Warren, NH (USA)

Nearly two years since heel bursitis changed everything about the way I exercise, I’m still exploring how to get “back to normal”.  With my paddling, skiing, swimming and biking, I get plenty of cardio.  However, I definitely want to resume the peak bagging and long trail hiking that were such a big part of my life prior to 2023… Today, I decided to take a step towards the future I want by spending three hours on the Warren OHRV Trail.  I also hoped to do some paddling but the inclement weather that was forecasted for the area in the afternoon made that possibility uncertain (ultimately, I didn't have the weather for kayaking).  After getting some moving chores done around my condo, I departed Hanover (0945) and drove (via NH-10 and NH-25C) to Warren.  Since I'd hiked part of the trail a few years ago, stopping at the Redstone Rocket, I parked right next to that landmark and started my outdoor adventure (1030).  There were some signs about how the trail was closed for Mud Season but I assumed that didn't apply to pedestrians (I later saw some bikers and local people with their dogs so feel pretty good about this decision).  Using a different approach from most of my recent hikes, I intentionally pushed the limits and tried to ignore the worrisome thoughts about the post-workout cool-down.  Throughout the walk into the Asquamchumauke Valley, I could see glimpses of Mount Moosilauke and the foothills of the White Mountains.  I want to get back up there!  Halfway through, it started pouring rain - that didn’t deter me, though.  I turned around at the Glencliff junction for the Appalachian Trail (I recognized the trailhead) and made my way back to the Redstone Rocket that features prominently in the town of Warren.  In the end (finished at 1330), I logged almost 8.5 miles (a great pace for me) and completed the entire trail (out and back).  That’s one more checked off of the NH Rail Trail Challenge list.  Even better, the 45 minute drive home (via backtrack route except I used River Road to get from Orford to Hanover) didn’t lead to any scary outcomes - my foot still felt good when I arrived at my condo again (1430).  Gonna keep at it until I’m back on the vertical terrain!