A few comments about the directions and a small directory of local resources.
Pinkham B road is not plowed in the winter even though some of the computer programs think so. A short section in Randolph is plowed, but dead ends.
Mapquest database doesnt know that the northerly section of 115 exists, it insists upon routing you to the Jefferson village, save the miles and go straight to route 2.
The shortcut on the map using RT 302 from I91 to RT 115 is a long slow ride that meanders through the countryside. Nice on a good day but no time saver.
There is a Dolly Copp CAMPGROUND and a Dolly Copp PICNIC area both on the west side of RT 16 about 1/2 mile apart. The Barnes Field Camping area is at end of the road that leads to the campground (you actually drive straight past the turn off to the summer time campground, once you are on the Pinkham B road)
Route 110 - If any of the group is thinking of doing Cabot from the fish hatchery, be aware that finding the turn off to Rt 110 in Berlin is tricky and it runs through a couple of neightborhoods. Not everyone finds it the first or second time.
Local Services in the area
Here are some local services that some folks may want
If you need boot rentals, you have to go south to Ragged Mountain in Bartlett, EMS or IME in North Conway)
Camping and Winter Gear – Moriah Sports – Main street Gorham, good high end selection, (He skis Tuckerman’s most mornings before he opens up). Good source for local info. I do not believe he rents equipment.
Camping and Winter Gear – Gorham Hardware – Main street Gorham, good for some basic gear and for hardware to fix gear.
Winter Gear - Labonville's- across from Walmart- Very heavy duty, warm gear, favorite supplier to loggers.
Snowshoe Rentals – Wilderness Sports – Main street Gorham. I think she rents Yakima recreational shoes.
Supermarket – Shaws on Rt 16 north about 1 mile north of the traffic light where RT 16 north splits from RT 2 west
Walmart – Rt 16 north about 1.5 miles north of traffic light
Breakfasts – Welch’s on main street, Moonlight Café on Exchange street (site of the former Loaf Around bakery)
Cheap Beer – Vashaw’s Variety – Main Street (not very good variety) Shaw’s Supermarkets has the best imports selection (still basic at best)
Pizza and Beer - Mr Pizza - main street Gorham
Great Lunches and Dinners - Northland Dairy Bar - Rt 16 north of Berlin.
Gourmet - Libbys Bistro - favorite of many RMC'ers, the chef owner used to work with Julia Child. Reservations required, $100 for a couple is the norm.
Liquor Store - Main street Gorham across from Mr Pizza
Hospital – Androscoggin Valley Hospital – It is on the north end of Berlin on Rt 16. Drive through downtown Berlin, past the pulp mill, past the Northern Forest Heritage Park and take a right across the river on the second bridge (the first green one is a pedestrian bridge). At the blinking light, go straight up the hill to the emergency room. The nearest hospital south of Barnes Field is in North Conway on Rt 16.