Excursions

Excursions is the hiking committee of the NH Chapter. We have many activities going on each month. Our volunteer Trip Leaders lead trips to many places in northern New England, some that may be familiar and many that will be completely new to you. We'll take you to the tallest peaks of the Presidential Range and to the smaller ones, like Willard and Major. We don't just go to the White Mountains! In southern NH we hike in places like the Monadnock-Sunapee and Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenways, and Pawtuckaway State Park. We also sponsor trips to the New England and NH 100 Highest peaks, many of which don't have trails.

AMC members can find all of the Chapter's activities listed in the AMC Outdoors magazine. This magazine is sent out to all AMC members 10 times a year. On our trips, the safety of the group is always paramount. All of our activities are led by trained volunteer Trip Leaders and may vary from single day to multi-day events.

In addition to our general hiking trips, we some specialized groups and activities that might fit your specific need:

Over-55 Group

The Excursions Committee's Over-55 Group subcommittee runs trips that appeal to those of all ages who want trips at a more leisurely pace! Trips are conducted every month of the year, and include hikes for those of varying levels of ability, from level trails to mountain summits. Our winter trips include cross country tours as well as snowshoe hikes. We will give participants a chance to learn about the locations of NH trails and we will describe these trails along the way. Other subjects discussed include available maps and guidebooks, use of map and compass, and, for winter trips, the special demands that cold weather imposes. We try to have two new member group hikes each month. You needn't be over 55 to join in. Many of those attending are young, some who try our group as an introduction to the chapter's more strenuous trips.

Family Group

The Family Group creates opportunities for families with children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors together. Most trips are rated easy to moderate in difficulty and include hiking, backpacking, hut trips, biking, cross -country skiing, snow shoeing, as well as cultural outings. Trips are also available for families with more experienced teens and adults who enjoy a relaxed pace. The 25 year history of this group has shown that to hike year after year with the same group is very appealing to children. For more information or to join our e-mail list, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NHAMCFamilyGroup/

Winter and Spring Workshops

If you are a new hiker or an old mountain goat, check out our hiking workshops we hold at Cardigan Lodge. We have classes for all levels taught by our volunteer Trip Leaders. These people have been there, done that, and got a heck of a lot more than a t-shirt for their efforts. They came back with knowledge and experience. Let them share it with you and have a good time doing it. The food is darn good too! One of best places to get started is at our NH Chapter Annual Winter and Spring Workshops.

The Excursions Committee conducts two winter workshops and one spring workshop for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced hiker. These training sessions are geared for mountain safety; we instruct participants in equipment, logistics and trip planning, nutrition, map and compass, off-trail navigation, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, accident-scene management, group dynamics, and weather and the mountain environment. This is also where we train new trip leaders for the chapter. These courses are held at the AMC's Cardigan Lodge in Alexandria, NH. The lodge holds approximately 60 adults. The workshops start on Friday night and end on Sunday afternoon. The cost includes two nights, lodging, two breakfasts, and one dinner. We have our own volunteer cooks, so you won't go hungry! These workshops fill up fast, so apply as soon as you see our announcement in the chapter newsletter and web site, or the "AMC Outdoors magazine". You won't regret it!

Hut Nights

The Excursions Committee also sponsors two hut nights a year. They are held at different AMC huts each year, in June and September. This is where hikers can greet old friends and enjoy new ones at a happy hour, have a good dinner, and enjoy an after-dinner speaker. You will arise to a good old-fashioned breakfast before returning to the trailhead or enjoying further hiking in the vicinity.

Presidential Range Hike

The Presidential Range Hike is a trip we run once each summer in mid July. It is a spectacular 9 day trip across NH's White Mountains. You'll sleep and eat at the AMC's famous mountain huts while hiking over 50 miles of scenic trails between Franconia and Pinkham Notch, including many on the Appalachian Trail. It allows you the opportunity to Climb Mt. Washington and at least a dozen peaks over 4000 ft. It is a strenuous and wonderful week! There is a maximum of 25 hikers, including 4 leaders. Daily hikes are 5 - 9+ miles with elevation changes of 2000 ft or more. A wide variety of hiking options are offered each day. The cost includes 8 nights' lodging, breakfasts/suppers, and gratuities in the huts; trail lunches and in-hike transportation. Keep an eye out for the notice in the chapter newsletter and web site, or the Interchapter section of AMC Outdoors. Many past participants have considered the PRH the trip of a lifetime!

Get Involved!

I know that when I first joined AMC I wasn’t sure how to get started. Which hike would be appropriate for my abilities? Where should I hike? If you have similar questions, please send me an email, and I will help you out and point you in the right direction. Have fun!

David Ross
Excursions Chair

excursions@amc-nh.org