Fisher Cat
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This was one of the more extensive sections of the Guide, a total of 38 pages with 2 maps.
The Sandwich Range
P352&353-“The most convenient climbing routes are Wing’s Tavern (formerly Piper’s), Chocorua Village, Wonalancet, Waterville, and Swift River Inn(Albany Intervale). The latter is reached from Conway, Wing’s Tavern from Conway or Madison and Chocorua Village and Wonalancet from Mt Whittier, stations on the B&M RR. The Chocorua Mtn Club, Wonalancet Out-Door Club, and Passaconaway Mtn Club have rendered useful service in cutting and maintaining trails. Those of the CMC are marked by yellow signs and occasional yellow paint. The WODC trails have blue blazes and signs. Open camps will be found near the summits of Mt Chocorua, Paugus, Passaconaway, and Whiteface. The PMC maintains a hut in Albany Intervale, N of the highway and E of the Inn, where trampers may cache supplies and secure maps and information. Local guide-books for the Wonalancet and Waterville districts are now out of print. The Chocorua-Paugus region is accurately shown on a contour map issued by the CMC(4th Ed., 1936)with a panorama from Mt Chocorua. See also panorama by E.G. Chamberlain in Appalachia, Dec. 1924. Beal’s “Passaconaway in the White Mountains” describes the Albany Intervale, with a charming and exhaustive summary of its history and traditions.”
P354-Piper Trail-“This trail was first blazed years ago by Joshua Piper. Starting from the gateway opposite Wings Tavern, it leads by a cart-road across a small brook, beyond which the Weetamoo Trail branches to the L..Distances by cyclometer. From Wings Tavern to Chocorua River 2.05m; to Camp Upweekis 3.03m; to summit 3.8m.” This was the first mention I found of a cyclometer in figuring distance.
P355-Camp Upweekis & Pennacook-“ These are open public lean-tos. Camp Upweekis is an unequipped shelter accommodating 8, on the Piper Trail about .25m below the ledges. Nearby is good water. Camp Pennacook, built in 1916, is about 100yds. NE of Camp Upweekis, on a ledge commanding a view of the peak and to the S. It accommodates 11, and is unequipped except for some cooking utensils. A short trail from Camp Upweekis and another from the Piper Trail higher up lead to it.”
P356-Chocorua E Ski Trail-“Mainly a high-speed ski run, it diverges from the Weetamoo Trail where the latter turns L away from the Chocorua River valley, continues near the W bank for another .5m, follows a small tributary a short distance, then slabs the mountainside. It ascends gently, then more and more steeply to the final 34 degree pitch, coming out on a sharp knoll, 1/3m below Jim Liberty Cabin. .The lower 1.5m with 10in of snow is a novice ski run over gentle grades; the upper 1.25m requires 24in of snow, and is for experts only.”
P356-Hammond Trail-“this trail starts near the old Hammond farm, now the summer home of Mr.Scott.”
P357-Skull Cairn Trail-“ascending the mountain from the S, this trail cannot be readily followed by one unfamiliar with it, as the blazes are now obscure..Its upper end is on the Hammond Trail and is marked with three blazes set vertically.”
P357-359-Liberty Trail-“this very old path was improved by James Liberty in 1887, and further developed as a toll bridle path by David Knowles and Nowell Forrest in 1892, It was improved for skiing in 1933 and now forms an excellent run for novices, with no grades of any length exceeding 11 degrees. Nathaniel Berry and James Liberty began a stone house near where the Peak House (built by Mr Knowles in 1892) stood until blown down, in 1915. The CMC Jim Liberty Shelter stood here from 1924 to 1932. In 1934 the WMNF replaced it with an enclosed cabin with stove and 6 bunks..some 30yds SW of the cabin there is usually a small pool of rainwater in the rock..the Liberty Trail may be traversed on skis, but the gully just below the old wardens cabin may prove troublesome in either direction..the Jim Liberty Cabin is lined with celotex.” Celotex, I believe, was an early form of fiberboard.
P361-Champney Falls Trail-“This trail, originally built by Prof. J.S. Pray and re-cleared by the CMC, is now a horse trail.” That’s a change, usually it’s the other way around.
P363-Three Sisters-Carter’s Ledge Trail-“Near the top the trail passes a colony of Jack Pine, P. Banksiana, one of three known NH occurrences.”
The following are all trails I can find no reference to today
364-366
Steam Mill Brook Trail-“leaves the Albany Intervale just W of Steam Mill Brook, which it ascends..to a col high on the N slope of Mt Chocorua, where it meets Middle Sister and Blue Mtn Trails
Blue Mtn Trail-“leaves the Swift River Road at Ham opening..it runs S, ascends to the top of a ridge and crosses two heights of Blue Mtn, the small knoll NE of the Three Sisters. It then descends slightly to join the Middle Sister Trail at the col where the Steam Mill Brook Trail also joins.”
Hobbs Brook Trail-“leaves the new road on the S bank of Swift River at a point some distance W of the brook and follows a lumber road, which eventually reaches the brook at a point far above the falls. It continues near the bank to Middle Sister Trail where the latter crosses it.”
Iona Trail-“The S end of the trail leaves the State road by a former town highway, opposite Pine Knoll Camp, and goes NW .75m to the abandoned Alva Head Farm. It then swings NE through a high notch just SE of the main bluff of White Ledge to the clearing of the old Ross place and swings around the E slope of White Ledge on a gentle grade for about 1m. Thence it drops NW for 1m. by a fairly heavy grade to the new road on the S bank of the Swift River just E of Hobbs Brook.”
Lord’s Mill Trail-“leaves NH 16 S of Conway at Lord’s Mill and follows an old road to Ross opening, where it joins the Iona Trail.”
Bald Hill Trail-“leaves Bald Hill Road about 1/8m. S of the road leading to the Cook place, crosses a low ridge and joins the new Swift River Road about 3.25m from Conway RR station.”
P366&367-Bolles Trail-“ and old logging road from Tamworth to Albany between Mt Paugus and Chocorua was reopened by the late Frank Bolles in 1891 and called by him the “Lost Trail”. Since lumbering and a subsequent fire in 1915 the region has been desolate..the trail crosses Paugus Brook 2m from Paugus Mill, and traverses the ruined Mudgett’s Camp, from which several old lumber roads diverge.”
P368-Old Paugus Trail-“It crosses Whitin Brook, passes to the L of the site of the mill pond, and again keeps L (NW)of a ruined log hut built into the bank.”
P369-Old Shag Camp-“is in a sheltered situation among spruces near the small pool of water just below(E of)the summit ledges of Mt Paugus. It is an open log shelter, rebuilt in 1933, and accommodates 8”
P369&370-Whitin Brook Trail-“This trail, once called Brown Brook Trail, makes possible as a on e day trip from Paugus Mill a circuit of great scenic interest. It passes through a ruined lumber camp .5m above the Old Paugus Trail.”
P370-Currier Brook Trail-“At about 2m it passes an abandoned lumner camp, and shortly beyond, ascends the W side of the ravine.
At this point it was interesting to note that the cottages of a Miss Dupee are consistently used as a starting point for many trails in this area.
P377-Dicey’s Mill Trail-“was the earliest to be laid out on the mountain. From Ferncroft (last good parking place)continue W along the highway, which becomes a wood-road as it passes the last house of H.W. Winkley’s.” One just has to include a name like Winkley.
P378-Rollins Trail-“In the col between Mt Passaconaway and Square Ledge, at a ruined lumber camp, the PMC Trail to Albany Intervale via Oliverian Brook valley diverges N(L of ruined buildings).The Rollins Trail turns E(R of buildings)ascends the ridge and terminates at the top of the ledge.”
P380-Mt Passaconaway-“may also be reached from the Albany Intervale by following the Oliverian Brook Trail and leaving it at a long piece of corduroy 1.9m S of the Intervale(conspicuous double arrow on L and sign on R0. The trail follows old lumber roads with signs at obscure points, crossing a branch of Oliverian Brook three times, then continuing on its S side to abandoned lumber camps .7m SW of Square Ledge. Here it joins the Rollins Trail, which is followed to the Walden Trail and the summit.”
P382-Mt Potash-“Near to the top on the SE side is a large boulder, so delicately balanced that it can be rocked. The ascent well repays the slight labor involved." Imagine the liability of such a thought today.
P384-Camp Heermance-“named for Rev Edgar L Heermance was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1932. It is in a partially sheltered spot near the summit of Mt whiteface, about 20yds N of the spring at the top of Blueberry Ledge Trail. It is an open shelter accommodating 6. Live trees must not be cut above the spring. In dry seasons ascertain the conditions of the spring in advance.”
P384-McCrillis Trail-“it (yellow and occasional red paint blazes) leaves the road at a point opposite the small cemetery 200yds W of the McCrillis Farm (sign on S side of road)and enters the pasture behind the Ambrose barn through a set of bars-please close them!”.
P386-Flat Mtn Ponds-“The chief charm of this region was the fine virgin forest, but lumbering began in 1920 and an extensive fire in 1923 completed its desolation.”
The Sandwich Range
P352&353-“The most convenient climbing routes are Wing’s Tavern (formerly Piper’s), Chocorua Village, Wonalancet, Waterville, and Swift River Inn(Albany Intervale). The latter is reached from Conway, Wing’s Tavern from Conway or Madison and Chocorua Village and Wonalancet from Mt Whittier, stations on the B&M RR. The Chocorua Mtn Club, Wonalancet Out-Door Club, and Passaconaway Mtn Club have rendered useful service in cutting and maintaining trails. Those of the CMC are marked by yellow signs and occasional yellow paint. The WODC trails have blue blazes and signs. Open camps will be found near the summits of Mt Chocorua, Paugus, Passaconaway, and Whiteface. The PMC maintains a hut in Albany Intervale, N of the highway and E of the Inn, where trampers may cache supplies and secure maps and information. Local guide-books for the Wonalancet and Waterville districts are now out of print. The Chocorua-Paugus region is accurately shown on a contour map issued by the CMC(4th Ed., 1936)with a panorama from Mt Chocorua. See also panorama by E.G. Chamberlain in Appalachia, Dec. 1924. Beal’s “Passaconaway in the White Mountains” describes the Albany Intervale, with a charming and exhaustive summary of its history and traditions.”
P354-Piper Trail-“This trail was first blazed years ago by Joshua Piper. Starting from the gateway opposite Wings Tavern, it leads by a cart-road across a small brook, beyond which the Weetamoo Trail branches to the L..Distances by cyclometer. From Wings Tavern to Chocorua River 2.05m; to Camp Upweekis 3.03m; to summit 3.8m.” This was the first mention I found of a cyclometer in figuring distance.
P355-Camp Upweekis & Pennacook-“ These are open public lean-tos. Camp Upweekis is an unequipped shelter accommodating 8, on the Piper Trail about .25m below the ledges. Nearby is good water. Camp Pennacook, built in 1916, is about 100yds. NE of Camp Upweekis, on a ledge commanding a view of the peak and to the S. It accommodates 11, and is unequipped except for some cooking utensils. A short trail from Camp Upweekis and another from the Piper Trail higher up lead to it.”
P356-Chocorua E Ski Trail-“Mainly a high-speed ski run, it diverges from the Weetamoo Trail where the latter turns L away from the Chocorua River valley, continues near the W bank for another .5m, follows a small tributary a short distance, then slabs the mountainside. It ascends gently, then more and more steeply to the final 34 degree pitch, coming out on a sharp knoll, 1/3m below Jim Liberty Cabin. .The lower 1.5m with 10in of snow is a novice ski run over gentle grades; the upper 1.25m requires 24in of snow, and is for experts only.”
P356-Hammond Trail-“this trail starts near the old Hammond farm, now the summer home of Mr.Scott.”
P357-Skull Cairn Trail-“ascending the mountain from the S, this trail cannot be readily followed by one unfamiliar with it, as the blazes are now obscure..Its upper end is on the Hammond Trail and is marked with three blazes set vertically.”
P357-359-Liberty Trail-“this very old path was improved by James Liberty in 1887, and further developed as a toll bridle path by David Knowles and Nowell Forrest in 1892, It was improved for skiing in 1933 and now forms an excellent run for novices, with no grades of any length exceeding 11 degrees. Nathaniel Berry and James Liberty began a stone house near where the Peak House (built by Mr Knowles in 1892) stood until blown down, in 1915. The CMC Jim Liberty Shelter stood here from 1924 to 1932. In 1934 the WMNF replaced it with an enclosed cabin with stove and 6 bunks..some 30yds SW of the cabin there is usually a small pool of rainwater in the rock..the Liberty Trail may be traversed on skis, but the gully just below the old wardens cabin may prove troublesome in either direction..the Jim Liberty Cabin is lined with celotex.” Celotex, I believe, was an early form of fiberboard.
P361-Champney Falls Trail-“This trail, originally built by Prof. J.S. Pray and re-cleared by the CMC, is now a horse trail.” That’s a change, usually it’s the other way around.
P363-Three Sisters-Carter’s Ledge Trail-“Near the top the trail passes a colony of Jack Pine, P. Banksiana, one of three known NH occurrences.”
The following are all trails I can find no reference to today
364-366Steam Mill Brook Trail-“leaves the Albany Intervale just W of Steam Mill Brook, which it ascends..to a col high on the N slope of Mt Chocorua, where it meets Middle Sister and Blue Mtn Trails
Blue Mtn Trail-“leaves the Swift River Road at Ham opening..it runs S, ascends to the top of a ridge and crosses two heights of Blue Mtn, the small knoll NE of the Three Sisters. It then descends slightly to join the Middle Sister Trail at the col where the Steam Mill Brook Trail also joins.”
Hobbs Brook Trail-“leaves the new road on the S bank of Swift River at a point some distance W of the brook and follows a lumber road, which eventually reaches the brook at a point far above the falls. It continues near the bank to Middle Sister Trail where the latter crosses it.”
Iona Trail-“The S end of the trail leaves the State road by a former town highway, opposite Pine Knoll Camp, and goes NW .75m to the abandoned Alva Head Farm. It then swings NE through a high notch just SE of the main bluff of White Ledge to the clearing of the old Ross place and swings around the E slope of White Ledge on a gentle grade for about 1m. Thence it drops NW for 1m. by a fairly heavy grade to the new road on the S bank of the Swift River just E of Hobbs Brook.”
Lord’s Mill Trail-“leaves NH 16 S of Conway at Lord’s Mill and follows an old road to Ross opening, where it joins the Iona Trail.”
Bald Hill Trail-“leaves Bald Hill Road about 1/8m. S of the road leading to the Cook place, crosses a low ridge and joins the new Swift River Road about 3.25m from Conway RR station.”
P366&367-Bolles Trail-“ and old logging road from Tamworth to Albany between Mt Paugus and Chocorua was reopened by the late Frank Bolles in 1891 and called by him the “Lost Trail”. Since lumbering and a subsequent fire in 1915 the region has been desolate..the trail crosses Paugus Brook 2m from Paugus Mill, and traverses the ruined Mudgett’s Camp, from which several old lumber roads diverge.”
P368-Old Paugus Trail-“It crosses Whitin Brook, passes to the L of the site of the mill pond, and again keeps L (NW)of a ruined log hut built into the bank.”
P369-Old Shag Camp-“is in a sheltered situation among spruces near the small pool of water just below(E of)the summit ledges of Mt Paugus. It is an open log shelter, rebuilt in 1933, and accommodates 8”
P369&370-Whitin Brook Trail-“This trail, once called Brown Brook Trail, makes possible as a on e day trip from Paugus Mill a circuit of great scenic interest. It passes through a ruined lumber camp .5m above the Old Paugus Trail.”
P370-Currier Brook Trail-“At about 2m it passes an abandoned lumner camp, and shortly beyond, ascends the W side of the ravine.
At this point it was interesting to note that the cottages of a Miss Dupee are consistently used as a starting point for many trails in this area.
P377-Dicey’s Mill Trail-“was the earliest to be laid out on the mountain. From Ferncroft (last good parking place)continue W along the highway, which becomes a wood-road as it passes the last house of H.W. Winkley’s.” One just has to include a name like Winkley.
P378-Rollins Trail-“In the col between Mt Passaconaway and Square Ledge, at a ruined lumber camp, the PMC Trail to Albany Intervale via Oliverian Brook valley diverges N(L of ruined buildings).The Rollins Trail turns E(R of buildings)ascends the ridge and terminates at the top of the ledge.”
P380-Mt Passaconaway-“may also be reached from the Albany Intervale by following the Oliverian Brook Trail and leaving it at a long piece of corduroy 1.9m S of the Intervale(conspicuous double arrow on L and sign on R0. The trail follows old lumber roads with signs at obscure points, crossing a branch of Oliverian Brook three times, then continuing on its S side to abandoned lumber camps .7m SW of Square Ledge. Here it joins the Rollins Trail, which is followed to the Walden Trail and the summit.”
P382-Mt Potash-“Near to the top on the SE side is a large boulder, so delicately balanced that it can be rocked. The ascent well repays the slight labor involved." Imagine the liability of such a thought today.
P384-Camp Heermance-“named for Rev Edgar L Heermance was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1932. It is in a partially sheltered spot near the summit of Mt whiteface, about 20yds N of the spring at the top of Blueberry Ledge Trail. It is an open shelter accommodating 6. Live trees must not be cut above the spring. In dry seasons ascertain the conditions of the spring in advance.”
P384-McCrillis Trail-“it (yellow and occasional red paint blazes) leaves the road at a point opposite the small cemetery 200yds W of the McCrillis Farm (sign on S side of road)and enters the pasture behind the Ambrose barn through a set of bars-please close them!”.
P386-Flat Mtn Ponds-“The chief charm of this region was the fine virgin forest, but lumbering began in 1920 and an extensive fire in 1923 completed its desolation.”
