Time to Start Planning!!

[MsCntry]

I am looking to start small and work my way up doing at least one hike a week through STP, and hopefully past!! Does anyone have any suggestions as to "easy" grade mountains including Mt Katherine, that I can start with?? Once I start my list, I will post it here, and then we will go to the "medium" grades, and so forth.

[Brad]

One that you might look at is Jockey Cap in Fryeburg which is close to you. As you head out of town on the east side there is a gas station/general store/motel on the left after the school and fire station. There are signs for hiker parking.

A longer hike would be Pleasant Mt in West Bridgton. Start by going up the trail from the Denmark side off the Denmark Rd (off route 302). This route has a fire tower on top. Then later graduate to the trail on the eastern side of the mountain off the road past the ski area. The west side trail is more gradual.

Later look at Kearsarge just north of N Conway as a longer hike with great views. Since it is close to your house you could go up as far as you can - then do it again till you can do the summit. It is not "steep" till the last right hand turn to the summit. It never gets really steep. Great views from on top.

[Stets]

I have always liked Black Cap. It is a real confidence builder that is located near Kearsarge North up Hurricane Mountain Road. Actually, the steepest part of this trip is the drive to the trailhead.

This hike has great views and you may extend it over to Cranmore and come down the ski trails once the ski season is over.

Also, Cranmore is one of my favorite hikes. My dad, who lives in North Conway, does this hike four times a week throughout the year and he is 84 years old this year. He likes to say that he has done the vertical equivalent of Mount Washington each week.

Good luck!

[KD Talbot]

In Conway is the Green Hill Preserve with several small peaks, and trails that lead to Black Cap as well.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/no...es/art315.html

Also near you are Green Mountain in Ossipee/Effingham. To the south are the Ossipees.

http://www.lrct.org/protected-properties.html

There's a great map here:

http://www.franklinsites.com/hikepho...itossipees.php

Red Hill, Mt. Israel, Morgan and Percival and Welch/Dickey are all hikes I would suggest in your area.

KDT

[MsCntry]

WOW!! My list is already off to a great start!! WOO HOO Thanks guys!! Keep them comin!!