06/04/2026
"On May 20, 15 of us drove north to Thornton, NH to hike part of the Smart’s Brook trail network. It was a hot, sunny day, but much cooler along the brook. This loop trail follows the crystal-clear brook lined by huge boulders then gradually ascends above a very deep ravine. A short climb up hill takes one through the red pine flats. Next, we joined the old Waterville Valley Road, walked a bit along Route 49 and then were back into the forest. There were not many wild flowers yet, and thankfully virtually no black flies. A short drive took us to a restaurant in Campton beside a covered bridge over the Pemigewasset River. After lunch we hiked about an hour in the West Branch Brook Forest, 145 acres, owned by the Campton, NH Conservation Commission. We enjoyed searching the vernal ponds for salamander egg sacks. (On the map, you will see “Peggy’s Pool,” which is named after our own Peggy Martin in honor of her years of keeping track of the critters in the vernal ponds.)"
