This is a dog friendly hike. Although one doesn't need to have a dog to come on this hike one should keep in mind that there will be dogs running around loose off leash on this hike. So if the idea of loose dogs on a hike is not your idea of fun, please do not sign up for this hike. If you are bringing a dog please note that porcupines have been known to live around the mountain area both in the lower and upper parts of the Mtn. To my mind the almost 360 degrees of numerous Mountain views and the varying scenery makes this hike worth the effort it takes to do it. There are places where there are shorter sections of both steep ascents and descents. Hiking poles could be a big help if you have any. We will start on the Shannon Trail going almost to the summit of Crotched Mtn.(1.8 miles, elevation gain 800 ft.). Then traverse the ridge line/knobs on the Upper Link Trail and Summit Trail (1.5 miles, elevation gain 250 feet, but most of it is downhill). Descend 0.2 miles on the East Summit Trail and then use the Old Mountain Road and Lower Link Trail to where it runs into the Shannon Trail 1.6 miles, elevation gain 400 ft.). Then descend (0.8) miles on the Shannon Trail to get back to the parking lot. Trail map copy and paste into your browser: http://www.francestown-nh.gov/Pages/FrancestownNH_ConCom/crotchedmap.pdf Topo map: http://www.francestown-nh.gov/Pages/FrancestownNH_ConCom/Trails.pdf If enough people are interested we could go out someplace to grab a bite to eat/drink and socialize afterward.

If you have a GPS coordinates for the parking area are: 42.979053, -71.877020. The address is Crotched Mtn. Rehabilitation Center, Crotched Mtn. Road, Greenfield, NH 03047. 1. In Manchester, NH in between exits 5 and 6 heading north or south on I-93 get onto I-293 to follow NH 101 W.//// 2. In Bedford where the highway for 101 W ends an a two way road starts: Turn left to stay on NH-101 W for 17.6 mi//// 3. At the traffic light turn left onto NH-101 W/?Elm St for 0.8 mi//// 4. At the traffic light take the 1st right onto Wilton Rd (opposite the Irving Gas Station) for 0.5 mi//// 5. Continue onto Main St for 0.7 mi//// 6. Continue onto NH-31 N/?Forest Rd for 10.6 mi//// 7. Turn right onto NH-31 N/?Sawmill Rd for 0.8 mi//// 8. Take the 1st right onto Crotched Mountain Rd. (At the sign for Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center) Destination will be on the left at 1.5 mi.