Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
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Chapter: Boston-Manchester-Worcester-Providence

Disclaimer:The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on the GayOutdoors web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on the GayOutdoors web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. GayOutdoors does not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.

SUMMARY:

This is a hike up to Mount Kearsarge with outstanding 360-degree views from its bare summit.

Be prepared to hike with this group as our group motto is: We go in a group and we come out as a group. We will hike at a pace of our slowest hiker.

We will be hiking Mt. Kearsarge [2,937 feet] via the Lincoln Trail and Rollins Trail to the summit of Mt. Kearsarge. The total distance covered is 9.2 miles, it should take approximately 6 hours and the elevation gain is 2,100 feet. On a clear day, skyscrapers from Boston 80 miles away are visible from the firetower on the summit. 

From the parking area we follow the meandering Link Trail around neat looking boulders to hook up with the Lincoln Trail [part of the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail]. We'll be having lunch on Baker's Ledge with views towards Sunapee. Once we reach the Rollins State Park upper lot [currently closed] we'll climb to the summit using the Rollins Trail. The summit is large, open and rocky ~ and greatly exposed to the elements.

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. We will assess travel and weather conditions during our hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

Being prepared, traveling with the appropriate gear and knowing how to use it is your personal responsibility. Test and adjust your gear prior to this trip.

Snowshoes and crampons/micro spikes are a must!! 

NO COTTON CLOTHING ~ Cotton [the death cloth] has no place in the mountains.

After the hike we can drive into Concord, NH for some apres hiking eating/drinking. Bring a change of clothes to change into after the hike. 

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 9-S in Manchester at the Burger King parking lot.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

• From I-89 take exit 10 [sign says "To 114" and there's also a brown sign that says "Winslow State Park"].
• At the bottom of the ramp, head east [right if you were heading north].
• Very shortly you come to a T-stop.
• Go right onto North Road and follow that for 0.4 mile.
• Turn left onto Kearsarge Valley Road and follow that also for 0.4 mile.
• Turn right into a fairly obvious cleared dirt/grass parking area. [This may not be plowed and not so obvious in winter]. If you reach the golf course, you've gone 0.4 mile too far.
• There are no signs at the actual parking area ~ but a trailhead sign is visible just inside the woods from the parking area. It's at about the center of the parking area. If we get there early enough you can look for a blue FJ Cruiser which we'll be driving.

MEMBERS SIGNED UP FOR THIS EVENT:

Active List:
Gandalf Age: 55 Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous Campton , NH United States	Send Email
Wanderer Age: 54 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Somersworth , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
shep5 Age: 46 Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous Jaffrey , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Yes - willing to give guys a ride)
JDNnh Age: 49 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Manchester , NH United States	Send Email I Already Have A Ride
Size8 Age: 46 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Suncook , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
HikerBiker Age: 46 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Londonderry , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (No)
WalkaboutBrian Age: 37 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Barnstead , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
liketodo Age: 38 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate Boston , MA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Yes - possibly willing to give guys a ride)
markus24 Age: 39 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Rockland , MA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
whitemthiker Age: 56 Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy Merrimack , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)