“Anyone who has ever visited this property knows how wonderful it is.  If you have not been there yet, photographs give merely a sense of the beauty that permeates this place.  Add the smells and sounds of undisturbed woodland near the pond or the eagle-eye view of Newfound Lake and the far away Franconia Range from the Sugarloaf ledges, and you will know what a stellar destination it is.  Put this on your radar for a half day jaunt or make it longer with some sunbathing on the shores of Goose Pond.

Having been there this past Janaury we wanted to experience this adventure without snow.  The sky was a perfect blue lapis with nary a cloud.  We pulled into a well signed and large dirt parking area near Wellington State Park. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust and the New Found Lake Region Association work together and with local volunteers maintain a fantastic trail network leading to Sugarloaf Ridge and the Goose Pond Conservation Area.

1. It's always good to have a map when exploring a new area.  This property is a nexus for trails that radiate out to Mt Cardigan and beyond.  Coming across Goose Pond was like finding a gleaming saphire thru a green forest canopy.  The water rippled and cat claws were visible on the surface.  When a gust of wind touches the surface of calm water, it creates a localised patch of bigger ripples. These can be seen as a different colour, normally darker. The effect has the nickname ‘cat’s paws’ as some people believe they look like a cat’s print or a cat scratching at the surface of the water.

A moderate 2 mile loop around Goose Pond provides a quiet walk around a remote pond with opportunities to see waterfowl and beaver.  The round trip to the summit of Little Sugarloaf, with views of Newfound Lake is also about 2 miles.  Our goal was a  round trip hike to Big Sugarloaf is just under 4 miles, and provides views of the White Mountains from a view point 350' north of the summit. 

After enjoying lunch on a rocky ledge over Newfound Lake, our resolve to get to the summit kicked in and we set off.  The shade from the pines cooled us down as we sharply ascended for a solid half hour.  The view was worth the effort!  Newfound lake spread out below us with deep blues and green forests stretched up the undeveloped ridges surrounding us.

On the way back to our car we pulled the map out to explore a few more trails. The Goose Pond shoreline trails were beautiful and we passed over numorous brooks and mossy cascades that emptied into the lake.    All the trails were well marked and blazed.

Bristol and Alexandria are 2 areas that nature lovers should put on the radar.  Easy to get to when driving up 93 with lots of swimming, hiking and rail trail biking.  We are fortunate to live in an area with land set aside from development when conservation easements are applied and public access guarenteed for generations.  On the next beautiful day, head to the Newfound Lake Area in NH and be prepared to be WOWED!

 

 

 

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