This series is ideal for those of you who have been inactive this winter or want to get in shape to hike this summer.

If you are looking for a mellow hike with a sense of exploration, this loop through a rolling watershed that feeds the Baker River may be just what you had in mind. Streams, bogs, wetlands, and ponds are the theme of this backcountry trek that successfully avoids nearby peaks and the onslaught of other hikers.

We will hike to Three Ponds Shelter [1,750']. Good views from the shelter. We'll also take a side trip to the unique, Third, or Upper Pond by walking across a beaver dam. We'll loop back using the Donkey Hill Cutoff and Mount Kineo trails that skirts a spruce swamp. It's 5.5 miles roundtrip with 500' elevation gain. It should take us 5.5 hours to complete this hike. Bring lunch and water.  

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 26.

After The Hike: We'll have a BBQ back on my deck at my house in Waterville Valley. It's BYOB and about $5 per person for food costs. Bring a change of clothes. I have lots of towels and everyone can take showers to clean up.  

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Take exit 26 from I-93 [Tenney Mountain Highway] and drive along NH 25 west from Plymouth to the sign for Rumney Village. Turn north through Rumney, taking Main Street and Stinson Lake Road to Stinson Lake. Keep left on Stinson Lake Road along the west shore. The road changes to gravel. At 6.9 miles from NH 25, turn left at a hiker symbol, and park. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.