The Concord Historical Society will hold the lecture “The Concord Gas Holder: Its history and its future” today at 7 p.m. at the Carriage House at the Kimball-Jenkins Estate (266 N. State St. in Concord).
Friday, Sept. 10
Find agricultural exhibits and shows, live music, games, rides and more at the Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair, which will start today and run through Sunday, Sept. 12, at 17 Hilldale Lane in New Boston. Gates open at noon today and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The midway rides at 3 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the fair will close out the day with fireworks at 9 p.m. The live music lineup includes Dan Morgan (Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at noon), The Bob Pratte Band (with shows at 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday) and Johnnie Bubar (at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday), according to hcafair.org, where you can find a complete schedule of all the happenings.
Friday, Sept. 10
Queen of the Night, a show in tribute to Whitney Houston, begins its run at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) tonight with a show at 7:30 p.m. Shows continue this weekend: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, and noon and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12. Tickets cost $39 to $46 ($25 for children). The show runs Fridays through Sundays through Sept. 26.
Saturday, Sept. 11
The 9th annual NH Monarch Festival runs today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Petals in the Pines (126 Baptist Road in Canterbury; petalsinthepines.com, 783-0220). Admission is free for kids with a suggested donation of $5 per adult. The event will feature games, activities and displays offering education about monarch butterflies and their migration.
Tuesday, Sept. 14
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats begin their final regular season run of home games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive in downtown Manchester; nhfishercats.com) for this season today with a game at 6:35 p.m. against the Harrisburg Senators. The Fisher Cats have games nightly at 6:35 p.m. through Saturday, Sept. 18, and then a game at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19.
Save the Date! Saturday, Sept. 25
The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities) will present Cirque-tacular, a production featuring aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, illusionists, trapeze artists and fire performers, on Saturday, Sept. 25, with shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. according to the website. Tickets cost $45.
More than 1.5 million doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in New Hampshire since the end of 2020. But last week WMUR reported that New Hampshire was no longer one of the top 10 states in the country for vaccination rates. The Granite State ranked last in New England and 12th overall in the nation in percentage of population fully vaccinated, according to a table on WMUR’s NH Covid updates page and a report on Sept. 3. (You can sort by percentage of population fully vaccinated, which puts us at 60.63 percent on Sept. 6, according to that table, just ahead of New York at 60.48 percent but behind the nearest New England state, which was Connecticut at 66.26 percent. Rhode Island is the highest-ranking New England state on WMUR’s table, with 71.46 percent fully vaccinated. The table uses Centers for Disease Control data, according to WMUR.com.) According to the report, 90 to 95 percent of all hospitalizations from the virus have been people who have not received the shot.
Score: -3
Comment: Last in New England? We’ve got to at least catch up to Connecticut.
Covid cancels baseball
Fans missed out on a doubleheader between the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) and Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) that had been scheduled for Sept. 5. According to a press release, the games were canceled to allow for Covid-19 testing and contact tracing, in adherence with Minor League Baseball’s health and safety protocols. The games won’t be made up, and while fans with tickets for the doubleheader can redeem them at the Fisher Cats box office for any remaining home game this season, there are only six home games left.
Score: -2 (one for each game)
Comment:The F-Cats return home Tuesday, Sept. 14, for a series against the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).
Seven-year-old becomes a soccer star
Liam Bascle, a 7-year-old Bedford resident with a rare form of brain cancer, was named an honorary team captain for the Bedford High School soccer team during a scrimmage Sept. 4. According to a WMUR report, more than 1,000 fans came out to support Bascle, who scored 10 goals, including the game’s winning goal on a last-minute penalty kick. The event was organized by Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, which also helped Bascle sign an honorary letter of intent to play for St. Anselm College. Bascle can’t play soccer against kids his own age, according to the report, so the scrimmage helped him live out a dream.
Score: +1
Comment:“I couldn’t be more proud of him, that’s for sure. I’m glad he was able to play soccer the way he wanted to,” Nick Bascle, Liam’s dad, told WMUR.
See the Queen City by bike
The annual “Tour de Manch” bike tour, hosted by the Manchester Conservation Commission, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12, giving you a chance to see sites like Rock Rimmon, the Piscataquog Rail Trail, Nutts Pond Recreation Trail, Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, Lake Massabesic and the Weston Observatory. According to a press release, the event is family-friendly, and participants can take either a 30-mile or 40-mile route around the city. It starts at Eversource Energy Park on North Commercial Street at about 7:30 a.m. and finishes with lunch provided by the Puritan Backroom. Registration is $25 for adults, $10 kids 6 to 13 and free for kids under 6. The registration fee goes directly into the Manchester Conservation Fund, the release said. Visit 2021mhtbiketour.eventbrite.com.
Score: +1
Comment: “The tour is … a great way to show riders a different side of their city they may otherwise never get to see, meet new people from their community and help support a worthy cause in protecting Manchester’s natural resources,” event Chair Nick Golon said in the release.
QOL score: 90 Net change: -3 QOL this week: 87
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Covid-19 news
State health officials announced 444 new positive cases of Covid-19 in New Hampshire on Sept. 3. The state averaged 344 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, an increase of 21 percent over those from the previous week. As of Sept. 3 there were 3,120 active infections statewide and 129 current hospitalizations due to the virus. All 10 counties in the state remain at substantial levels of community transmission.
With a steady rise in cases fueled in part by the delta variant, more people are beginning to seek Covid-19 tests across New Hampshire. Statewide, the weekly average for people seeking tests is more than 6,300, according to a Sept. 3 report from WMUR. Mass testing sites have closed, but there are still more than 100 locations across the state to get a test. Anyone without insurance can go to nheasy.nh.gov to sign up for a free test, as a federal program will cover the cost.
Bleeding ulcer
Following three negative Covid tests, Gov. Chris Sununu was hospitalized on Sept. 3 because of flu-like symptoms. According to a statement from Chief of Staff Jayne Millerick, tests confirmed that his symptoms were caused by a bleeding ulcer, and he underwent a blood transfusion at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Sununu was discharged on Sept. 4 to recover at home.
Crime reduction
The Manchester Police Department has begun some new crime reduction initiatives, including assigning foot patrols to neighborhoods throughout the city and adding investigative resources for violent crime cases. According to a press release, these new initiatives are supported through the Violent Crime Reduction Program within the American Rescue Plan funding, which includes more funding for proactive investigations targeting repeat offenders, and more resources for detectives to conduct intensive follow-ups. In addition, the Department will be holding community meetings each month; the first was held in August and was a success, according to a press release. The police department has partnered with the Manchester Fire Department for these community meetings, and there will be three more introductory meetings this month: Sept. 13 at the Central Fire House, Sept. 20 at Engine 6 on Amory Street and Sept. 27 at Engine 8 on East Industrial Park Drive. All meetings start at 6 p.m. After these initial meetings, there will be meetings every third Monday of the month, the release said, and anyone from the Manchester community is invited to attend. “We are asking for the support of the citizens and ask that residents come to these meetings,” Police Chief Allen Aldenberg said in a release. “It is a chance to talk about concerns, ask questions and report suspicious activity. Preventing and reducing crime involves everyone and if we work together, we can make a difference.”
Texting 911
New Hampshire has implemented a new solution to overcome previous limitations for texting 911 in emergencies. According to a press release, “Texty” by INdigital offers improved information and better location data compared to the first “text-to-911” program that New Hampshire started using in 2015, which gave people the ability to text 911 in cases where speaking may not be possible, like in domestic violence emergencies or with intruders. That first iteration, according to the release, didn’t allow the 911 operator to text back if the first session was disconnected, and it did not have an integrated mapping solution. “Texty” became available to 911 telecommunicators on Aug. 31 and allows them the ability to send outbound texts. It also includes Rapid SOS, which provides integrated mapping based on the exact location of the phone and provides the texter’s cell phone carrier and the latitude and longitude of the phone handset.
Learn everywhere
Three new Learn Everywhere programs — at First Robotics, The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and the Seacoast United Sports Club — have been approved by the New Hampshire State Board of Education, meaning that students can earn high school credit while doing the things they love. “The magic of Learn Everywhere is that it connects with students, where they are already engaged, and captures the learning that is taking place,” Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of Education, said in a press release. “We recognize that learning happens in lots of different places and contexts, and we can reward students for this learning.” According to the release, Learn Everywhere is unique to New Hampshire in allowing students to earn credit for learning outside the classroom.
The North Manchester Hooksett 11/12 All-Stars advanced to the final eight of this year’s Little League World Series, according to a press release. The team became the first New Hampshire team to reach the Little League World Series in 15 years, clinching a trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a 5-0 win over Peabody, Mass., and advancing to the final eight after defeating Nolensville, Tennessee, and Lake Oswego, Oregon.
The first of the Manchester Police Community Affairs Division’s 2021 Fall Senior Walks is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13, at Manchester River Walk – East, meeting at 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel parking lot at 101 S. Commercial St. According to a press release, these walks allow seniors to spend time with Manchester Police Officers while exercising, socializing and exploring different parts of the city. The walks are about 2 to 3 miles and take about an hour. Most walks are held Monday mornings starting at 9 a.m.; the second walk will be Monday, Sept. 20, at Rock Rimmon, meeting behind 327 Kimball St. Visit manchesterpd.com for a full list of walk dates and locations.
Second Chance Ranch Rescue in New Boston is hosting its first annual Pitbull Poker Run on Sunday, Sept. 12, a fundraiser to help the nonprofit provide medical care, training, safety and support to dogs who have been lost, forgotten or misunderstood. According to a press release, the event invites cars and motorcycles to visit five checkpoints, draw a playing card at each one and hope to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Participants can check in at any of the five southern New Hampshire stops after 9:30 a.m. and will need to “show their hand” at Molly Stark Tavern in New Boston by 1 p.m. The cost is $30 per driver and includes lunch at the tavern. Non-riders and passengers can enjoy the lunch for $10. Visit secondchanceranch.com.
Climbing toward a summit can be great for your mind and body. Find out why, and how to do it safely, plus check out a few southern New Hampshire hikes that are just the right amount of challenging.
Also on the cover, the Currier Museum of Art exhibits work from the “ghetto potter,” p. 14. You can’t go wrong with a day of bacon and brews, p. 24, And Andrew North & the Rangers play Stone Church, p. 34.
September is here, which means two things in New Hampshire. First, it’s back to school time. Second, it’s apple season. With so many apple orchards within a short drive, it’s a common weekend outing to pick (or at least buy) locally grown apples.
When you get home with all those apples, you may default to a classic treat, such as apple pie or apple crisp. Why not add another sweet treat to your repertoire, especially when it’s one that can be served as breakfast?! These caramel apple scones are a deliciously indulgent way to start your day. Tender scones filled with chunks of apple and caramel chips are the baked goods you didn’t know you needed.
I have two hints for making these scones. First, use an apple that is tart. The caramel chips add a good amount of sweetness, and a tart apple balances that out. Second, you don’t have to buy buttermilk to make these. You can make your own, using the directions at the bottom of the recipe.
Go get some apples, and then let the baking begin!
Michele Pesula Kuegler has been thinking about food her entire life. Since 2007, the New Hampshire native has been sharing these food thoughts and recipes at her blog, Think Tasty. Visit thinktasty.com to find more of her recipes.
Caramel apple scones Makes 8
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 Tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, diced 3/4 cup caramel chips 3/4 cup peeled, diced apple 3/4 cup buttermilk* 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 Tablespoons sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add butter. Combine dry ingredients using a pastry blender, two forks, or fingers until butter is reduced to the size of peas. Add caramel chips and diced apple to the flour mixture, tossing gently. Whisk buttermilk, egg yolk and vanilla in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl. Add liquids to dry ingredients; mix until dough forms a ball. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and press into an 8-inch round. Cut into 8 wedges. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar. Transfer wedges to rimmed cookie sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes or until the scones are crusty on top and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm.
Notes Instead of using buttermilk, I often combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice and enough milk to equal 3/4 cup. (This can be done with either dairy or non-dairy milk.)
Heading into fall is the perfect time to go for a hike, with less heat and humidity, fewer bugs, and views that turn even more picturesque as the leaves start to change. All of this, along with the physical and mental health benefits, is a recipe for hiking happy. Find out how to do it safely, plus check out four southern New Hampshire hikes that prove you don’t have to hit the White Mountains to get in a challenging — but doable — climb.
Hiking well
Hit the trails for a healthy body and mind
by Angie Sykeny asykeny@hippopress.com
From building muscle strength to lowering stress levels, hiking can have all kinds of benefits for your physical and mental wellness.
“Whether it’s daily, every other day or even just once a week, it’s really worth it for your health to go hiking regularly and spend some time out in nature,” said Lucie Villeneuve, outdoor guide and owner of outdoor guide service Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire.
Traversing a mixed terrain of rocks and boulders, tree roots, hills, streams and other natural landscape elements requires a variety of movements, Villeneuve said, giving you a unique full-body workout that you can’t get on an exercise machine or uniform walking surface.
“You’re using pretty much all of your muscles,” she said. “With every step, you’re twisting your ankles in different directions, and you’re putting the brakes on and off with your legs when you’re going uphill and downhill.”
For the same reason, hiking can lead to better balance, stability and coordination, particularly if you’re hiking a mountain where you may need to do some climbing.
“When you’re going up from one piece of rock to the next on your hands and feet, you’re essentially using your whole body, which really improves your balance,” said Conor Benoit, New Hampshire outdoor guide and owner of CMB Guide Service.
Hiking can also be a great workout for cardio and weight loss, depending on your pace and how rigorous the trail is. You could burn as much as 3,000 calories in a day of hiking, Villeneuve said, not only from the physical exertion but also from your body’s work to regulate your body temperature.
“If it’s hot or cold out, your body is going to burn more calories,” she said.
If you wear a backpack to carry some extra water, snacks and emergency supplies — which you should — that will also enhance your workout, Benoit said.
“A few pounds on your back may not sound like much, but by the time you [finish the hike] you’re definitely going to feel it,” he said.
Unlike working out on an exercise machine that you can turn off at any point, “you can’t just quit halfway” during a hike, Benoit said, which can help you push yourself to new physical limits. Setting a goal with a tangible reward, like reaching an interesting landmark or a place with beautiful scenery, can also motivate you to keep going.
“I’ve seen people consistently impressed with how far they are able to make it,” Benoit said. “When you make that commitment to yourself and have the mindset of ‘I’m so close; just a little farther,’ you see that you can accomplish more than you originally thought was possible.”
Hiking is good not just for the body but also for the mind, Villeneuve said. To get the most out of your hike, she recommends making a conscious effort to “be in the present moment,” push away thoughts about what you’ve got going on back home, and home in on your natural surroundings.
“You need to practice having awareness,” she said. “Use all of your senses to take it in: smell the fresh air; feel the temperature of the air; see the views that are right in front of you.”
Conversely, you could use hiking as an opportunity to “reflect [on] and process” things that have been on your mind, away from technology and other distractions, Benoit said, so that you can return to your home and work life with renewed energy and focus.
“That physical and mental exhaustion really sets you up to be more clear-headed throughout the week,” he said. “You leave [the hike] with less than what you carried in, feeling mentally lighter.”
Fall in line
Hiking safely as summer winds down
By Matt Ingersoll mingersoll@hippopress.com
Photo courtesy of Jake King of Thrive Outdoors in Manchester.
Crisp weather and colorful foliage are great reasons to hit the hiking trails this fall — as long as you’re prepared for a change in the seasons that will bring shorter days and cooler temperatures.
“Fall is my favorite season to hike in behind winter. You don’t have to worry quite as much about sweating and losing all of your moisture,” said Jake King of Thrive Outdoors, a team-building and leadership assessment organization based in Manchester. “At the same time, fall nights get much cooler. … So if you’re stuck, any perspiration or moisture you have is now going to be used against you, whereas in the summer it really does help you cool off.”
One of the most important things to keep in mind when hiking in the fall is that the later in the season, the quicker it will get dark out. With however many hours of daylight you have, King said a good rule of thumb is to give yourself a third of it to get in and two thirds to get out.
“Always give yourself that extra time on the way out,” he said. “A lot of people will like to split it 50/50, thinking they’re going to get out just as quickly as they went in, but then if something goes south, you have no time to play with. … Remember that it’s going to get darker sooner, and then as soon as it does it’s going to get cooler.”
Rick Silverberg, chairman and leadership training coordinator of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s New Hampshire chapter, said the differences in elevation also play a role, as you’re more likely to encounter exposed areas above the trees.
“As soon as you get into those higher elevations, the temperatures get colder … [and] you have a lot more wind,” he said. “In the fall it’s much more dramatic.”
You don’t always have to start your hike dressed in layers. In fact, King said it’s much easier to control your body temperature level by layering up rather than down.
“You should always have a base layer … that sits up against the skin but isn’t too tight, and then a mid-layer and top layer that is wind- and water-resistant,” he said. “Don’t start with all of them on, though. Even if it’s a bit chilly, don’t start warm, because you may find that you’re overheating and once you start sweating, it’s too late. … You’ve broken that seal, so to speak.”
Early on in the fall, you won’t typically encounter a lot of frost. But as the season gets deeper into October and November, morning frost on certain surfaces has the potential to be hazardous.
“A frosty rock can be slippery,” King said. “The other thing to remember is if it starts to warm up during the day, then frost is going to turn into moisture, which is what you want to avoid.”
It’s good to remain mindful too of when specific trails or parks close for the season, which can be any time from mid-September to November depending on where you go.
If you’re heading out for views of the foliage, Silverberg said peak times of the year will differ in the state — far northern areas will usually see their peak a few weeks earlier than those in the south. It will also get colder at night much faster after all the leaves fall from the trees.
Tough but doable
A few challenging, family-friendly hikes
By Meghan Siegler msiegler@hippopress.com
If you’re not ready to tackle the state’s 4,000-footers but want to take a real hike — as opposed to a walk on a rail trail that you could do wearing flip-flops — here are a few peaks in southern New Hampshire.
Mt. Monadnock. Photo courtesy of Matt Ingersoll.
Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey
There are a few ways to get to the top of Mount Monadnock, which stands at 3,165 feet — and none of them is a walk in the park. According to nhstateparks.com, “all routes to the top are steep and rocky.” There are three main access points. Monadnock HQ (169 Poole Road), which provides access to the main trails and is the most direct route to the top, and Old Toll Road (9 Halfway House Road), which provides access to many side trails and alternative destinations, are both 4-mile hikes that take approximately four hours to complete. Gilson Pond (585 Dublin Road) is a longer, less populated trail for hikers who are looking for solitude; it’s 6 miles and takes about six hours.
What it’s really like: “I was probably 12 or 13 years old the first time I climbed Mt. Monadnock, but I’ve seen kids and adults young and old successfully scale it. It’s a perfect moderately challenging day hike that will take you no more than a few hours each way up and down. What’s great about it is that, unlike having just one route to the top and one back down to the bottom, there are multiple inter-connecting trails of varying difficulty that you can take, all of which are very clearly marked and easy to follow. The shortest and simplest ones are probably either the White Dot Trail or the White Cross Trail. The White Dot has a very gradual level of steepness that starts to get a bit rockier near the top, but once you reach past the treelines, the views on a clear day are breathtaking. Personally, I like to go up via the White Dot and down via the White Cross, because the latter trail is a little bit steeper and will make for a quicker descent.” — Matt Ingersoll
If you go: Reservations are strongly recommended in order to secure a parking spot at any of the three trailheads. Visitors who do not make a reservation will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made prior to arrival and no later than 3 p.m. that day at nhstateparks.org. The parking pass costs $15 and includes admission for six people in one vehicle.
Mount Kearsarge, Wilmot & Warner
To get to the summit of Mount Kearsarge, which stands at 2,937 feet and features a fire tower and bald face that offers 360-degree views, there are a few options. From Winslow State Park in Wilmot, there are two trails: the 1.1-mile Winslow Trail and the 1.7-mile Barlow Trail. The former is the more challenging option, while the latter is a more gradual climb and offers vistas of the Andover area, Ragged Mountain and Mount Cardigan. The trailhead has a good-sized picnic area and a playground for kids. The Rollins Trail begins at the picnic area in Rollins State Park in Warner and follows the route of the old carriage road for a half mile to the summit. You could also start at the Lincoln Trail at Kearsarge Valley Road, a 5-mile trail that climbs to the Rollins picnic area.
What it’s really like: “I’ve climbed Kearsarge several times with people of varying levels of fitness. I like that you can go up one main trail and down another so you’re getting different views throughout the hike, and saving your knees from the steeper Winslow Trail if you tackle that first and come down the gentler Barlow Trail. My teenagers both enjoyed this hike, though my daughter kept leaving my son and me in the dust, both on the way up and the way down, and we weren’t exactly taking our time. It definitely feels like a workout on the way up, and I’ve stopped for a few quick breathers no matter who I’ve hiked with. The view at the top is nice, though not quite as spectacular as Mount Major’s, in my opinion.” — Meghan Siegler
If you go: Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online at nhstateparks.org. Parking is limited, but walk-in spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 11, and free for kids 5 and under and New Hampshire residents who are 65 and older.
Mount Major, Alton
The 1.5-mile Mt. Major Trail begins at a parking area on Route 11 in Alton. The trail ascends a steep, severely eroded section and has some steep scrambles near the top. At 1.3 miles there are two alternate routes, one that forks to the right and climbs up steep ledges (potentially dangerous when wet or icy), and a detour that diverges left. The Brook Trail is 1.7 miles and begins at the junction of Mt. Major Trail and Belknap Range Trail. Aptly named, this trail features two brook crossings in higher water where “some very creative rock hopping is required to keep your feet dry,” according to belknaprangetrails.org. From there on the grade alternates between easy and moderate. The Boulder Loop Trail starts at the trailhead parking area on Route 11 and offers a somewhat gentler climb, with portions of it being part of a snowmobile trail. It features large boulders that you pass by and sometimes go through. At the summit, you’ll find the remnants of the George Phippen hut built in 1925.
What it’s really like: “First, the views at the top are amazing, looking out onto Lake Winnipesaukee, so it’s a well-worth-it reward for a hike that’s particularly tough at the end. I’ve done this one a few times, and my kids have been there more than once for summer camp field trips. There are moments during the climb where I wondered how kids managed to make it to the top; it’s certainly not easy. But it’s also a pretty popular hike — during the summer the parking lot is almost always overflowing, with cars parked along the main road, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, try to save this one for a weekday.” — Meghan Siegler
If you go: There’s no fee to climb Mount Major or to park; just be prepared to walk quite a ways from your car to the trailhead on a nice summer day when cars spill out onto the road.
Mount Sunapee, Newbury
The summit of Mount Sunapee, with an elevation of 2,743 feet, can be reached via ski trails or a number of hiking trails, including Summit, Lake Solitude and Newbury. According to mountsunapee.com, you can also hike any of the ski trails during the summer. Summit is a 2-mile trail at the lodge at Mount Sunapee. The Lake Solitude trail starts east of the summit, and it’s about a mile to White Ledges, which overlooks Lake Solitude. From there, Lake Solitude is a 0.6-mile hike from the overlook. The 2-mile Newbury Trail continues from Solitude Trail and does not return to the ski area base. The trailhead is near the southern end of Lake Sunapee off Route 103 in the village of Newbury, approximately 3 miles from Mount Sunapee Resort.
What it’s really like: “I just hiked Mount Sunapee for the first time a few weeks ago, and I’m not sure what took me so long to get there. Summit Trail is beautiful, although after all the rain we’d had earlier this summer, there were quite a few muddy spots. There were also some steep-ish ascents that had my quads burning, but those were nicely balanced with less intense stretches of trail. When we crested the summit, the view was a little underwhelming, and the ski lodge seemed out of place (I don’t ski and apparently had no idea what happens at the top of a ski mountain). However, a little exploration led to a gorgeous view of Lake Sunapee and the quaint little towns around it. I do wish we’d had enough time to check out Lake Solitude, but it gives me a good reason to go back soon.” — Meghan Siegler
If you go: There are no parking or hiking fees here, and parking at the resort is plentiful for an easy in, easy out day hike.
Treks and Trails
Jake King of Thrive Outdoors in Manchester shares some of his favorite hikes to take during peak fall foliage season.
• Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (Country Side Blvd., near Waterford Way, Manchester) • Massabesic Audubon Center Trails (26 Audubon Way, Auburn): “For people who haven’t really gotten out into the wilderness a lot, it’s a good starter experience. It’s flat and easy.” • Nottingcook Forest (Woodhill Hooksett Road and South Bow Road, Bow) • Uncanoonuc Mountains (Mountain Road, Goffstown): “On Uncanoonuc North, you can see bits and pieces of Manchester surrounded by trees, and in the fall, it’s a beautiful sight.” • Welch-Dickey Mountain Trail (Orris Road, Thornton)
Featured photo: Mt. Major in May 2017. Photo courtesy of Matt Ingersoll.
