Summary

Join me for some easy-moderate winter exercise in southern NH. We’ll meet across from the parking lot at the Massabesic Audubon Center main building—26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH (near Manchester), where we’ll hike the 3.1 mile (round trip) Yellow Trail. Depending on time and interest, we may add on the Red Trail (1.5 miles, also round trip) and/or other short trails. Massabesic does not charge admission, but gratefully accepts donations. Consider donating $5-10 to the Center when we visit.

After the hike we’ll drive over to McIntyre Ski Area for the 1-3 pm snow tubing session ($23 per person), finishing well before the Superbowl kickoff, for those of you who plan to watch the game. McIntyre has as many as eight tubing lanes and a “conveyor carpet” to take you to the top of the tubing slope. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, starting 30 min. before each tubing session. We’ll each buy our own tickets when we arrive; I cannot purchase them in advance. PLEASE COMPLETE THE LIABILITY WAIVER BEFORE THE EVENT, AND BRING THE COMPLETED FORM WITH YOU. (You're welcome to join me for just the hike, if you wish. If that's your plan, please let me know when you register.)

Dress in layers, ideally including long johns, a hat, and gloves; and bring water and snacks and/or a sandwich. Though the Massabesic trails are well-traveled, winter traction accessories such as Yaktrax—or better yet, microspikes—are advisable for the hike. There could be icy sections. (Note: If there’s a significant accumulation of newly-fallen snow, snowshoes may be in order for the hike.) For tubing, you should wear snow pants, or a nylon shell over other pants.

Watch for updates to this listing as the event date approaches. This event is being co-listed with Chiltern Mountain Club.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

To the Audubon Center:

1. From I-93 and points west and north and south of Manchester, take Exit 7 to Route 101 East (Seacoast). Watch for the  Audubon signs.

2. From points east of Manchester, go west towards Manchester on Route 101. Watch for the Audubon signs.

3. Take Exit 1 and go south onto Route 28 By-pass. Travel 1/8 miles to the traffic circle.

4. Proceed half way through the circle, continuing on the Route 28 By-pass. You’ll see Lake Massabesic on your left.

5. Travel 1.9 miles to Spofford Road. Turn left onto Spofford Road for 1/4 mile.

6. Turn left onto Audubon Way (on the corner as Spofford Road veers right).

7. The parking lot is on the left, opposite the Center.

I'll distribute directions to McIntyre Ski Area after the hike.