There are two main trails on Gap Mountain, one from the south and the other from the north. Basic trail maintenance on the south side was completed over the past couple of weeks in preparation for the hiking season. No work was done on the north side in anticipation of the arrival of the SCA trail crew. Today was the day of their arrival.
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| SCA Crew "gearing up" in the north parking lot |
If you are not familiar with the SCA, they are the Student Conservation Association. The SCA is America's conservation corp and members work on conservation projects in national, state, and local areas. In addition to their trail work, the organization's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and to inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment. It is great that the SPNHF has obtained the services of the SCA again this year.
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Members of the SCA crew building
stepping stones over a muddy section of trail |
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| The same area with new stepping stones |
The trails on Gap Mountain receive heavy use during the year and the trails are showing the results. Sections of the north trail have become heavily eroded and braided as hikers create an ever widening path up the mountain.
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| Typical trail section on the upper trail |
This year the crew will be rebuilding many of the rock steps on the steeper sections of trail. An "after" view of the above area will be added to this blog once the work is completed.
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| Nice new stonework |
If you have never hiked Gap Mountain, perhaps this is the year to do it. Here is the link to hiking information for the mountain:
Gap Mountain
The blueberries ripen about the middle of July, probably the best time for a hike, although the flowering trees are putting on quite a show right now.
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Extensive blueberry heath on the mountain
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Apple tree blossoms on one of
the many trees on the mountain |
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| View of Mt Monadnock from the top of Gap Mountain |
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Apple trees in the meadow
Gap Mountain near Old Mill Road, Jaffrey |
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