Easy hikes near Orford, NH?

[onrhodes]

My wife and a few friends are doing a girls weekend of camping. They want a few easy hikes in the Orford, NH area. Anyone got any good ideas or recommendations?

Thanks,
-Pete

 

[David Metsky]

Mts Smarts and Cube are easy to get to from Rt 25A via a few different trails. Taking the AT from the road crossing to the summit ledges on Cube is probably the most rewarding.

 

[Pamola]

Mt Cube, just down the road on 25A. 3.3 easy miles one way with a nice summit.

The Palisades, just over the river in fairlee. Massive cliff there. You may not be able to go to the edge due to peregrine nesting.

Moose mountain in Hanover. Also has a view, not too taxing.

Edit: Dave beat me to Cube.

 

[blacknblue]

I'll reiterate that Cube is probably your best bet. Make sure to head over to the North Summit, though, on the little spur trail near the top. Better views, more peace and quiet.

Up in Haverhill, Black Mountain isn't too far from Orford either.

 

[RoySwkr]

When I climbed Sunday Mtn it was a bushwhack but there is now a trail starting at the jct of 25A and Dame Hill Rd here:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=43.89804&lon=-72.07476&size=m&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG

Can't say what the trail surface is like but dist & el would be easier than Smarts & Cube

 

[David Metsky]

That's part of the Cross Rivendell Trail, a project connecting the school district that covers two states. It goes from Cube, mainly following the old AT down, then over to Flagpole Hill in Vershire Vt. I've hiked a number of the sections with a friend who runs the organization.

Sunday Mountain is an easier hike, no question, but not as much of a view.

-dave-

 

[Jason Berard]

If you want really easy, with excellent views, then I would recommend Gile Mountain Fire Tower, in Norwich. Its SUPER easy, but the views are excellent to the Greens and the Whites, and you can stop in at the Norwich Inn for a drink and some good food after. Also Houghton Hill in Thetford is easy, and has good views. Holt's Ledges at Dartmouth Skiway, near Smart's Mountain would also be nice.
I would also second and third all the previous suggestions. Moosilauke isn't too far away either, and depending on the route they take, that can be a relatively easy hike.

PM me if you want to follow up on any of these suggestions. I live just down the road in Thetford, VT.

 

[Mike P.]

FYI Road construction for Route 25A is going on around AT junction for a couple of miles in either direction. Slow going & parking may be limited/eliminated near the trail junction.