Trip report

TRAIL MAINTENACE DAY AT MT. OSCEOLA

Trail Maintenance DATE: 06/11/2022 - 06/11/2022

Trip/Event Location: Waterville Valley, NH

Trip Leader(s): Gandalf , JDNnh

Max # People: 12

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

Difficulty Level: Moderate

The best trail work goes unnoticed, but with some attention to detail, you can begin to appreciate what it takes to maintain a trail in the White Mountains. So next time you take a hike, pay attention

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

At exit 28 of Interstate 93, northbound travelers turn right at the end of the exit ramp and drive 10 miles to Waterville Valley on NH 49 East. As you enter Waterville Valley turn left, and drive towards the Waterville Valley Ski area and be sure not to miss the right turn to Tripoli Road. From NH 49, it's 4.5 miles on a gravel road to the crest of the 2,300 foot pass. You'll probably have to park on one side of the road. We'll meet at the parking area kiosk. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma Truck.  


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

The day was so much fun for everyone - we had volunteers from all ages, all out enjoying the camaraderie of shared work to help support the trails we love! Mt. Osceola is extremely popular in summer due to its gradual ascent to the highest peak in Waterville Valley, on the NH four thousand footer list at 4,340 feet and has a vast panorama from its summit ledges!

Our group included members of GayOutdoors as well as a crew from Pemi Valley Hikers - we are fortunate to have PVH as a partner, and our trails project fit in well with their own philosophy of getting involved with trail maintenance.

Jon Normand, crew leader, really made the day a fun and educational experience. I'm not sure if anyone in the group will ever be able to pass another water bar again without wanting to clear the debris out of it!

We spent the day cleaning 51 waterbars, removed six step over blowdowns and four overhanging blowdowns; and cleared back encroaching vegetation. Large crowds out today, but everyone, and I mean everyone, was kind and respectful of fellow hikers. We love these kinds of people! And throughout the day, we received a multitude of thanks of hikers passing by. Afterwards, we invited everyone back at Mike’s house along the Mad River for some appetizers/ beverages on the deck followed by a BBQ feast that included grilled marinated chicken and Kielbasa, juicy pork loin, seasoned potato wedges, buttered corn on the cob, fresh garden salsa, and homemade pasta salad. YUM!

As we look back on the day, it really hit home the importance of organizations like GayOutdoors and Pemi Valley Hikers. They are a resource to perform trail maintenance projects around the White Mountain National Forest and to teach their members expert knowledge and guidance to protect our trails by getting involved with sweat equity. It’s really rewarding to be able to look back and see the work we do together. Jon wants to thank everyone who helped out. He cannot even begin to say how much fun he had working with you all. Thank you all so much, for everything. We hope more members help us next year!

  There are 43 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

Members That Participated

Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States

Attended
JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States

Attended
mecyclingrunner

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


LEWISTON, ME


United States

Attended
sustaining member
woodsman

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate


Newburyport, MA


United States

No Show
Carl_B

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Leominster, MA


United States

Attended
guest member
DonNJ

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Flemington, NJ


United States

No Show
dpbyrnes

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Ipswich, MA


United States

Attended
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