Coos Conversations

Wonderful news for hikers in Coos County

Roger Brooks may think there are 7 wonders of Coos County, but to me there are many more and one of them is the incredible hiking trails and the accessibility of the mountains. From the wonderful trails of the Randolph Mountain Club to the many trails of the National Forest, Coos County is a great place to see nature up close. Now we have good news about  one of the best trails in the North Country, the Cohos Trail which winds for miles from the Canadian border, up 4,000ft mountains and thru the grounds of two grand hotels. Earlier this year we had heard that there was not enough money to keep the effort going, but as of last weekend, it had received enough of a boost from volunteers and donors to keep it open. 

Thank you, Randolph Mt. Club

Despite my uncomfortable experience with acrophobia on the top of Mt. Crescent, I have to say a very big thank you, as PeteB pointed out, to the Randolph Mtn. Club. Their network of trails is amazing and very easy to follow, even for a flatlander like me. The ability to run out the back door and be in the middle of some of the most beautiful territory in the world is a very special gift for which we owe the RMC a very big thank you. For more photos of my runs check this out.

A very long way for a beautiful view and a full on panic attack

Last Saturday morning on the top of my "ToDO" list you would have found "Climb Mt. Crescent." It was right out the back door and I was told it was about a two-hour hike. So I took off through the woods, down the road and up the Mount Crescent Trail -- which was a beautiful path going through a field of ferns and past gentle brooks. Just my speed -- a nice gradual climb. That was the first hour. The second hour things got a bit steeper. Then they got alot steeper. After crawling up rock faces for awhile and wondering how crazy I was, I finally reached the summit around 10 am. It was worth it, sort of.. as I looked out at the entire gorgeous Mt. Washington Valley, my knees started to shake and I couldn't move .. somewhere along the line I'd forgotten that  I was terrified of heights. All I could think of was "How did I get here and how am I ever going to get down." the problem with the descent was that instead of focusing on the hill above me, I could actually see how steep the drop offs were.

With only one fall, I did eventually make it down and was very glad to be there. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, but it's not often I get to cross "climb a mountain" off my to do list before lunch.

Exploring Coos County Trails

Unlike other areas of the country where Spring arrives at a normal time of year, we in Coos County have had to learn patience since we can’t control the weather.  Sometimes we would like to reach into the tv and shake the weatherman until his teeth rattle and he tells us what we want to hear, but unfortunately (or fortunately for the weatherman at least) we can’t. 

We must take our aggressions out elsewhere.  So, to get those endorphins pumping, many of us head for the trail. 

Hiking in Coos County, quite simply rocks.  (We are in the "Granite State.")

We have the trails that will leave you rubbing your calves for the next few days while you limp into work and we have the kind of trails that even the average couch potato can accomplish. 

We take pride in our trails here in Coos County.  We are proud of the fact that the Appalachian Mountain Trail runs through our county.  Our local Appalachian Mountain Club has even published a new guidebook in honor of the original printing 100 years ago! 

We’re proud of the fact that we have three out of ten of the best hiking trails in the state.

We love that when visitors first come here to look at our mountains, they are stunned by their beauty. 

Where else can you go to get this perfect combination of clean air, water, wildlife and breathtaking scenery? 

Nowhere, just here. 

You have to come to Coos County to be able to experience what all of us lucky folks have right at our door steps.  We will be glad to share it with you, that’s just the kind of people that we are.

(Disclaimer: I, in no way am claiming that the trails are "mud-free" this time of year - it is what us locals refer to as "mud season"; however, we would love to see any great "MUD" photos you have.  Who knows, maybe I can finaggle a prize?! hmmmm....... Only one rule - the photo must have been or must be taken in Coos County, NH.)