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An out and back run along a 5.2-mile section of the AT through beautiful forest.


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Map Key

10.2

Miles

16.4

KM

86%

Runnable

1,934' 590 m

High

907' 276 m

Low

1,860' 567 m

Up

1,860' 567 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding

Overview

A short section of the AT that is typically done as an out-and-back run. This trail winds through beautiful deciduous and pine forest for the entire run and mainly consists of leaf covered singletrack with lots of wet sections during the wet season. Highlights include a long elevated section of trail through a wetland, windy singletrack through beautiful forest, and the Ore Hill campsite.

Need to Know

Bring bug spray during bug season (lots of wet areas). There is a great general store (Shawnee's General Store) off of Mt. Moosilauke Hwy just south of Wentworth.

Runner Notes

Wet and slow moving in most of the first 2 miles.

Description

This trail starts from a small parking lot off the south side of Orford Rd. The parking lot will hold about 5-6 cars and is a dirt pull-off that may be pretty muddy with lots of rain. From the parking area, head east on Orford Rd, go over the bridge, and you'll see the AT on the north side of the road.

The trail enters the woods and immediately wanders across some well built elevated paths through a wetland and then climbs a gradual hill into the forest. The first 1.8 miles of the trail can be pretty swampy but there are always features close by to keep your feet dry. One section crosses a huge wetland with an amazing section of elevated trail that was built which hops from rock to rock to log platform for a few hundred yards!

At 1.8 miles, the trail hits Cape Moonshine Rd (dirt road). Just beyond the road crossing is a well constructed trail stop for backpackers. Be sure to take some extra water to fill jugs and an extra bar or two to leave in the hanging bear bucket! Whoooo thru-hikers! After the trail stop, the trail runs up Ore Hill passing a campsite near the peak of the hill. After the main Ore Hill peak, the trail winds up and down two more smaller hills to the ending terminus at Lake Tarleton Rd.

The trail winds through beautiful deciduous and pine forest for the entire run and mainly consists of leaf-covered singletrack with lots of wet sections during the wet season.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zach Buecker

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#4702

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#57

in New Hampshire

#4,702

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1,731 Since May 24, 2016
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Photos

A great sign marks the entrance to the White Mountains on the AT.
May 23, 2017 near Orford, NH
The trail is elevated through the large wetland.
May 23, 2017 near Orford, NH

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