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.

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

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Chandler Reservation

New area for me today. I had hoped for some sweeping views as the colors are in rare form this year.. no views, but I saw no one until the very end of the day in the parking area, so that's a win for me. Chandler Reservation is quietly tucked into a corner of Warner. The crowds are at Kearsarge, which makes sense. I thoroughly enjoyed my hike here though. I started at the Woods Walk kiosk and went up the "left side" of the loop. Took Chandler Trail up to Cross Minks Trail. Moderate little ascent at the end of that. From here, I turned right and descended, rather steeply, to Bean Road. Short road walk and up White Trail. This started as an old woods road and was rather overgrown, but still had a visible herd path in the middle. It then became a more traditional trail and ascended again rather steeply back up to Cross Minks Trail. As much as I would have liked to complete the whole trail network here, I knew there was quite a bit of elevation gain on the remainder of Cross Minks Trail to Howe Lane, so I opted to save that for another day. Instead I turned left and headed up another short, steep climb to the summit of what the sign indicated was Chandler Mink, but Peakbagger has it labeled Mink Hills. Either way, super pretty summit, even if it was wooded. An American flag flies proudly just next to a fire pit area. There is a fallen flag tower with stone base just further along. I continued back to Chandler Trail, descended and then completed the Woods Walk back to the car. There was another car parked when I returned, but I never saw the occupants. The only person I saw all day was a local lady walking along the street. I look forward to returning and completing Cross Minks Trail.

Strava Activity