Enfield, NH (USA)

After taking care of some chores around the condo this morning (until 1000), I drove over to the southern side of Enfield to check out two walks on town conservation land I’d heard about: the Colette Trail and Bicknell Brook Loop Trail.  Just before I reached the trailhead, I passed though an area with the first snow accumulation of the year. I was concerned that I might not have dressed warmly enough but, fortunately, the temps had risen into 40s by the time I got going into the woods (1100).  The trail was well marked (white blazes like the AT) and mostly dry (except for a few wet crossings and some snow spots).  Given a choice of the Upper or Lower loop, I chose the former and then easily navigated my way through the trees until I reached the Bicknell Brook.  It started as a pleasant, meandering stream (with some nice bridges) but soon started to get wilder.  By the time I reached Boys Camp Road and transitioned to the Collette Trail, the stream had turned into a series of major cascades - wow!  I continued walking and soon reached Crystal Lake, a place I’d seen on a map but not on the ground.  The low water levels gave me the impression of some lakes and inlets I’ve visited in the Pacific Northwest... From there, I backtracked to my car via the Lower Loop (finished at about 1300).  In addition to getting about five miles of walking on a (partly) snowy day, I also encountered several nice folks (and several dogs) who gave me *even more* ideas for local hikes, paddles and social activities.  I felt pretty good during my drive home (arrived at my condo by 1400).  The longer I live in the Upper Valley, the more I’m convinced that I’ll never have enough time to find all the hidden gems that only locals know.  But I’ll keep trying!