GetFit Hike #1: Three Ponds Hike

The weather for Saturday wasn't top notch. This hike ended up being the perfect outing since the summits were in the clouds. Everyone absolutely loved the trails!

The trail begins heading uphill into the woods and passes the Kineo and Carr Mtn. trails. It basically follows a snowmobile trail. There were abundant wildflowers to liven things up on a cloudy day including Trout Lily, Painted Trillium, Red Trillium, hobblebush, and smooth yellow violet. It  then descends down toward the Sucker Brook area. There is still a healthy amount of mud on the trail. We sometimes saw moose prints and scat on the trail.

There are many times where the snowmobile trail goes to the left and the hiking trail goes to higher ground on the right. There are bridges over most of, if not all of the stream crossings. However, the bridge over Sucker Brook was completely washed out and the force of the water moved it aside to the riverbank.

Before too long, we were at the ponds. The first pond is a little bushwhack and has never been impressive so we skipped it. The second pond is the main feature. The water looked fairly high.

After lunch in the Three Ponds Shelter, we checked out the third pond. We had to walk across a beaver dam to get to it. The woods leading over to the pond were beautiful, and there was some definite moose sign.

We headed back using the Donkey Hill cutoff. This trail is a little bit rougher with the footing, and is narrower than the Three Ponds trail. Still, its a nice walk in the woods, with occasional views along some bogs.

The walk back once we reached the Mount Kineo trail was nice, though a bit rocky at first. The trail paralleled Brown brook for some time, and there were a few cascades and waterfalls.  

Before long, we were out and back at the cars. It was a great leisurely loop hike, and we'll be back there again at some point in the future! 

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.