It’s gotten a lot cooler recently so I haven’t ventured too far from home. Today, however, I decided to take advantage of the extra hour of warming sun to walk on another trail! I first went to Mass in Lebanon (0800) and, when it was over, got on I-89 and drove south to Warner. Getting off at the exit for NH-103, I explored the little town beyond the Market Basket. I’d tried to locate the Warner Rail Trail a few months ago but Google Maps steered me to the Stevens Tail Trail (on the opposite side of I-89). Using old fashioned logic, I didn’t follow a computer’s recommendation this time and located the trailhead next to the Pillsbury Library (off NH-103). From the (empty) parking lot, I walked for less than a mile on the old railroad bed, following the Warner River. The temps had risen into the 50s but there were patches of ice along the river’s edge. Surprisingly, despite what I’ve seen lately in Hanover, there was still some pretty foliage to see. Along the way, I passed display storybook excerpts taken from “Becoming a Good Creature” (by a NH author, Sy Montgomery). I soon arrived at a pretty covered bridge - and what appeared to be the end of the trail. Since there weren’t any “No Trespassing” signs, I decided to keep walking until I re-located the railroad grade again. After crossing a big field, I found a narrow trail and followed it a short distance - it took me to an old road that clearly picked up the trail again. There were no signs or indications that I was still on the Rail Trail so I kept going. It wasn’t long before I found myself at a dead end caused by the northbound land of I-89. Since I knew from researching online that there was another section on the other side of the Interstate, I walked towards the sounds of NH-103 and, when I reached the pavement, walked south until I was able to cross a bridge over the highway. In the median, I was surprised to find some historic graves (Lower Warner Cemetery) - they’d be invisible if you weren’t walking… As I continued, I looked for signs of an old railroad bridge across the Warner River (indications of where the trail resumed). When I found that (after almost a mile), it became clear that the builders of the Interstate had used the railroad bed during their construction. I accessed the Rail Trail by walking behind the Braeside Apartments (again, no signs prohibiting me). This section of trail crossed the river to the north (to another dead end) - there were signs of construction of an extension but there wasn’t a lot of room before the trail would hit the southbound lane of I-89. I reversed direction and walked about a half bike to the southern terminus (abrupt dead end) near Bagley Field. I saw some maps in the area that indicated these sections were part of the longer Concord / Lake Sunapee Rail Trail - I also encountered a distance marker - 16 miles to Concord and 41 miles to a place called “CJ”. Will have to pull on these threads to see where they go! Backtracked along the same route and reached my car at about noon (almost six miles of walking in just under two hours). Strangely, I didn’t see anyone else doing the same walk. It was their loss, though - it was a beautiful Fall day. After reaching my car, I drove (via NH-103) to I-89 and drove north on the Interstate until I reached Gile Pond Road. Continued east (N Road, Kearsarge Valley Road) and then used back roads to reach Winslow State Park, nestled on the northern side of Mount Kearsarge. With my Disabled Veteran paperwork, I got free entry to the parking lot - first time I'd tried that. Earlier in 2021, I'd climbed the mountain from the south side and, because of today's unbelievable weather and views, was tempted to climb it again. Because I'd already had a great walk, I decided to save this newer adventure for another day... After exploring the park grounds and nice view, I left the park and, using more back roads, reached NH-11. From there, I backtracked to NH-114 and drove to the town of Sutton. My target was Wadleigh State Park, which I determined was another good place to paddle (and swim). Although it was closed, I was able to find a place to park and walk around the grounds for about 30 minutes. There were lots of other people there (most with dogs) and the views across Kezar Lake were very pretty. Reluctantly, I left the area and, using NH-114 to reach Gile Pond Road, made my way back at I-89. By 1400, I got off the Interstate in Grantham and stopped for a visit at the Eastman Cross Country Clubhouse (and later went to South Cove Office) to get information about the annual passes for 2021/2022 (they said it was WAY too early). Got gas at Irving in town (1445) before heading back to my condo (arrived by 1530). Great day of exploring!
