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Summer hiking on Catamount Trail?
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Written on: Sat Jun 25, '11 3:08 pm
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westernbug
Topic creator
registered since: 25.06.2011
Posts: 2
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Hi, I found one old post on this from a few years back: www.catamounttrail.org/forums/posts/general-discussion/just-wondering/ I'm planning to begin a hike on foot out of Londonderry in a few weeks, and contemplating heading south on the Catamount Trail from Route 11 at Landgrove Hollow Rd (middle of section 7) to hook up with the Long Path at Stratton Pond (middle of section 5). According to the link above, there are two main problems to consider: Trail conditions not optimized for foot traffic, and landowner easements that exclude summer use. Obviously the second point is non-negotiable, but by my map reading this particular route appears to be all state land or road walk. Can anyone comment on this? Thanks! [This article was edited 1 times, at last 25.06.2011 at 15:09.] |
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Written on: Sun Jun 26, '11 7:48 am
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Lynn Fisher
registered since: 14.11.2007
Posts: 67
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Hi and thanks so much for asking! North of Section 5 I do not believe that, for the most part, the CT is suitable for hiking. Very often the permissions that the CT arranges to maintain the trail specify that the trail is for Winter use only. And, you're totally right, the footing will likely be terrible, there will be standing water, and the annual weeds will be deep. I think you'd be happier sticking to the Long Trail and bonafide hiking trails for lots of reasons. And, you wouldn't be in danger at putting the Catamount Trail at risk for violating the conditions under which it's maintained. I'll forward your query to the chiefs of these sections in case there's some additional insight. Have fun hiking, and maybe we'll see you in the winter! Lynn |
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Written on: Sun Jun 26, '11 3:11 pm
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Lynn Fisher
registered since: 14.11.2007
Posts: 67
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Here are some tips from Andrew Harper, who's a trail chief in that area: "Section 7 So. of Rt 11 will have many very wet places--rubber boots advised. Otherwise the rest should be doable. Section 6 is hikable but will have a few wet places. Section 5 is very hikable and enjoyable except for the southern 2 miles of it , which are often flooded (but there's no need to go there since the GMC's Stratton Pond trail parallels it)." Hope that helps! |
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Written on: Sun Jun 26, '11 3:33 pm
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westernbug
Topic creator
registered since: 25.06.2011
Posts: 2
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Thanks so much for checking into this for me! I won't have the luxury of rubbers & don't want to get all sodden on the first day out, so I'll probably just walk or hitch up 11 to the Long Trail. Very much hoping to ski the whole CT as soon as winter schedule timing allows. Thanks again, wb |
