Tuesday October 26th - The Pine Barrens

Let’s explore the Pine Barrens in Madison. This area is New Hampshire’s last intact example of a pitch pine/scrub oak woodland, a globally rare forest type. The main trails are wide, firm(if a bit sandy) and flat. There may be a section or two of the West Branch Trail that is wet due to the recent rains. So expect a bit of mud and a walk through this area. There will be a couple of trail segments that are more like simple single track than the main wide trails. Also we'll take a new route to Lake Ossipee and Camp Calumet and back which will require an easy "bushwhack" through a sandy area. We should cover about 10 miles in two hours or so. This ride is suitable for a confidant advanced novice. We’ll stop for lunch at Silver Lake.

Directions: Take Route 16 south of Conway to the intersection of Route 113 at Coleman’s. Take a left and follow 113 through Madison. After you see Silver Lake on your left, Route 41 will diverge to the left. Follow Route 41 for 3.4 miles along the western side of the lake. The Nature Conservancy entrance and sign will be on the left directly opposite Black Birch Road. Drive in to the kiosk and parking area.

Or take Route 16 south to the junction of Route 16 and Route 41 in Ossipee, follow Route 41 north for approximately 2 miles, crossing into the Town of Madison. The entrance to the preserve will be on the right side of the road, marked by a TNC sign

We'll start the ride at 10am. Meet at the Scenic Vista in North Conway for carpooling at 9am.