 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
Green Mountain is a fire tower peak in Effingham which dominates the surrounding low country. The summit can be reached by three hiking trails some of which are or were used by ATVs. This route was formerly used by the fire lookout for ATV access although he now approaches from the SW. This description calls it the Highwatch Trail because it starts in the SPNHF Highwatch Reservation on Highwatch Road, but no name for the trail appears on any signs.
Distance: About 1.4 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 1200 feet
Maps: USGS Freedom
Location: Lakes Region
NH 2004-2005 map J-9
DeLorme NHA&G 41-G/H12 - Effingham
Effingham is on the Maine border about midway between Rochester and Conway
Trailhead: Just beyond end of maintained portion of Highwatch Road, on R, elevation about 750 feet
N 43.7835, -71.0466 W (WGS84)
From I-95 at Portsmouth, take Spaulding Turnpike N about 34 miles, then continue N on NH Route 16. About 54 miles from I-95, take Center Ossipee exit and turn R on NH Route 25. Go E 2.7 mi and turn R on Ryefield Road. After .7 miles turn sharp L on Green Mountain Road, go 1.2 miles and turn R on Highwatch Road (signs for fire tower and Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Center). Go 1.3 miles to a sign that the road is now Class VI (unmaintained) just past the center. Owners of low slung vehicles may wish to scout ahead on foot before continuing. The trailhead is 100 yards beyond on the R, park on roadside. The trail follows the eroded woods road uphill past the sign for SPNHF Highwatch Reservation.
Far End: Summit of Green Mountain, elevation about 1884 feet
Owner: private and state
Maintainer: unknown
Special regulations: unknown
From the trailhead, follow the woods road uphill, staying on the main road which runs along the boundary fence with the rehabilitation center, crosses the access road to a building to the L, and later angles uphill across a stone wall. The trail generally wanders back and forth near the ridge before ending at the fire tower at 1.4 miles. Note the way you came up unless you wish to go down a different way.
The first viewing platform on the fire tower has obstructed views, climb to the smaller one just below the cab to see the White Mountains and Ossipee Lake. If the observer isn't busy, they may invite you into the cab and explain how to detect fires.
Parking lot may not be plowed
Map Notes: NA
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |