New England & New York Backcountry & Hiking Forum

I had last Friday off, and the weather was amazing, so I drove up Thursday night (August 20, 2026) and stayed at the Waterville federal campground. I had been there the week before, and what a difference a week makes! The week prior, even on a Thursday night, there were only nine spaces open. Last weekend, with the school year either having started or about to, it was the exact opposite: there were maybe nine campsites taken. On Friday morning, I drove over to Benson parking lot and headed... Read more

I had last Friday off, and the weather was amazing, so I drove up Thursday night (August 20, 2026) and stayed at the Waterville federal campground. I had been there the week before, and what a difference a week makes! The week prior, even on a Thursday night, there were only nine spaces open. Last weekend, with the school year either having started or about to, it was the exact opposite: there were maybe nine campsites taken. On Friday morning, I drove over to Benson parking lot and headed... Read more

I’m planning 3-4 days starting tomorrow and wondering if anyone has good local knowledge to share (can’t beat it- can’t buy it!). Specifically, any thoughts about camping spots (the old established WMNF sites or others.I’d rather set up where the ground’s already compacted if possible); areas to avoid out to be sure to visit; and what to expect from Black Angel. On other sites I’ve seen everything from that it’s an awesome adventure to it’s totally impassable… thanks in advance for any input!

I’m planning 3-4 days starting tomorrow and wondering if anyone has good local knowledge to share (can’t beat it- can’t buy it!). Specifically, any thoughts about camping spots (the old established WMNF sites or others.I’d rather set up where the ground’s already compacted if possible); areas to avoid out to be sure to visit; and what to expect from Black Angel. On other sites I’ve seen everything from that it’s an awesome adventure to it’s totally impassable… thanks in advance for any input!

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/0...cOgMAbZeIL1Ke_x7KBqEaH_grpjOL_7ktHrbRI.UXPtrV

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/0...cOgMAbZeIL1Ke_x7KBqEaH_grpjOL_7ktHrbRI.UXPtrV

Filmed a gravel ride last weekend. I started in Gorham at the eastern terminus of the Presi Rail Trail, AKA as the ATV parking lot. Road the rail trail with the "cross NH trail" option to take Valley Road. Then made a loop with Cherry Mountain Road and Jefferson Notch Road via 302 and Base Road. Just shy of 50 miles with a good amount of climbing. Was a beautiful day. I'm surprised how few cyclists I see up there.

Filmed a gravel ride last weekend. I started in Gorham at the eastern terminus of the Presi Rail Trail, AKA as the ATV parking lot. Road the rail trail with the "cross NH trail" option to take Valley Road. Then made a loop with Cherry Mountain Road and Jefferson Notch Road via 302 and Base Road. Just shy of 50 miles with a good amount of climbing. Was a beautiful day. I'm surprised how few cyclists I see up there.

As usual, a planned full loop turned into a half Very dry out there and the West side water sources are not something I wanted to bet my life on. Picnic Ledge about 2.3 miles and 1600 feet of up from the parking lot. Nice to start breaking out of the trees and get some air. On top of Puzzle. Thankfully Chase Hill Brook was still flowing a bit at the bottom. I grabbed enough water there to get me to Lane if I had to, but was hoping Town Corner might be wet. I... Read more

As usual, a planned full loop turned into a half Very dry out there and the West side water sources are not something I wanted to bet my life on. Picnic Ledge about 2.3 miles and 1600 feet of up from the parking lot. Nice to start breaking out of the trees and get some air. On top of Puzzle. Thankfully Chase Hill Brook was still flowing a bit at the bottom. I grabbed enough water there to get me to Lane if I had to, but was hoping Town Corner might be wet. I... Read more

This is my Luxe Outdoors Lightwave 1+/2-person tent. It’s an outer-first/all-in-one pitch tent that will fit 2 sleepers under just the fly (on narrow rectangular or wide mummy pads) and 1+ inside the mesh inner. It’s absolutely palatial for 1 person inside the mesh inner. Head to foot length is about 8 feet and the end walls are vertical thanks to the short end poles. No tent fabric hanging in your face. Weight is 1490g for the fly, inner, poles, 12 stakes, and bags. You need all 12 stakes... Read more

This is my Luxe Outdoors Lightwave 1+/2-person tent. It’s an outer-first/all-in-one pitch tent that will fit 2 sleepers under just the fly (on narrow rectangular or wide mummy pads) and 1+ inside the mesh inner. It’s absolutely palatial for 1 person inside the mesh inner. Head to foot length is about 8 feet and the end walls are vertical thanks to the short end poles. No tent fabric hanging in your face. Weight is 1490g for the fly, inner, poles, 12 stakes, and bags. You need all 12 stakes... Read more