 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
The Barlow Trail leads from Winslow State Park in Wilmot to near the summit of Mount Kearsarge, a bare rock cone with a fire tower. It was constructed in 1998 as a more gradual alternative to the steep and eroded Winslow Trail which leaves from the same parking lot and rejoins near the summit. Unfortunately the thin soil on this route has also begun to erode. The Barlow Trail has been designated as a link in the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail.
Although Mount Kearsarge is less than 3000 feet tall, it is the highest point in Merrimack County and one of the few peaks in New Hampshire with 2000 foot prominence (rise above connecting ridge).
Historians still do not agree whether the Civil War vessel USS Kearsarge was named for this peak or another peak in Carroll County. The state park however was named for the Winslow House hotel which once existed near the parking lot, which was named for Captain John Winslow of the Kearsarge.
Distance: Trailhead to summit, about 1.8 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 1100 feet, nominal on return
Maps:
USGS Andover
SRKG (Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway) Trail Guide Trail 11 map
(online version)
Mount Kearsarge hiking trail map
(online version)
Location: Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region
NH 2004-2005 map M-5
DeLorme NHA&G 34-I/J7 - Wilmot/Warner
Wilmot is N of exit 10 on I-89
Trailhead: Winslow State Park, elevation about 1800 feet
N 43.3897, -71.8670 W (WGS84)
A state park fee is required to enter the park during the official season of roughly May to October, longer on weekends
From I-89 exit 10, go E on Gile Pond Road to T-intersection, then R on North Road for .5 miles. Go L on Kearsarge Valley Road for 3.0 miles, then R on Kearsarge Mountain Road for 2.4 miles (with 2 sharp R bends) to parking area at state park.
Far End: Winslow Trail near summit of Mount Kearsarge, elevation about 2900 feet
Owner: Winslow State Park
Maintainer: Winslow State Park
Special regulations: No fires or camping
From the upper end of the parking lot and picnic area, the Barlow Trail goes L where the Winslow Trail goes straight ahead. It angles to the L uphill for about .8 miles, then begins a steeper ascent along the ridge. The upper portion of the trail crosses several rock ledges with views before circling R through scrub to the Winslow Trail. From the junction, the summit is about 100 yards L on the Winslow Trail.
Road to state park closed off season, portion from last turn to gate not plowed and partially groomed for snowmobiling, adding up to .9 miles to reach trailhead. Limited plowed roadside parking at turnoff.
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show this trail
Topozone.com live map
SRKG (Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway) Trail Guide Trail 11 map
(online version)
Mount Kearsarge hiking trail map
(online version)
Ledges on Barlow Trail [2/04]
Kearsarge fire tower [2/04]
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |