Lincoln Woods Trail to Close in August for Repairs

Campton, NH – The Lincoln Woods Trail, located off the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln, NH was severely damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.While the Forest was able to stabilize the trail for short-term use, a section of this popular trail requires extensive restoration. Beginning in early to mid-August 2013, the section of the Lincoln Woods Trail, from the west side of the suspension bridge to the Osseo Trail junction, will be temporarily closed while repairs are underway. The exact dates of the closure will be announced later this month. The expected duration of this project will be six to eight weeks. The Eastside Trail, located on the east side of the river, will be open for day hikes and to access the Pemigewasset Wilderness; however hikers should note there is no bridged crossing of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River via this route and plan accordingly.

Pemigewasset District Ranger Jon Morrissey explains, “High water from Irene eroded the river bank causing the edge of the trail to wash into the river. Approximately 500 feet of the Lincoln Woods Trail which follows along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, will be realigned away from the eroded river bank to a safer and more sustainable location.”

While the trail is closed for repairs, hikers will have to consider alternate routes which may increase distances to destinations. Please recognize this closure may affect the ability to complete other popular hiking routes such as the Pemi Loop and restrict access from the Lincoln Woods Trail to popular destinations such as Franconia Falls, Bondcliff, Thirteen Falls Tentsite, and the summit of Owl’s Head. Signs will be posted at trailheads with details about the closure while the project is underway and updated information can be found at on the website.

The Lincoln Woods trailhead parking lot and Visitor Center are located off the Kancamagus Highway, 5 miles east of I-93, Exit 32 in Lincoln NH.

Fall Foliage: Thoughts, Answers, and some more useful (or less) information

(Updated Oct. 20, 2012)

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION 

If you’d like to see foliage in the White Mountains region, you need to get up there as soon as possible. Our leaf peepers here are reporting the last traces of peak color, with lots of falling leaves swirling around the landscape. With the bright reds and oranges gone, the majority of the remaining colors are rusts and yellows. Try viewing the colors during sunrise or sunset to boost up the glow a bit. Traveling the Kancamagus Highway along Route 112, Franconia Notch on Route 93, and Crawford Notch along Route 302 will reward the traveler with beautiful views no matter what the foliage is doing.

LAKES REGION

Look for peak fall color in the Lakes region right now! The vibrant reds, bold oranges and strong yellows are everywhere, and panoramic views will not disappoint those looking for the deepest colors of autumn. Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded with stunning foliage, as are the other bodies of water in this area. Although you will see some bare trees, the majority of what is left are pastel oranges, yellows and bright greens sprinkled with hot pinks, all against a warm blue sky. You can’t go wrong no matter which road you take in your travels, but here are a few particularly scenic drives: Routes 3, 11 and 28 along the southern part of the region; Routes 25, 109 and 113 along the northern edge; and Route 171 from Ossipee to Moultonborough.

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

The fall foliage show is pretty much over in the Great North Woods region. Most of the colored leaves are scattered across lawns, fields and meadows, and what’s left on the trees is mainly burnished browns and shades of gold and amber. The good news is, the views are wide open and expanded with so many bare trees. Photographers will benefit from the cleared scenic vistas. Wildlife will be easier to spot as well. Increase your chances of seeing moose by traveling Route 3 from Colebrook to Pittsburg, and Route 26 through Dixville Notch. Use caution and keep your distance from these wild animals; they are very unpredictable during this rutting season. 

There are so many resources to find out when the leaves are changing.  I will attempt to list some of the ones that I find to be most useful.

Yankee Magazine has a tremendous website dedicated to Fall Foliage, not just for New Hampshire, but all of New England.  http://www.yankeefoliage.com/

The State of New Hampshire has a Fall Foliage report that can be found by clicking on the following link http://www.visitnh.gov/foliage/.

There are numerous scenic drives which one can choose.  I have been known prefer many of the back roads that the region has to offer.  My advice is that if you see a dirt road, take it.  You never know what you may find, it could be wildlife such as a Moose or a spectacular pond with the colors reflecting.  Here are some scenic choices for you:


A MULTI-NOTCH MOUNTAIN RIDE (approx. 142 miles)
This loop has several variations. From Conway, turn west on Rt. 112, the Kancamagus Highway (locals call it the Kanc), which offers 37 miles of stunning mountain scenery through the White Mountain National Forest.
In Lincoln, you can either turn north onto I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and its soaring mountain peaks, then onto Rt. 3 to Twin Mountain and the junction with Rt. 302 OR you can continue west on Rt. 112 through Kinsman Notch to Rt. 302, which heads to Bath, Lisbon, Littleton, Bethlehem, Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods, home of the Mount Washington Hotel . Rt. 302 continues east through Crawford Notch and past some of the most spectacular scenery in the East. In Bartlett, you can turn south on Bear Notch Road, a seasonal road that connects to the Kancamagus Highway west of Conway ; or you can join Rt. 16 in Glen and follow it back to your starting point in Conway.
If you turn north on Rt. 16 in Glen , you'll go through Pinkham Notch , past the Mt. Washington Auto Road the Ride to the Sky to Gorham and the Great North Woods Ride.

Scenic Byways
Kancamagus Highway
Rte. 112, Conway to Lincoln. Part of the White Mountains Trail. Passes through the White Mountain National Forest. Colonial history and forest ecology experiences offered along the way at the Russell Colbath Historic Site and Forest Discovery Trail.
Presidential Range Tour
Rte. 116, Littleton to Whitefield, then Rte. 3 to Lancaster to Rte. 2 E to Gorham, then Rte. 16 S to Glen, Rte. 302 W to Littleton. Four state parks, numerous scenic vistas and historic villages.
River Heritage Tour
Rte. 3, North Woodstock to Rte. 175 to Waterville Valley, then Plymouth Rte. 25 and 25C to Warren and Piermont, then Rte. 10 to Haverhill to Rte. 135 and Woodsville to Rte. 112 to North Woodstock. Superb views, river recreation, agricultural heritage, period architecture. White Mountain Trail Make a loop along the Kancamagus Highway to Rte. 16N to Glen and Rte. 302 West to Rte. 3 South to I-93, the Franconia Notch Parkway to Kancamagus Highway. Views include Mount Washington, Mount Washington Resort, mountain cascades, wildlife and the Appalachian Trail.
White Mountain Trail
The White Mountain Trail is a 100-mile route offering rugged mountain scenery, three historic "notches,? 7 covered bridges, roadside waterfalls, 32 scenic outlooks and historic and interpretive sites. The trail loops from Rte. 302 to 16, 3, I-93 and 112.

Lumberjack Competition on September 30, 2012

The 13th Annual Lumberjack Festival & Competition features fast and competitive action. Last year’s event attracted 75 competitors in several challenging events.
The day will start at 6:00 AM with a Lumberjack Breakfast prepared by Tri-County CAP’s outstanding chefs from Bethlehem, NH's Friendship House! Events such as cross-cut, modified chainsaw, stock chainsaw, women and men’s axe chop, women and men’s axe throwing, standing block chop, 2 person log rolling and more are sure to thrill! There will be a Log Rolling (Burling) contest and metal fishing derby for children, along with other children’s games.

A $7.00 admission fee for 12 years and older will be charged at this event. Under age 12 admitted free while accompanied by a paying adult.

A Timely Reminder

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  A timely reminder: The combination of a mild winter and abundant fall food, specifically beechnuts, has caused bears to be more active this winter compared to winters in the past. Females with cubs continue to den and have remained inactive. However, young bears and males have been out and about in different parts of the state in recent weeks.

  
  

   Bears den primarily as a response to periods when ...food is limited. Weather plays less of a role. Given that food remains very available, bears have been more active than normal. 

  
  

   There really is no harm for the bear to be active during winter. If they were having difficultly finding food or were food stressed, they would return to a den. 

  
  

   In any event, anticipate that bears will likely be out early this spring so be vigilant and take down bird feeders at the appropriate time.

White Mountain National Forest Junior Snow Ranger Event Hosted By Local Ski Areas

News from our friends at the White Mountain National Forest:



Campton, NH – On January 27 White Mountain National Forest Rangers will take to the slopes of Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Attitash, Great Glen Trails and Bretton Woods to share the new Junior Snow Ranger Activity booklet with local school children.



The activity book is designed for elementary school children, particularly 4th and 5th graders. Both outdoor and indoor activities are included in this colorful publication. Topics include: personal safety, wildlife, winter ecology, snow science, and recreation. The role of a Forest Service snow ranger, the use of rescue dogs, and the continued importance of wildfire prevention during the winter are highlighted in the book. After completing the fun activities, children will receive a card, a patch, and a certificate of completion.



One of the highlights of the day will be a demonstration by Cutler the Forest Service Avalanche Rescue Dog. Skiers at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH will have the opportunity to meet Cutler, and watch Cutler and Snow Ranger Chris Joosen demonstrate how Cutler locates avalanche victims.



Junior Snow Ranger activity books will be available at all National Forest visitor centers, contact stations, the White Mountain National Forest website www.fs.fed.us/r9/white and the Learn to Ski and Snowboard website at http://www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org/



In addition to the event scheduled in New Hampshire on January 27, Snow Ranger events are also being planned in Colorado, Vermont, Idaho, Montana, and Michigan. Activities will be filmed and photographed at each location, and the footage will be compiled into a video news release to be posted on the USDA YouTube channel. Junior Snow Rangers are encouraged to post photos of their winter activities to the Woodsy Owl Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/woodsyowl throughout the season.



The US Forest Service Junior Snow Ranger program mission is to inspire youth to embrace a life-long relationship with the winter environment and to become stewards of the land.



For more information visit the White Mountain National Forest website at: www.fs.fed.us/r9/white

Cut your own Christmas Tree in the White Mountain National Forest

White Mountain National Forest Christmas Trees

Campton, NH - Cutting your own Christmas tree can be an enjoyable adventure for the

entire family. This year you may want to plan a visit to your National Forest!Bundle up,

make a lunch, bring your handsaw or ax and look for that special tree. You will need a

permit, sharp saw, thermos of cocoa and a little patience.

A Christmas tree permit can be purchased for $5 from the White Mountain National

Forest. Offices are located in Campton, Lincoln, Gorham and Conway NH. A reminder

that the Androscoggin Ranger Station in Gorham, NH is offering limited services due to

building maintenance and is closed on the weekend. The Saco Ranger District in

Conway, NH is also now closed on weekends. Please plan ahead for any informational

needs and permits. For more information about the White Mountain National Forest,

office hours, and recreation opportunities - including recreation and road closures due to

storm damage - visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/white.

Several different types of evergreen grow in the White Mountain National Forest. Many

people prefer the balsam fir because of fragrance and needle retention. Others prefer

the spruce because of the fullness of the branches and the classic shape. Keep in mind

that a wild tree may not have the perfect appearance of a commercial tree. Be

prepared to do some real searching. Somewhere out there is your ideal Christmas tree!

Please remember:

• Trees are for personal use only, not for resale. Each family may cut one tree

per permit.

• Use only hand tools to cut Christmas trees. Chainsaws are not permitted.

• Make sure you are on National Forest land. Respect the rights of landowners

when crossing private property.

• Do not cut trees in or near campgrounds, picnic areas, Experimental Forests,

Wilderness, timber sale areas, or within 100' of a state highway. When you purchase

the permit ask if there are any known "off limit" areas.

• Do not cut trees larger than 8" in diameter at chest height. Pack down limb piles

low enough so they are within 2' of the ground. Scatter limbs and wood at least 25 feet

away from roads, streams, hiking trails, and property boundaries.

• Cut your tree so remaining stumps will be less than 10" in height.

• Attach your tree tag after cutting and before transporting your tree.

Be prepared for winter -- dress appropriately in warm clothing, and make your day a

safe one!

Seasonal Road Closures

11/1/11  Bear Notch Road is closed for the winter.  No more short cut until Spring.  For other season road updates please click here.

Fall Foliage Photo Contest

The State of NH is hosting a Fall Foliage Photo Contest.  Please click the link to be taken to the contest website.http://fall.visitnh.com/

Concord, New Hampshire, September 21, 2011 – New Hampshire tourism officials announced

today the launch of a new “Picture Perfect” Foliage Photo Contest to encourage visitors and

residents to show off the beauty of fall in New Hampshire. Photo winners will be selected in each of

the seven tourist regions in the state: Great North Woods, White Mountains, Dartmouth/Lake

Sunapee, Lakes, Monadnock, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

“Photo contests are a great way to showcase and promote New Hampshire’s scenic beauty and the

wide array of fall activities to enjoy here,” said Lori Harnois, director of the Division of Travel and

Tourism Development (DTTD). “We want photos from each region of our state that demonstrate

the colorful and amazing views, as well as all the outdoor activities to enjoy, such as corn mazes and

harvest festivals, or visits to the pumpkin patch or a mountain or lakeside hike. Show us how much

there is to love in fall in New Hampshire!”

The contest will run from September 21st – October 31st. Participants can upload their photos to the

contest website at fall.visitnh.com. Visit the website for the official rules, to upload pictures, and

check out links to explore all the great fall activities in New Hampshire.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges based on creativity, quality, and originality of

submission. Winners will be selected and announced the first week of November, 2011.

“We encourage all of our industry partners around the state to promote the contest to their guests by

sharing information on their web sites or email newsletters, or through social media,” said Harnois.

“We also want everyone to know that our foliage tracker is now available online at

visitnh.gov/foliage and visitors can view peak leaf peeping days by region. So grab your camera, see

the sights, and celebrate the fall season in New Hampshire!”

Visit the contest website today at fall.visitnh.com for more details on how you can win one of seven

great prizes.

Attractions Update Hurricane Irene

5:50pm UPDATE

Lost River Gorge We're excited to announce that Lost River Gorge will partially open at 9am on Tuesday August 31st with access to Cave of Odin, Devil's Kitchen, Center of the Earth and the new boardwalk extension. Many thanks to Martin Forestry Consulting out of New Hampton, NH, Dan Mitchell Builders out of Lyndonville, VT and Lost River staff for all of their hard work!! Debris from Hurricane Irene has been removed and the boardwalk is under repair.
Our goal is to be fully operational by the weekend.

4:00pm UPDATE

New Hampshire road closures update from the NH DOT. Click Here

Conway Scenic Railroad Update Four major areas of damage have been identified between Intervale and Hart's Location. Private contractors with equipment and manpower have been hired and put in place to systematically put the railroad back in operating order. Repairs have already begun. We expect to be able to operate the Bartlett Train in approximately 2 weeks and be fully operational by Railfans' Weekend. As always, we're moving forward!



12Noon UPDATE 8/30/11

There are many locations that are still closed in the White Mountain National Forest For a list of places closed in the White Mountain National Forest please clcik this link:http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/conditions/closures_08292011.pdf

To check on Road Conditions in the White Mountain National Forest click here.

To check on Campground conditions for the White Mountain National Forest please click here.

To check on Huts run by the Appalachian Mountain Club please click here.


For a list of roads closed in the state of New Hampshire please click here

Santas Village The park is up and running today. We will be open 9:30-5. It is a great day to splash down the Yule Log Flume, ride Rudy's Rapid Roller Coaster, take a spin on the SS Peppermint Twist and learn to fly at Loopin' Louie's Flying School. Enjoy a gingerbread cookie, fresh made fudge and a slice of pizza. IT'S CHRISTMAS TODAY!

Franconia Notch State Park Update:
Flume Gorge OPEN 9-5
Cannon Tramway: OPEN 9-5
Echo Lake Beach: OPEN 10-5
Lafayette Campground - All sites & services OPEN - call: 877-NHPARKS
...Cannon RV Park - OPEN call 877-NHPARKS
The Basin - CLOSED for path repairs.
All other FNSP trails and waysides: OPEN.
Recreation Path: Open

Loon Mountain
Good Morning and what a beautiful morning it is! We are OPEN for business today so come on by and enjoy the day. Please note, the main bridge is closed. Follow the sign at South Peak Resort in Lincoln to get to Loon Mountain. Thanks!

Hobo Railroad Unfortunately, the tracks are still not ready for trains. Please keep your fingers crossed and maybe they will be ready on Wednesday. :)

Attitash Ski Area Great news! Staff worked hard today to clean up after flooding and we'll re-open Alpine Slides, scenic chair, waterslides, Buddy Bear's Playpool, climbing wall, & Eurobungy Wednesday, August 31. Unfortunately, more work required to re-open downhill mountain bike trails and horseback trails remain under water, so will not be open Wednesday. The biggest hit is that it may be weeks before we can re-open the Mountain Coaster, but silver lining is that it was primarily only base area erosion.

Lost River Crew members and staff worked hard on Monday in the gorge to remove debris left from Hurricane Irene. Water levels still remain high in the gorge though. We are opening the the main building, gift shop and mining sluice tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9am. Our goal is to get part of the lower gorge open for Wednesday and be fully operational by the weekend. Please check back here for further details as they become available.

Mount Washington Auto Road After assessing the damages to the Auto Road we anticipate opening later this week. We will keep you updated as often as we can. Stay safe with any of your efforts to clean up.

Conway Scenic Railroad Conway Scenic Railroad is running, and all departures this week will be to Conway. Due to track damage that's been identified as a result of Irene, we don't expect to have the Bartlett and Notch trains in operation this week. We'll continue to post updates as we have them.

Bretton Woods and Mount Washington Resort Access to Mount Washington Resort and Bretton Woods is a little limited at the moment, but the Bretton Woods Adventure Center is open today, and we hope to have the two golf courses open tomorrow to try to bring a little fun back to the lives of those in the area.









5:00pm UPDATTE 8/29/11

I have been able to find out the following updates on the attractions:

Route 16 is open thru Pinkham Notch.

THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/

Hobo RR & Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train Hope to operate on Saturday

Mount Washington Auto Road Hopes to re-open late this week

Conway Scenic Railroad The 4th Iron Bridge (Route 302) is gone, but the trestle is fine. Our crew went over it going to and returning from Crawford Station this afternoon. Based on preliminary inspections, the tracks in Bartlett suffered the most damage from the storm. We'll have more details to report tomorrow, and possibly some pictures, too. Wishing all of our neighbors and friends a speedy recovery from Irene! The Conway Valley Train is running, and the 11:30 departure is boarding now. All departures this week will be to Conway: 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:30, and 6:00. No dining car service today or tomorrow due to access issues with our restaurant partner, Attitash in Bartlett. Due to track damage that's been identified, we don't expect to have the Bartlett and Notch trains in operation this week. We'll continue to post updates as we have them. Thanks, Everyone, for your good wishes and support!

Loon Mountain . Due to the heavy storm with Hurricane Irene, Loon is closed Monday, Aug. 29. We plan to reopen tomorrow, August 30! KEEP IN MIND THAT THE ENTRANCE WILL MOST LIKELY BE THE COOPER MEMORIAL BRIDGE BEHIND SOUTH MOUNTAIN

Squam Lakes Science Center Good news! We had a few branches down but did not sustain any major damage. We will open today at noon so stop by for a visit! We will not have any lake cruises or Up Close to Animals presentations but the trails will be open at noon.



This is why the Kancamangus Highway is closed. This scene below is repeated numerous times all the way over to North Conway. Photo taken by Lorna Colquhoun
























Franconia Notch State Park - UPDATE:
- Flume Gorge re-opens Monday @ Noon
- Lafayette Place opens Monday Afternoon. Full facilities open Tuesday.
- Paved Rec Path is open.
- Artists Bluff Trail and Pemi Trail are open.
...- Waysides are open.
- Cannon RV Park opens today, available for overnight tonight.
- Cannon Aerial Tramway reopens on Tuesday @ 9am
- The Basin & trails reopen on Tuesday.
- Echo Lake Beach reopens on Tuesday.
Camping Reservations: 877-NHPARKS Park Info: 603-823

Please click on this Link for more information regarding White Mountain Attractions:
http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/uploads/images/pdfs/HurricaneIrene_2011.pdf

Weeks Act Centennial Festival July 29th

The Weeks Act, passed in 1911, is marking its 100th Anniversary. The Weeks Act authorized the Federal purchase of land which has since helped to create 52 National Forests, including the White Mountain National Forest. These valuable forests now provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, forest products and so much more.

We are celebrating this important legislation and milestone at the Weeks Act Centennial Festival on July 29th. There will be areas of activity to enjoy in several Pavilions at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

The Main Pavilion will highlight partnerships in conservation, recreation, and a White Mountain Marketplace that showcases area services, products and attractions. The Main Pavilion will also host the stage where music, comedy and storytelling will be presented.

The Forest and Family Experience Pavilion will have many hands-on, family-friendly activities, including Hike Safe instruction, Junior Ranger activities and forest explorations. You will find forestry demonstrations from past and present, watch craftsmen create their wares from wood, and learn about all that the forests have to offer at the Woodlands Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be available all day long under the Festival Food Pavilion.

This free, public event is part of a coordinated New Hampshire effort celebrating the Weeks Act Centennial and honoring the tradition of conservation and partnerships exemplified by the Act.