Pillsbury State Park Bushwhack and Moose Watch
When:
Sunday, Dec 06, 2020 8:30a -
3:30p
Sunday, Dec 06, 2020 8:30a -
3:30p
Where:
Wellington Revere Beach Pkwy, Medford, MA 02155, USA
Wellington Revere Beach Pkwy
Medford, MA 02155
Admission:
Unknown
Given the grey weather forecast this weekend I figure it would be cool to explore a remote area and try to spot a moose. Pillsbury State Park is located in Washington NH and has an abundance of ponds that are well suited for that. Also, because it's off-season, there are less people, and we will be hiking off-trail for a portion of our adventure, we have a better chance of seeing one than on one of the more popular NH 48 peaks.
The plan is to hike up Bryant Mountain to the end of the Balanced Rock trail. From there we will break off from the trail and hike the ridge of Bryant and Goves Mountains, northwast of North Pond. After following the ridge we will drop down and meet the the Five Summers Trail. From there we have options. We can follow the trail Northwest to Lucia's Lookout or cross the trail and bushwhack to the summit of Little Sunapee and then follow the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway and Bear Pond Trail past a few of the ponds back to the parking area. As a team we can discuss shortening the loop if required during the hike.
This is a loop hike./ bushwhack.
Approximate distance ~ 8 miles (5 on-trail and 3 off-trail)
Total Ascent is approximately - 2100 feet elevation gain
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Here is a map of the route (I will print out a few of these in color to purchase)
What to bring:
PRINTED MAP (as mentioned will have 11x17 printed in color for $2)
Compass (highly recommended but as long as we will already have a couple)
Waterproof hiking shoes (no sneakers)
Microspikes
Gaiters
3 layer clothing system (base, mid, shell (waterproof), no cotton)
Insulated jacket (puffy - down or synthetic)
Hat
Winter Gloves
Headlamp (days are much shorter sunset is at 4:13 PM)
3 liters of water or water treatment method
Snacks and lunch ~1000 calories.
Personal first aid kit
Hand and toe warmers (optional)
extra socks
extra clothing to change into after (mandatory, your clothes will get wet during this hike)
A note about the weather (see conditions for Sunapee which is a bit more North and more exposed than our location). This hike will be happening regardless of the conditions. If you are uncomfortable hiking in rainy or snowy conditions, don't sign up because as of now it looks like there will be some snow flurries which could also be rain/snow mix by the time this weekend comes around. If you are good to go make sure to bring waterproof layers (including gloves, maybe even an extra set of gloves) and an extra set of socks to keep in your bag during the hike just in case.
Expectations:
This is a intermediate to difficult hike. The pace will be slow for the amount of distance covered because about 3 miles will be through unpredictable off-trail terrain with many obstacles. It is expected that you will have a little off-trail hiking experience. You are responsible for having a map of this hike (this is why); this is not a guided hike. You are joining like-minded enthusiasts and are responsible for your own safety and preparedness. Lets make this a memorable trip with multiple moose sightings.
BEFORE SIGNING UP - Please answer these questions if I have never hiked with you before (trip posted by James C.):
Do you have all of the gear mentioned above?
Have you participated in a winter hiking course or have winter hiking experience?
What is your most recent hiking experience (names of mountains, mileage and elevation gain)?
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