Kurchian
Member
We have a list for best summit views and toughest trails, why not a list of most attractive trailheads and environs?
I climbed Passaconaway and Whiteface recently and I was struck by how nicely the Wonalancet Out Door Club (WODC) maintains the Ferncroft trailhead area. The sand parking lot is large and well-groomed. The kiosk is attractive, up-to-date and timely.
Not only is there a porta-potty but it is a clean porta-potty. As relucatant as I usually am to even open the doors of these things, I chanced it. Voila! It was clean and it didn't smell like sewage treatment plant.
But wait, there's more! As you leave the trailhead you walk along a dirt road past attractive typical white New Hampshire houses. The scenes you see are pastoral and very attractive. At first, I was chagrined that I had to walk along a dirt road for a half mile, as I was eager to begin the hike. I finally realized that this was "part of the hike" and I relaxed and took in the "views".
It is also gratifying that the private land owners have no problem with the trails going directly through their properties. There is even a sign at one point that says "Hiker's Welcome" located on a homeowners property.
So, although I have only nabbed 20-something of the highest 48, the Ferncroft trailhead and the approach to the Blueberry Ledge and Dicey's Mill trails has my vote for most attractive trailhead.
I climbed Passaconaway and Whiteface recently and I was struck by how nicely the Wonalancet Out Door Club (WODC) maintains the Ferncroft trailhead area. The sand parking lot is large and well-groomed. The kiosk is attractive, up-to-date and timely.
Not only is there a porta-potty but it is a clean porta-potty. As relucatant as I usually am to even open the doors of these things, I chanced it. Voila! It was clean and it didn't smell like sewage treatment plant.
But wait, there's more! As you leave the trailhead you walk along a dirt road past attractive typical white New Hampshire houses. The scenes you see are pastoral and very attractive. At first, I was chagrined that I had to walk along a dirt road for a half mile, as I was eager to begin the hike. I finally realized that this was "part of the hike" and I relaxed and took in the "views".
It is also gratifying that the private land owners have no problem with the trails going directly through their properties. There is even a sign at one point that says "Hiker's Welcome" located on a homeowners property.
So, although I have only nabbed 20-something of the highest 48, the Ferncroft trailhead and the approach to the Blueberry Ledge and Dicey's Mill trails has my vote for most attractive trailhead.