Connecticut Lakes, New Hampshire

Anyone have any good sources for info on the CT lakes region? I'll be up there for several days shortly, mostly to restore brain cells lost during ski season. Used to be a pretty hardcore backpacker, but marriage has cured me of that

This is a decompression trip, spend a lot of time at a cabin on a lake reading, sleeping, eating but most importantly away from civi's. When I get really bored, I know I'm cured and I'll get out on the trail again, so I must be prepared. I don't need peaks - I can have just as much fun on a wilderness trail.

I guess I just have to be careful: a) not to get shot at b) not to hit a moose c) not to get fishing lure snared in my eye d)not eat too many black flies (or vica-versa) and e) not to get run over by an ATV or logging truck. So I'm kinda out of my league up there, but that's what I'm trying to accomplish. At least it's not "snow machine" season. There seems to be plenty of room up there, so that we can all stay clear of each other.

I'm told that it is highly likely I will meet many moose anywhere I go. What should I do? Offer him a Caeser Salad?

Seriously, it seems there isn't much written about this region, so right now, I'm just planning on packing the right topos and praying for good weather.
I've read through Cohos.org and it is a good site.

The locals are b@$%ing this week - it's been in the 80's and high humidity.

Bill

p.s., the camp owner told me I have to wash my own dishes. (I didn't tell him I thought it was a pretty big deal to have hot water, indoor plumbing and don't have to bring my own cook stove!) Guess he's heard it all from the flatlanders. Luxo living here we come!

I guess keep an open mind and enjoy!

Here's the info

So I'll answer my own question:
1. "Walks and rambles in the upper connecticut river valley", Mary L. Kibling, Backcountry PUblications, The Countryman press, 1989.
2. USGS topographical maps
3. Web pages:

http://www.northcountrychamber.org/
http://www.northcountrychamber.org/lodging.html
(drill down into each of the camps web pages – they all have various guides, tips, info.
http://www.greatnorthwoods.org/maps/
http://www.cohostrail.org/farnorth.html
http://www.talltimber.com/mountainbike.html
http://www.abragraphics.net/cartography/tours/gnwtour.html
http://www.pittsburgnh.com/
http://docs.unh.edu/towns/PittsburgNewHampshireMapList.htm

These areas generally market themselves to fishermen, hunters, ATV'ers and snowmobilers. It's also an active logging area. So it takes a bit more effort to find the good hiking. Not an area for much peak-bagging, but there still should be excellent summertime hiking without fear of being shot at.

Next year, Greenville, ME and Moosehead Lake.

A drive over to Mt Magalloway is well worth it. The hike is relatively short and the firetower up top offers some excellent views. From there it's a short drive to Upper Garfield Falls which offers some great swimming and some nice rocks to jump off into a deep pool.

-dave-

There is some of New Englands best fishing up in the CT Lakes...and with that come some incredible moose sightings....Enjoy!

Dave,
Thanks for the tips.
I'm planning the Magalloway trek. Now, I'm driving a sedan and I see it's a 6-7 mile drive off of Rte 3. What kind of shape are those roads (to Magalloway and the falls) in? Will my car (with average sedan clearance) make that trek?

I am also planning to bring my canoe, not sure where I'll put in. I hear the largest lakes can be rather windy, so I may just go to some of the ponds nearby.

David Metsky said:

A drive over to Mt Magalloway is well worth it. The hike is relatively short and the firetower up top offers some excellent views. From there it's a short drive to Upper Garfield Falls which offers some great swimming and some nice rocks to jump off into a deep pool.

-dave-

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They are pretty good logging roads. I've seen plenty of minivans and sedans up at Upper Garfield, so if you just keep your speed down you should be fine. Having said that, I haven't ridden (I was on a mountain bike) those roads in at least 5 years.

-dave-

thanks again.

David Metsky said:

They are pretty good logging roads. I've seen plenty of minivans and sedans up at Upper Garfield, so if you just keep your speed down you should be fine. Having said that, I haven't ridden (I was on a mountain bike) those roads in at least 5 years.

-dave-

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Thank you David. It's been a long sabbatical since my last foray onto logging roads - having kids can do that to you... Did hear one person complaining that they got a lot of flat tires. The locals tell me that can happen on freshly graded roads which churn up/create a lot of sharp stones.

Separately, my canoe outfitter was telling me the most cars today are better equipped to carry a full-size canoe than many SUVs. In his experience cars have more tie-down points than many SUVs. Well THAT (and great gas mileage) make me feel good about my 4-door.

I'm outta here tommorrow, bike in tow as well. Oops, better get a spare tube.

Thanks again.