Mount Misery via the Blue Trail

This was a delightful and popular jaunt through pine woods to the ledgy summit of Mount Misery which offers impressive easterly views of the surrounding forest. There used to be a fire tower at the peak but unfortunately, that’s no longer there. Mount Misery is located in Pachaug State Forest.

Starting from Cutoff Road, I followed the blue-blazed trail (at this point called the Nehantic/Pachaug Crossover) through a forest full of majestic, towering pines. Close to the ground wintergreen, partridgeberry, and ferns provided pleasing splashes of green atop the rusty-colored needle-strewn ground.

The path started out level and then shortly… read more >

Spring Water Flow and Snowmelt

Spring is in the air, snow is melting fast and the rivers and waterfalls are swollen and fast-moving. I went for a short hike yesterday along a river. Before it even came into sight, I could hear its roar as it flowed much higher and swifter than usual. I walked along the shore for about a half-mile which took a long time because every step was fascinating. The water crashed over rocky ledges, creating troughs at the base of the drop. The rapids, eddies, and swirls seemed to move in all directions and there were several sets of short waterfalls.

There is still plenty of snow at higher elevations and it’s all melting fast and tumbling down the mountains to give us this seasonal treat to nature’s bounty. This is an ideal time to go hiking or walking along rivers or to waterfalls and cascades. Click to see a listing of hiking trail guides for places in New England with waterfalls or cascades.

Remember to be careful while exploring these areas - this is not a good time to be swept away by a river or raging brook. And for any hiking this time of year remember that stream crossings on the trail are likely to be more difficult than usual so take your time and exercise care. If you can’t find a safe way across, then enjoy the waterway from where you are or turn back and select another hiking option.

Free tote bags coming soon!

They’ve been ordered, now we’re just waiting on their arrival!

The bags are 14 inches tall, 12 inches wide, with an 8 inch gusset. Each bag holds the equivalent load of 3-4 plastic bags or 2 paper bags. 4 or 5 of our bags will hold the contents of a completely filled grocery cart. Each bag has a bottom stiffener that protects groceries and can be easily removed for quick washing. All bags are machine washable in cold water (line dry). No shrinkage! No fading! The handles are long enough to hang on your shoulder but short enough to swing at your sides. Bags stand up straight on their own for loading or unloading. They fold neatly for storage.

Best of all, they are going to look like this:

Isn’t he cute!?!?
Underneath him says http://www.hikenewengland.com/

This logo is on both sides.

Each person who submits a valid trail report to our site will receive one of these Hike-NewEngland.com tote bags… free. (one free bag per trail report)

 

Welcome hikers, walkers, and snowshoers!

This blog is about our website which is geared towards those that love to be outside. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fitness and recreation or wishing to find peace and serenity through nature - we have suggestions for you.

Our free trail guide resource offers everything from short, easy, nature walks to challenging mountain climbs above timberline in the alpine zone. The detailed trail reports with hike descriptions, maps, photos, and driving directions serve as a great planning tool. Many of the trail guides are based on hikes in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.

We offer ideas for all seasons so take those boots or snowshoes out of the closet and go for a hike! Get revitalized and melt away stress; there’s always a special peace or joy in being surrounded by nature whether you’re all alone on a remote path or on a busy trail exchanging cheerful greetings with like-minded people.

HikeNewEngland.com covers hikes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We’d like to hear about your adventures in these areas so feel free to submit your own trail report.