An alternative route to Pats Peak

[Charlie Schuessler]

Those traveling to Pat’s Peak from Route 3 or 93, an alternative route from Rte. 89 & Rte. 202 (Exit 5) is Exit 2. Off the exit ramp go left onto Rte. 13, straight through to Rte. 77 at the flashing traffic light and a right onto Rte 114 at the stop sign. Pat’s will be on the left in a few miles.

I'm not sure if it's less miles or less time, just an alternative route to avoid traffic and a change of scenery.

 

[ctenidae]

You can use 114 to get to Sunapee as well, same traffic-avoidance benefit, depending on conditions. Your mileage may vary.

 

[hammer]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try it out the next time I go.

Any good alternatives for getting to Crotched? I've always found it a bit tough to get to...

 

[thetrailboss]

Always wondered if there was a shortcut...thanks! :idea:

Regrettably, I can no longer really use it, but oh well. Hard to beat the other route in terms of ease.

I have been known to try 114 all the way from Manchester and oy, what a haul :x

 

[ckofer]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try it out the next time I go.

Any good alternatives for getting to Crotched? I've always found it a bit tough to get to...

Amherst/Milford thru Francestown, you will need a map. Stop at the only stop sign in Francestown or you will get pulled over. Trust me on this one.

93 > 202 > 13s can work if you're coming from the concord area too

 

[Phildozer]

Any good alternatives for getting to Crotched?

Helicopter.

As they say up there...

"Ya cahant get theyah frum heyah."

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try it out the next time I go.

Any good alternatives for getting to Crotched? I've always found it a bit tough to get to...

Amherst/Milford thru Francestown, you will need a map. Stop at the only stop sign in Francestown or you will get pulled over. Trust me on this one.

So Merimack/Amherst/ Mont (not "Mount") Vernon. Just Follow the "Second NH Turnpike"/"Boston Post Road" You'll need a map...and old map.

 

[ckofer]

Precisely. Nowhere in my profile did I share that I grew up in Merrimack.....

I do like that route. It could only be perfected by using references to people who used to live in certain houses about 29 years ago. That's how directions are given around here.

ck, lamenting the loss of the lodge at the base of the old Crotched.

 

[hammer]

I'm getting a route on Mapquest that includes taking the Francestown Turnpike out of Mont Vernon. I'll try that the next time and see how it works out...

 

[ckofer]

It's not a bad route. Subject to frost heaves and a few tricky intersections but with a map you should be okay. Quaint.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

Being a "local" I've found the most efficient route to CROTCHED from Rte 93 or Rte 3 in Manchester is Rte101W to Rte114N in Bedford to Goffstown. AFTER rounding the corner past the Exxon (a weird & funky intersection be careful) make a left onto to Rte13S which will send you to New Boston along River Road. At the 2nd stop sign (Bank North on the corner) make a right onto 77N, then left at the fork climbing the hill onto Rte136W. This will take you up to Francestown where you will make a right onto Rte 47. The ski area parking lot is on the left about five miles. This route is 30-35 miles from the Rte. 293/101 intersection.

Be advised that traveling through Milford, Mont Vernon, Lyndeboro to get to Francestown/Bennington at 30-40 MPH (the posted speed limits with ambitious radar monitoring by the local PD) from the Boston area will extend the agony of driving another 60-70 minutes... :blink:

 

[hammer]

Be advised that traveling through Milford, Mont Vernon, Lyndeboro to get to Francestown/Bennington at 30-40 MPH (the posted speed limits with ambitious radar monitoring by the local PD) from the Boston area will extend the agony of driving another 60-70 minutes... :blink:

Thanks for the input...if one is coming north from Nashua, is there any time to be saved going the backroads? I've taken a route from Manchester (don't remember if it's the one you recommend) and it still takes a while...

In any case, if the cold weather holds and they crank out the snow, I think Crotched will be a good bet by this weekend.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

...if one is coming north from Nashua, is there any time to be saved going the backroads?

There is no easy "back road way" between Nashua & Crotched Mountain without getting borderline close to getting you lost...but here it goes...assuming you know where 101A is off the Everette Turnpike, head west towards Milford. In Amherst, make a right on to Rte 122N and go through one blinking light and straight through the 2nd light into Amherst Village. Go straight through the stop sign at the village store where the road becomes Boston Post Road. Follow this road west straight past the elementary school where it will become Amherst Road left of a small fork (there is a small sign indicating the change).

At the stop sign make a right on to Rte 13N and drive up the Mont Vernon Hill, go past the General Store and after about 2/10 of a mile take the left onto Francestown Turnpike which will bring you directly to Rte 47 in Francestown. These roads are my bicycling training roads.

These are BACKROADS where the speed limit is strictly enforced by the Amherst, Mont Vernon, Lyndeboro, New Boston, Francestown and Bennington Police Departments...and wildlife will run out in front of your automobile without any warning...however this is the least mileage route between Nashua & Crotched Mountain. Enjoy!

 

[hammer]

Thanks much...

 

[ckofer]

If you take that route and are unfamiliar with the area be sure to have the following in your trunk: snowshoes, one of those silvery emergency blankets, firewood, strike-anywhere matches dipped in wax, expensive food rations from EMS and a water purification kit. This is just in case you make a bad turn.

ps If you want to up the challenge level, do this at night for one of the 9pm to 3am sessions.

see Midnight madness :beer:

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

If you take that route and are unfamiliar with the area be sure to have the following in your trunk: snowshoes, one of those silvery emergency blankets, firewood, strike-anywhere matches dipped in wax, expensive food rations from EMS and a water purification kit. This is just in case you make a bad turn...:beer:

I carry the prescribed travel safety kit when I go to Da'Loaf... :wink: