Saco Lake Trail – New Bridge!

A big thanks to all of the Volunteers and staff that helped come together and build a new bridge on the Saco Lake Trail in just One Day! We had John and Charlie, AMC Trail Adopters and Region Leader helping us, as well as, Sara, Joel, and Tim from the Highland Center, and Katie and I from the Trails Volunteer Programs.

The old bridge was a three stringer native bridge that had rotted and collapsed. All that was left (and for most of the summer) was a single stringer that was wedged between two rocks. This single log allowed hikers to pass, but not with much ease.

We had some of the material but we still needed to fell two trees for the project. After we had the trees on the ground and cut to size, we were peeling, setting base logs and building piers filled with rocks to cross the gap.

Before long, the bridge was complete. Once again a big thanks to all of those that pitched in and helped make this possible in just one day. If you have never been on the Saco Lake Trail near the AMC Highland Center, or would like to take a look at our new handiwork – head out there as soon as you can. Enjoy!

AT Corridor Monitoring

Monitoring the AT Corridor in the Mahoosucs: I was able to get out and work with Sally and Ellen from the ATC, a Dartmouth Outing Club Volunteer, Tom, and Emily, AMC Mahoosuc Rover, to work on opening up a section on the east side of the AT near Carlo Col.

I could not believe how overgrown this boundary line was. It most likely had not been maintained since it was originally cut when surveyed in the early 1980’s. We fought our way through for most of the day, and in all only covered about 1,000 feet, and found one monument!

Sally and Ellen from the ATC are in the southern Mahoosucs for most of September to reclaim much of the nearly lost boundary from the Maine state line to the town of Gorham. Once this major work is done we hope to find new AT Corridor Monitors for these sections. We already have a few dedicated volunteer boundary maintainers, but we need more to be sure this line stays open and obvious.












This is a great way to volunteer for trails, explore new areas off trail, and really have fun. If you are interested in monitoring a section of the AT Corridor in the southern Mahoosucs, please contact Alex DeLucia at 603-466-2721 x192 or adelucia@outdoors.org.

Trails Volunteer of the Month - September 2007

I grew up in Milan NH north of Berlin and today am surrounded by the views of the Kilkenny Range, the Mahoosucs, the Carter/Wildcats, and the Presidentials.

As a kid I hiked quite a few of the mountains, but due to work commitments in my early 20’s my hiking days were limited. Finally with the kids out of the house I had some more down time where I could concentrate on the higher peaks and in the last few years I was able to do the goals I had set.

Looking for other things to do hiking related, I noticed the trail adoption information on the AMC website and applied and was accepted. I recruited 2 nephews and 3 friends and we started on the Mahoosuc Trail from Mt. Hayes to Trident Col. We have spent 160 hours on it since May of this year. We are not quite there yet but we will be soon hopefully.

Each trail is unique in its own way and I really enjoy the ruggedness and different views from the outlooks on the Mahoosuc. Plus when hikers pass by most never fail to thank us for the work we are doing. Most people do get satisfaction from volunteering.

So, thanks to all the other trail maintainers and the AMC staff members who make trail maintaining work!!

Keith “Lefty” Enman