After spending some time in and at the river, we continued on route 49 to the Mad River Tavern, where we had a great late lunch. If you stick to burgers, sandwiches, and salads, the meals are about $10 per person. The food was delicious and the service was efficient. There is also a little ice cream shop in a small building next to the restaurant that boasts 20 flavors. We didn't get ice cream this time, but we have stopped there before. It's a great alternative to having a full meal out.
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Hike-Swim-Eat Series: North and South Mountain Loop - Pawtuckaway Lake - The Tuckaway Tavern6/6/2015 If you're looking for a nice day trip in southern New Hampshire, you should definitely check out Pawtuckaway State Park, a 5000-acre preserve that spans Deerfield, Raymond, and Nottingham. We live about a 10 minutes' drive from a trail head on the western side of the park, making it a quick and easy hiking option. Within the preserve, there is a state park that includes camping, swimming, canoe and kayak rentals, and hiking trails. There are two small mountains in Pawtuckaway, part of a ring dike, or the remains of an ancient volcano. North Mountain is located on one side of this ring dike, South Mountain on the other. Today we hiked both of the mountains via a loop trail that connects them. Here is a link to a trail map. Interestingly, as a ring dike weathers, the process supports the formation of a large number of plant species. This has resulted in this preserve boasting a large number of rare plants, as well as offering several different types of ecological niches. This loop hike takes you through a hemlock forest, an Appalachian oak rocky ridge system, and an oak-sugar maple forest. It never gets monotonous. At the base of North Mountain is an area called Boulder Field, where boulders are scattered across the terrain like gigantic cookie crumbs. Some of them are 30 feet tall. This is a popular place for rock climbers to come and practice different techniques.
This longer loop hike features about 7 miles of what I would classify as "ambling" trails, with a few good climbs that will get your heart racing. It's nothing like hiking in the Whites, but it's close to home for me, and lovely. There are some beautiful views from outcroppings of the ring dike as you go along. The summit of North Mountain is fairly anti-climactic, the many outcroppings you pass over on the way up being much more scenic. The summit of South Mountain is more open and features a fire tower that is climb-able, as well. I noticed yesterday that there are blueberry bushes everywhere, and so I completely intend to return again throughout berry season. We park at the Reservation Road trail head. Reservation Road is located off of route 107 between Deerfield and Raymond. Follow it, even after it becomes a dirt road, and you will find a small dirt area with room for cars to park, with signage for North Mountain Trail on either side of the road. We've hiked the loop in both directions. North Mountain is the more vigorous climb of the two, so it depends on if you prefer to do the harder work at the beginning or the end of the loop. The trail is enjoyable and beautiful in different ways, depending on which direction you go. Just like Bear Brook State Park, the trails are not always dependably labeled. I printed out the map and carried it with me, as there are a number of junctions and it can get confusing. Starting at the Reservation Road parking area, jump onto North Mountain Trail. This will carry you over North Mountain, then on an enchanting wander through a hemlock forest. At the bottom of North Mountain, get onto Boulder Trail which passes by Boulder Field and around Round Pond, to join with South Ridge Trail. South Ridge Trail guides you over the summit of South Mountain. From there, continue on South Ridge Trail to Mountain Trail to Tower Road. You can either walk back to the parking area via Tower Road and Reservation Road, or jump back onto North Mountain trail and walk in the woods back to the parking area. After hiking on a hot day, a swim in Pawtuckaway Lake is refreshing. There is no access from the western side of the park, and you'll need to drive about 15 minutes to the main park entrance in order to get beach access. For a nice meal out, check out The Tuckaway Tavern for yummy food and drinks. Expect to wait a little bit for a table at this popular restaurant. Hike-Swim-Eat Series: Moosilauke-downtown Woodstock waterfalls-Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery9/27/2014 Moosilauke is a fun and very rewarding climb. You get the high alpine experience with a relatively easy, gentle climb. We opted to do a loop, summitting both South Peak and Moosilauke in the process. There are a number of trails up Moosilauke. Our route was about 8 miles and very manageable. I think this hike would be accessible even for families with younger kids - maybe as young as third grade. We started at the Ravine Lodge. To get there, take 93 to exit 32. Follow 112 west for about 3 miles to route 118. Follow 118 for about 7 miles to Ravine Road. Ravine Road is a dirt road that will take you to Ravine Lodge. There are bathrooms and a place to fill water bottles at the lodge. From the Ravine Lodge, we took Snapper to the South Peak, then hiked over to Moosilauke, then continued on the Carriage Road and finally back to Gorge Brook Trail for the descent. It was an overcast day so we didn't have great views, but the atmosphere on the summit was still really cool. It's a long walk above treeline, with a huge summit area for hanging out and having a snack...or a nap. It feels a lot like being on top of the Lafayette Ridge or the Presidentials, but is an easier climb, in my opinion. After the hike, we drove back on 112 east until we hit route 3, which runs through Woodstock. Woodstock is one of the cutest towns I've ever seen, full of New England charm and mountain culture. Near the center of town is a charming inn and brewery, the Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery. This has been one of my favorite pit stops over the years after a day of cross-country skiing or hiking up north. Across the street from the inn is a small town park. This is a great place for a quick plunge or ride down a natural waterslide in the Pemigewasset River. It's chilly, but refreshing. Just follow the crosswalk across from the inn, then the path to some stairs. There is nowhere to change or use a bathroom, so you need to get creative in your car, or, if you're lucky enough to be female, purchase and use a "changing room skirt", which provides a clever and effective way to change just about anywhere. Mine came in handy multiple times this summer. And even though there are no facilities,there is fresh, cool water, and flat, sunny rocks to lie on to warm up after a quick dip. The menu at the Brewery is extensive, with a little bit of everything. The men all got burgers, and I got an order of what were, in my opinion, the best sweet potato fries ever, and a fantastic Greek salad. As the name would imply, you can get beers that are brewed on site, as well as fresh-brewed root beer. In my pre-gluten free days, I used to enjoy getting a flight of beers to sample the different brews, and I would highly recommend this route if you enjoy beer at all. Pricing is moderate - plan on $15 per person if you stick to sandwiches/burgers/salads. I've never had a disappointing meal here.
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AuthorI'm Emily. I currently work in online education management, but I also have a Masters degree in Nutritional Sciences (my true passion). In addition, I am a mom, cook, avid reader, novice gardener, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. On my blog, you will find articles on food, fitness, weight management, and eating issues. ALL recipes on my blog are gluten-free. Many are low-carbohydrate. Most are grain free. Enjoy! Categories
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