New London group’s winter events include geocaching, moonlit treks

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition is once again leading a series of exciting winter hikes in the Lake Sunapee region. The hikes are free and open to all.

The hikes, as always, offer a variety of terrain and conditions, and will include geocaching, snowshoe and cross-country ski events. A special feature again this year will be a moonlight snowshoe hike over a forgiving three-mile course.

Hikes range from easy to difficult. Hike leaders will offer full details for each event, including starting place and time and equipment needs. There is absolutely no cost to participants, except for personal food, equipment, and transportation to the hike site.

Since winter hikes require special attention to physical conditioning, weather and snow conditions, hikers are encouraged to evaluate their capabilities carefully before joining any group.

The hikes:

Saturday, January 16

Geocaching from Webster Pass to Dutchman Pond. Will you be able to spot the 14 winter-friendly caches? Bring a GPS unit, if you have one, or learn as you go. Led by Cynthia Bruss, gregcyn@myfairpoint.net, or 763-4570. 5 miles, moderate.

Saturday, January 23

Susan and Michael Chiarella reprise their annual hot chocolate ramble. An interpretive snowshoe hike to Star Lake in Springfield. Call 763-5879. 3 miles, easy.

Saturday, January 30

Cross-country ski to Springfield’s Morgan Pond from Twin Lake Villa. Andy Hager. Call 526-2846. 5 miles, moderate for experienced skiers.

Saturday, February 6

Andrew Brook Trail to Jack and June Junction, then down the Newbury Trail to Newbury Harbor. Call Charlie Killam, 526-4467. 4.5 miles, difficult.

Saturday, February 13

Explore the hidden trails of King Hill in Sutton. Snowshoes, poles as needed. Call off-trail specialist Art Robbins, 927-4377. 4.5 miles, moderate.

Saturday, February 20

A relaxed snowshoe to remote Clark Pond on New London’s newly constructed conservation trail. Call Ralph Spofford, 526-6568. 1.5 miles, easy.

Saturday, February 27

Journey along Sunapee Ridge to Lucia’s Lookout and the unique view only dedicated trekkers get to see. Call long-distance winter hike specialist Gerry Gold, 526-2857. 12 miles, difficult.

Saturday, Sunday or Monday, February 27, 28 or March 1

Moonlight madness, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., on the clearest night. Install fresh batteries in your headlamp and call leader Dave Cook, 526-4570, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. nightly, to confirm date. 2 miles, moderate.

Saturday, March 6

From Haynes Road in Newbury, travel the SRKG to Poor Farm Road, then head south into Sutton Mills. Bail out there, or take Corporation Hill Road and loop through the Johnson Easement to NH Route 114. Call Brent Scudder, 763-0187. 4-5 miles, moderate.

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes hiking and land conservation amid the rugged beauty of three major mountains. Its 75-mile trail system, incorporating 14 separate hikes through Andover, Danbury, Goshen, Newbury, New London, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner and Wilmot, is free and open to all. For information, visit the website at www.srkg.com, or write: Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition, PO Box 1684, New London, NH 03257-1684.