 2. Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North. 3. Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
From western and southern suburbs of Boston:
1. Take Route 128 North to Route 3 North (near Woburn).
2. Take Route 3 North to Everett Turnpike North (by Nashua, N.H.).
3. Take Everett Turnpike North to Interstate 93 North (by Manchester). 4. Follow directions above for central New Hampshire.
From Portland, Maine:
1. Take Route 302 West to Route 16 North (at North Conway, N.H.). 2. Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
Rich and I met up late afternoon of the 25th at Joe Dodge Lodge to enjoy a scrumptious Christmas dinner in the main building. The lodge was abuzz – mostly with young families – but it made for a nice evening. We chatted up a handful of families who originate from Israel (and used to live on a Kibbutz) and Providence, RI as well as the dedicated lodge employee who moved to Mt. Washington full time after spending years in Queens, NY. We retired back to the lodge for a friendly game of scrabble by the fire before crashing for the night. (Yes, we kept score and we’re not telling who won!!)
Saturday morning we got up around 6:30am… showered… had breakfast and mapped out the day. The Imp Trail Loop, up to North Carter Mountain and back down. The day could not have been better… weather wise it was more an early November day for Maine than the end of December!! Conditions were near perfect, a modestly muddy trail, very minor bits of ice (no micro spikes needed) and lots of running streams.
We made our start into a “dusky” forest; the sun had risen but was well behind the mountain. By the time we reached Imp Face at 3,165 feet – the Presidential Range was illuminated by the sun and spectacular – not a cloud in the sky. We paused to take in the view and warm up in the morning sun. To the left we could peer down into the ravine and catch a glimpse of a roaring water fall – it seemed recent rains had fed the small streams and rivers.
Back into the tree line and cool temps… we crossed many a small stream and made our way to the trail junction by 11am. A short break and up the trail to North Carter. This trail was stunning… it narrowed as we made our way up and was dense with evergreens – a real treasure. At 4,530 feet the temperatures were undeniably cooler with a brisk wind. Out came the winter gloves and hand warmers. We were treated to an expansive view of the eastern edge of New Hampshire into Maine – a cascade of evergreen and dormant deciduous trees and rolling peaks as far as the eyes could see. A short break, snack, and off we went to begin the descent.
As the clocked ticked into mid-afternoon the sun splashed down on us most of the descent - a real gift of nature. Rich and I hiked up and down mostly in light layers with the exception of our short stay at the summit. We emerged around 3:30pm. For a 9.3 mile day we were treated to great views, great temps and a great workout. Sadly, my camera settings didn’t work well for the early part of the hike – too dark.
Saturday evening we dined at the lodge. We chatted up a gentleman who spent Christmas night at Carter Notch Hut - in good company - they were five.
We retired to the library and shared in spirits and a scrabble re-match by the fire (again, not telling who won!!). On Sunday we awoke to snow, sleet and freezing rain – winter finally arrived. We had breakfast and departed. Thanks to Rich for hosting a great get-a-way. Until the next adventure!!
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
