Gunstock Mountain

 Today was picture perfect. I'm finally somewhat recovering from the wretched cold I had, but said to heck with it. The day is too perfect. I headed over to Gunstock Mountain to explore the 2 new trails added since I completed redlining over there a decade ago! Ledges Iron Mine Trail and Marge's Trail are on the backside of Gunstock. I smirked as I passed by the already overflowing trailhead to Mt Major. Love that mountain, but not today thanks. There is a small parking lot off Belknap Mountain Road for Ledges Iron Mine Trail, and I was the only car there. I ended up only seeing people on the Gunstock summit (obviously since the chairlift is in operation), a few people on Gunstock Mountain Trail and 4 people on Ridge Trail. A car arrived as I was leaving.. so basically, perfect. Ledges Iron Mine Trail starts up from the get go and continues the entire way. I've had a couple of 1000ft or near gains in elevation over the past year, but it's been a solid year since I went well over 1000ft.. so that, combined with coming off a cold, and it was slow going. But honestly, I didn't mind at all, because it was just so beautiful out, when I needed to stop and rest I just looked around and enjoyed the beautiful colors around me. The first half mile is up, but not too bad.. and right at half a mile or so is one of the most beautiful ledges I can remember visiting. I've seen it referred to as Sunset Ledge. I could have sat there forever. From here Marge's Trail and Iron Ledges Mine Trail combine for a short distance before breaking off. I took Ledges Iron Mine Trail up, which is a bit shorter and steeper. Definitely a descent little climb up, passing 2 former sites of iron mining from way back in the day. Once up at Ridge Trail, I decided to continue the quarter mile or so to the Gunstock summit. It was busy, so I didn't linger. Back on Ridge, I continued back and passed Ledges Iron Mine Trail, descending down to Marge's Trail. Opposite Marge's Trail is a short spur up to a ski trail with gorgeous views over the lake. What goes up, must come down, and by then my legs were toast. It was slow going as well as it was really leafy, and I'm always afraid of slipping. Overall a 12/10 day. 

Strava Activity

trailhead off Belknap Mountain Rd

Ledges Iron Mine Trail at Ridge Trail

heading up Ridge Trail to Gunstock summit

hiking trail off the Summit on the right in the woods

view spur on Ridge Trail opposite Marge's Trail

Sunset Ledge

Sunset Ledge

Sunset Ledge

Ponemah Bog

 Walk number 2 of the day was a short drive over to Amherst. By now it was raining lightly, but that added to the ambiance somewhat. Ponemah Bog and Wildlife Sanctuary includes a 0.8 mile trail that is mostly wooden planks through the bog with a couple of spurs to viewing points over the pond. A short woods walk to reach this point brings you to a viewing platform towards the pond, then a loop that they direct you in a clockwise direction. The colors were quite pretty and some ducks were enjoying the rain and mud in the water. I didn't linger too long due to the rain and already being down with a cold myself, but I enjoyed this short walk immensely. 

Strava Activity

first of 3 viewing spurs around the pond

second view spur

third view spur

Kendall Ledge

 It was a gorgeous weekend, but I've been wrecked with a cold. I couldn't get out yesterday and just needed some fresh air today. So, I took advantage of a couple super short walks on my redlining spreadsheet while I had little energy. First up was Kendall Ledge in Temple, sometimes called White Ledge.. but the AMC Guide refers to them as Kendall Ledge. Basically a half mile walk up an old road to some ledges that overlook the greater Bedford/Manchester area. The colors were super pretty. The temps were perfect. I saw no one. It just started to sprinkle as I headed back down, but the overcast day actually made the colors pop a little more. If I lived nearby, I could imagine spending quite a bit of time up there just relaxing and enjoying the peace and views. 

Strava Activity

kiosk at small parking area