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Nature|Forests

This Quaint Wagon Ride Through New Hampshire’s Forest Is A Magnificent Way To Take It All In

Attitash Mountain Village in New Hampshire offers seasonal wagon and sleigh rides through the White Mountain National Forest.

Published Oct 28, 2021

Written by 

Michelle

There are so many ways to enjoy the fall season in New Hampshire. Some are as simple as getting outside for a hike. Others require some advanced planning and a car full of gas. And others, like the one we're featuring today, include an animal a quaint experience you can only really have right here in New Hampshire!

Attitash Mountain Village is located in Bartlett.

Scarecrows with pumpkin heads stand near a hotel sign, surrounded by autumn foliage and pumpkins.
Attitash Mountain Village Resort / Facebook

Nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, this beautiful spot is a popular one for those who love winter. Especially skiing!

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A blue house surrounded by vibrant autumn trees and a clear blue sky, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Attitash Mountain Village Resort / Facebook

But the fun doesn't start and end there. Fall is also a lovely time to visit the resort.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees, with a hint of autumn color and reflections on the water's surface.
Attitash Mountain Village Resort / Facebook

Spring and summer also offer spectacular views within the forest. And there's one very special way to take it in.

A serene forest scene with tall trees, green underbrush, and a bright sky peeking through the branches.
Attitash Mountain Village Resort / Facebook

Each weekend, Attitash Mountain Village offers wagon rides through the forest. If this sounds like one of the most quaint ways to spend some time in New Hampshire, you're right!

A man drives a horse-drawn cart through a wooded area, with two horses pulling the cart along a road.
attitashmtvillage.com

Each ride is about 30 minutes and is perfect for both kids and adults.

A horse-drawn carriage crosses a railway track with passengers enjoying a scenic ride through a wooded area.
attitashmtvillage.com

Can't make it in time to see the fall foliage? No problem! When winter arrives, these become sleigh rides through the snow and it's a great way to enjoy the season.

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Two horses pull a wooden sled through a snowy landscape, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Attitash Mountain Village Resort / Facebook

Wagon Rides at Attitash Mountain Village take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Prices vary by season. You can also book a private ride which is $250 and comes with a complimentary bottle of champagne. You can learn more about the ride by visiting their website. They can be reached on 603-374-6500.

Another great way to see the state is by hopping in the car and visiting 10 of New Hampshire's covered bridges all in one day!

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Nature|Forests

I Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Lovely Forest Walk In New Hampshire

Published May 31, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

I'm blessed to live in an area where there are many hiking trails and walking paths to enjoy. I frequently take midday breaks to get out and enjoy these trails. The time spent on them may not be long but they provide a needed distraction from daily tasks that recharges me. One of these trails that I've recently discovered is the N'dakinna Trail in Loudon (roughly translated from the native Abenaki, N'dakinna means "Our Homeland."). It's only a mile long but is perfect for a getaway into nature when time is short.

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The trailhead and small parking area are tucked away off Route 129 in Loudon. This is far away from popular hiking spots and it's likely you'll encounter few or no other people.

A wooden information kiosk surrounded by tall grass and trees in a lush green forest.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

The Loudon Conservation Commission has done a beautiful job with this footbridge over a small brook, which serves as an inviting gateway into the property.

A wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

As I entered the forest from the road, I immediately felt comforted and more relaxed as the natural environment surrounded me.

A serene forest scene with lush green foliage, trees, and a winding path through the underbrush.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Near its start, the white-blazed loop trail, about a mile long, passes an attractive swamp. I didn't see any of the local residents on this day but could hear plenty of wood frogs.

A serene wetland scene with still water, lush greenery, and distant trees under a cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

At the swamp is a bench inviting walkers to stop, rest, and take in the sights and sounds of the wetland.

A black wooden bench sits among tall trees and pine needles in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

In addition to the main white-blazed trail, there's also a yellow-blazed path that can be used as a shortcut. Not too many ways to go wrong here, but trail maps posted at junctions provide reassurance that you're going the right way.

A trail map mounted on a tree in a dense forest, surrounded by greenery.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

On the morning I did this walk, the sun was not out and rain showers were on the way. This made the forest dark, giving it a moody and mysterious feeling.

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A dense forest path surrounded by tall trees and green foliage, with scattered leaves on the ground.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

If you need to get out into the woods for a bit or need a quick recharge for the rest of the day, visit this New Hampshire nature walk to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. For more information on N'dakinna Trail and to download a trail map, visit the Loudon Conservation Commission.

Get those boots laced up for some more hiking now that the warm weather is here. Here are some kid-friendly treks that the whole family can do!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/kid-friendly-hikes-nh/

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Nature|Forests

New Hampshire’s Birch Ridge Community Forest Keeps Me Coming Back For More Exploration

Published May 2, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

In recent years, much of the land surrounding Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham has gone into protection through the fine work of the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT). The largest property is Birch Ridge Community Forest, and it's one that keeps changing each time I visit. As it's such a large area, it's only natural that there's going to be a lot to keep up with! Here are some sights from my most recent visit.

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Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham comprises more than 2,000 acres and is well-managed by Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.

Trail markers on a wooden post, indicating direction for the Southeast Land Trust of NH trail.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

The most prominent summits within the forest are Mt. Eleanor and Rattlesnake Mountain, both of which were technically bushwhacks before the forest was acquired.

A scenic view of trees and boulders under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Now, there is an extensive trail system here. It had changed since my last visit and continues to grow as of this writing.

A wooden signpost pointing to "Mt. Eleanor Trail" surrounded by green and yellow foliage.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Before SELT acquired the property it was heavily logged, but nature is beginning to reclaim it and the woods are filling in nicely.

A serene forest path leads through lush greenery, with rolling hills visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

One of my favorite vistas here is from this open clearing about 0.3 mi. from the trailhead at the top of Birch Hill Road. The view over Merrymeeting Lake is expansive.

A scenic view of rolling hills and a lake, surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Hikers are welcome at the cabin that sits in this clearing, which is used as a snowmobile warming hut in winter. Please be respectful of the property if you visit.

A small wooden cabin surrounded by greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

With many miles of trails, it's a place I can get to for some easy woods walking or some more strenuous climbing.

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A wooden bridge covered in leaves spans a small stream, surrounded by trees and rocks in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

I'll be keeping a close eye on Birch Ridge Community Forest as the trail system continues to develop and will be including it in the upcoming 6th edition of the AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. For more information and to download a current trail map, visit Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.

Since it's been such a warm winter here in New Hampshire, that means that the ticks are unfortunately already out. Make sure to stay protected from the little buggers while also exploring nearby Collins Family Forest, just across the lake from Birch Ridge Community Forest.

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