After a brief return to Lisbon [photos] for a conference, I’ve arrived home again to New Hampshire. At my first opportunity, I joined a friend for a hike along the Appalachian Trail here in my hometown of Lyme NH. It is an easy hike up the north slope of Moose Mountain, to a barely discernible ~2300′ summit covered in trees. This trail is pleasant for its gentle climb through hardwood forests to a ledgy summit ridge. Although it has no real views or distinctive features, it holds a special place in my heart because I built this trail. Literally.
As a Dartmouth freshman in 1982, I spent many delightful autumn afternoons learning how to cut and shape a trail through the forest, alongside a dozen other eager ‘shmen and guided by the wise and capable upperclass students in the Dartmouth Outing Club. Sharing hard work with friends, guided by a sense of purpose, building something of lasting value to generations of future hikers, was one of the most meaningful aspects of my Dartmouth career.
Today we had a slight peek through the trees at the summit of Smarts Mountain, which rises further north along the Appalachian Trail, and passed a delightful wetland nestled along the flat ridgeline that calls itself Moose Mountain. I’ve shared just a few photos.
Hike stats: (42nd consecutive weekend hike!)
Distance: 4.65 miles (7.5km)
Time: 2h7m
Gain: 1,377 feet (420m)
GaiaGPS track
Ignore the colored trails at bottom and left.
David Kotz 