West Castle, Nash Stream Forest Rds

[KRobi]

We will be going up north this week to hit some NHHH peaks. We will be doing Sugarloaf and want to get in West Castle. Question one. Has anyone got information on a BW from Sugarloaf over to W. Castle? We thought about dropping NW from the summit, to the col, then following about a 3300' foot contour below Castle and coming up on W. Castle in a counterclockwise manner. Return the same way.
Upon reviewing though question two arose. If the roads are ok, we thought about approaching from Bog Road up toward Stratford Notch and ascending from there. We have a Toyota Camry so the roads have to be somewhat decent. Does anyone have an knowledge of the roads (specifically this one) in the Nash Stream Forest?
Thanks
Ken

 

[bryan]

drove out to stratford bog pond yesterday to do some hiking and the roads were not an issue in my corolla (http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49440-savage-mountain-east-spruce-6-21-13). once at the pond i believe bog road becomes an atv trail so i don't know about driving it beyond that point. i was going up towards savage so can't speak to heading in towards the notch. i believe some also access west peak from brown road off of meriden hill road which leaves route 3 north of north statford. there are some logical possibilities if you look at the layout of roads on google earth. i drove brown road 1.4 miles from meriden hill before branching off for another hike a couple days ago and it was in ok shape. i can't say beyond that, but i believe there are houses/camps down there so it is likely passable. i should have scouted it when i was there. west peak is on my short list and i have also considered going over from sugarloaf as you have suggested as a possibility hiking over castle along the way. if the woods are anything like some other peaks in that area they shouldn't be too bad and if you are lucky there may be moose trails up there along the ridge that could make for good going. that is another trend i have noted around those parts. will be interested to hear what you find.
have fun.

bryan

 

[KRobi]

Thanks Bryan. Your NEHH and NHHH reports have been a big help in our adventures. We will let you know what route we take and what we find. Might be worth the Bog Rd. just to see the pond.
Ken

 

[RoySwkr]

I have hiked West over Castle from Sugarloaf, it was in winter many years ago so can't speak to present conditions but back then it was fine

 

[KRobi]

Ended up going in from Brown Rd (off Meriden Rd in Columbia) to do West Castle. Bryan reported. Nice meeting you Bryan.