Wildcat zipline? (and other things)

[peakbagger]

IF you are driving up to Umbagog, the odds are good that you will see moose, but they are better if you drive in the early morning or evening. Generally the best spot on Rt 16 south of Errol is around the Pontook Dam. The stretch on Rt 16 between Errol and Wilson Mills is also loaded with moose. A real nice family restaurant heading up there is the Northland Dairy Bar in Berlin. About the best seafood in the area and excellent homemade pie. Its not a pizza place, although they do serve beer and wine. Reasonably priced but a bit out of the way for the hiking public. You will drive right by it as you are heading out of Berlin about a 1/4 past a bridge on your right. For a quick meal, Ursala's on RT16 in Milan is a funky little place, not much atmsophere but good inexpensive food. Its on the left a few miles past Milan village. I usually hit the there when coming back from paddling. I would stop there rather than in Errol unless the weather is nasty.

 

[smitty77]

Did I read that right... you spent two days on a road construction job and didn't see a moose? Does that suprise you? Maybe, you scared them off?

Not really. While on that job in Maine the state DOT workers saw a moose in their maintenance depot parking lot at 5:30am, but gone on my arrival 20 minutes later. Then one got hit two days later on the southern end of the job at 9am, but I was stationed at the northern end doing compaction tests.

For the job on Rt. 16 in Milan, the paving crew actually saw one cross the road 100 yds behind the finish roller. Where was I? At the NH DOT yard a few miles down the road monitoring mix production.

I swear I wear moose repellant....

 

[smitty77]

I've thought about that, but I don't think my car would survive the trip. It's getting old and I don't think I'd trust it on the decent. I looked into the Cog since I've passed by it so many times, but I found that it's far more expensive than you'd think.

At the price of the cog, you could rent a car for the drive up.

The climb or descent aren't too bad as long as your transmission is good and the car isn't prone to overheating. I've done it with both a manual and an automatic, and the low gear in the stick almost had me going too slow. With the automatic I pulled over more often so as not to cook the transmission.

FYI, Bretton Woods also has a zipline course.
And if Cannon might be in the plans, there's some cool things to do in the Franconia area, like the Flume and Lost River. If you're passing through during the breakfast hour a trip to Polly's Pancake Parlor is a must. IIRC, Loon runs a special skyride with lunch at the top.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Paradox]

Echoing what Peakbagger wrote: your best bet to see a moose, is to drive the Route 16 from Berlin North to the Maine border and beyond. Start from Berlin at 3:30 am (really). Don't exceed 45 mph or you'll increase your chances of hitting one. The local drivers will pass you, just let'em buy.

I just went up the Wildcat Ski Trails yesterday. Great views of Washington, the eastern ravines and the northern Presis can be had for '800 of climbing. Stay to the Right (South) for easiest climbing. The Wildcat ridge Trail is a miserable affair for the non-hiking addicted. Wikiloc GPS track and photos.

The Baker River/Pemi River near Plymouth is an easy canoe trip. Wikiloc GPS track and photos.

 

[kerry13]

If GF had trouble with Monadnock then I think you are trying to turn her off to hiking totally by trying a 4K. Try some of the short hikes with a view. Those hikes have been discussed before so do a search. There is the Stagecoach Van across from the auto road that gives a nice guided tour up the auto road. It use to cost $24 or about there per person. Negative is you only have a 1/2 hour on the summit but it got me hooked. There is also the Cannon tram and the Rim Trail with some nice views and Wildcat lift and you can walk some of the ridge while up there and even walk down if you like. There are several free guides located in most of the stores which list all the happenings in the North Country area week by week. My ex use to stock up on them as soon as we got unpacked. There is always plenty to do on a rainy day.

 

[ADKnBVI]

If you're already planning on Umbagog, which is fantastic for moose, eagle and waterfowl watching, then good food can be found at the Error General Store. Every time we get out of the woods there, we get steak&cheese sandwiches to go!

Tim & Valerie

 

[Taconic]

FYI, Bretton Woods also has a zipline course.

I actually looked into that... Seems pretty pricey for the whole thing.

Which really doesn't surprise me considering the clientele.

And if Cannon might be in the plans, there's some cool things to do in the Franconia area, like the Flume and Lost River. If you're passing through during the breakfast hour a trip to Polly's Pancake Parlor is a must. IIRC, Loon runs a special skyride with lunch at the top.

Awesome info. I didn't know about Loon. Thanks.

If GF had trouble with Monadnock then I think you are trying to turn her off to hiking totally by trying a 4K. Try some of the short hikes with a view. Those hikes have been discussed before so do a search. There is the Stagecoach Van across from the auto road that gives a nice guided tour up the auto road. It use to cost $24 or about there per person. Negative is you only have a 1/2 hour on the summit but it got me hooked. There is also the Cannon tram and the Rim Trail with some nice views and Wildcat lift and you can walk some of the ridge while up there and even walk down if you like. There are several free guides located in most of the stores which list all the happenings in the North Country area week by week. My ex use to stock up on them as soon as we got unpacked. There is always plenty to do on a rainy day.

Her problem with Monadnock was the scrambling. When she asked me to bring her up it, I had no idea there was any involved (my first time as well.) I think she'd be fine with something like Moosilauke or Pierce since they're pretty much walk ups.


As for the van, I think I'll look into that. It solves the problem of my car sucking and the cog being expensive.
Thanks.

 

[rocket21]

I think she'd be fine with something like Moosilauke or Pierce since they're pretty much walk ups.

If you include a stop at Mizpah Hut (water, food, etc.), I bet Pierce could be a nice option!