On June 20, the Friday Walkers hiked at Chamberlain-Reynolds. We were grateful for the high winds which kept the bugs at bay! We always choose to do this hike near the end of June as the mountain laurels are in bloom. And there were irises growing at the edge of the boardwalk, which we had not seen before.
On a foggy, sticky Thursday the B Group tackled a 52 With No View...Mt. Isreal. Several of the day's hikers are new to the group and despite the less than ideal conditions enjoyed the challenge!
June 18, 2025
Dear Hikers,
In 1991 a group of dedicated Over the Hill Hikers formulated a list of some of the most rewarding view hikes in New Hampshire on peaks with an elevation below 4,000 feet. When combined with the 48 4,000 footers, this list represented what the OTHH's considered the best 100 hikes in our mountains. Thus, the "52 With a View" list was born.
As trees grew and views changed, the list was revisted every ten years or so. In 2001, Carr was replaced by Black in Jackson. In 2010, Mt. Wolf was "retired" in favor of Mt. Roberts. In 2020, additional changes were made to catch up with an evolving landscape.
Now, every five years or so we review the list and consider changes that will help maintain the essence of the list- 52 wonderful hikes in New Hampshire, WITH VIEWS! That review took place this spring, with a few minor modifications being made to the list.
To be retired:
1. Blueberry Mountain, Benton. Some limited views remain from scattered ledges, but no dramatic views from any vantage point.
2. Starr King, Jefferson. often hiked with its neighboring 4,000 footer Waumbek, Starr King has lost most of it's view.
3. Mt. Martha, Carroll.- see Owlshead below. These joined peaks are being "flipped" since Owlshead has the better view.
To add:
1. Owlshead, Carroll. (3,258 feet)- on the same ridge as Mt. Martha and with a much better view.
2. Iron Mountain, Jackson. (2,723')- returning to the list after a few years "sabbatical". The dangerously worn trail has been rerouted and is wonderful again.
3. Bald Peak, Easton. (2,465')- This lovely hike with a remarkable view west and south replaces nearby Blueberry. It is a dramatic lookout on the trail to the Kinsmans.
Please read "How to get a Patch and our Frequently Asked Questions" for more information.
Seven of us OTHH went off into the woods on a gloomier and more damp day than had been expected, headed for Mt Carrigain. Normally, we'd drive in about two miles from rte 302 on Sawyer River Rd and park at the large lot by the Signal Ridge Trail. This is the second summer of that road being closed at rte 302, due to a large washout about a mile in. Thus our hike started off with a long road walk, with about 400 feet of elevation gain, just to get to the trailhead. From there, it's another 3400+ feet over five miles to the top. In a while, a light rain shower had us covering our packs and donning rain gear. Thereafter, it seemed the trees were dropping sprinkles on us most of the way up. Eventually we were up in the cloud cover, with absolutely no view. After a very quick lunch just below the top, we began the steady descent over the steep, rocky trail that makes up the top three miles. It was nice to see the empty parking lot at the end of the trail, but now we had that two-mile road walk back to the car. How can a road seem uphill even while going down? Anyway, at the end of this 14-mile trek, the skies finally started to drop some more serious rain on us, and it was nice to get into a warm, dry car.
Below, just below the summit, are Carol, Doug, Pam, Pat, and Dick.
