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I'm pretty sure you're talking about what is now the Albany Town Forest. Nice quiet access to the Swift River, passed by the usual Kanc mobs. Some walking paths. Can't say that I've ever seen anyone camping there, but haven't seen any indication that it's prohibited either...

Another close call this past weekend: https://www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org/long-sliding-fall-february-24-2018/

I can't help with a specific compass per-se, but will mention that I finally broke down and admitted to myself that my near-field vision isn't what it used to be and purchased some sports-specific bifocal glasses. Now I can read the tiny compass numbers (and map details) again! Dual Eyewear...

I'll second the recommendation for Ragged Mountain Outfitters in Interval NH (but it's not southern NE as originally asked). I had them replace the straps on some bike panniers a few months ago. Excellent work, and much less expensive than I had expected. Pretty quick turn-around, too, maybe I...

I wonder how the folks who were so up in arms about the Trail Bandit Ossipee Mountain Range map feel about the Strava Heatmap? Many of the contentious trails are quite obvious on Strava, which is much more publicly accessible. It's also a little dismaying to see bike tracks in the Sandwich...

I second (third?) the Rob Brook trails, but there are definitely hills to be found once you get off the main logging road. There's a good mountain bike trail map for that area available at most local bike shops. The Conway recreation path along the Saco has a couple of miles on nice flat scenic...

Another advantage of the local team making it to the post-season: the trails and slopes are less crowded on playoff/Super Bowl days... So go Pats!

I'm a fan of NNN BC boots and bindings. I'm a big guy, and the same setup works well on my touring center/in-track skis and my lighter backcountry skis. So one pair of comfortable boots (Alpina 1550's) does double duty for me. I find the NNN BC paired with XCD GT's or SBound-88's work great for...

Bill @ Mountain Courier Shuttle, 207-329-6433, was more than happy to shuttle me and my big dog from Lincoln Woods to Zealand, and on my own schedule.

I was doing a little ski tour last year, and was similarly cursing those a-holes that had destroyed the trail by postholing it all to heck. Then I came around a corner and discovered that the a-holes were actually a single (large) moose. My attitude quickly readjusted!

Grilled cheese sandwiches on hearty bread, cooked extra well done then cut into bite-sized cubes. Carry them in a belt pouch for easy snackin' access. Nice alternative to cheese and crackers and simpler to eat on the move.

When 16 north bound is backed up from the Kanc intersection: right on 113 for a bit, then left on gravel road just past the quarry. Road becomes paved after a few hundred feet. Follow Pequawket Dr, right on Quint, left on Trasker Hill, then left again on 153. At the light you can continue...

White Ledge was still gated last weekend, and I suspect will be until Memorial Day. There's usually room for 4 - 6 cars to the sides of the gate, depending on how smartly people park... The loop is a popular shoulder season hike, so I'd get there early to ensure a parking spot.

The Ferncroft trailhead is almost always plowed, and holds maybe 20 cars. The Tamworth Outing Club grooms some XC trails from there, so it tends to fill up quickly on weekends.

I did my first Presi Traverse in the company of Porkchop (and Paprika). What a wonderful dog, I still think of him while hiking in the Whites. I'm sure he has inspired many hikers, both two- and four-legged. His spirit will live on. Happy trails, Porkchop, on your next adventure.

Another thing I forgot to mention: a blaze-orange hunting vest. Especially this time of year. One for yourself, too... Probably not necessary once you're a mile or so from the trailhead, but any time you're close to a road it's a good idea. I don't think the stylish doggie bandanas are enough.

All good advice. I concur that paws are an area of concern - the granite above tree line can be worse than sand paper and can quickly abrade paws. Get your dog used to your poking at his paws, then check them often while hiking. I carry booties, but only to use as first aid to cover the paws if...

Whittier House's credit card machine has been "broken" for three weeks now, which seems odd. Chequer's Villa (as mentioned), White Lake Tavern (used to be Sammy's Paw Print), and Yankee Smokehouse are all nearby.

Hiker Shuttle Earlier this summer I got an early morning shuttle from LW to Zealand TH from Bill, Mountain Courier Shuttle, 207-329-6433. $40 for me and the dog. Bill's a super nice guy, highly recommended. If you shuttle in the morning then you wind up back at your car at the end of the hike...

Hiker Shuttle If you're looking to make it a traverse and don't have multiple cars, give Bill a call at 207-329-6433. He does hiker shuttles all over the Whites and northern AT. A very accommodating guy, and familiar with most trailheads. Two weekends ago he met me very early in the morning at...