We have the owner of Latacarta restaurant in Peterborough to thank for this lovely area. I do wish the hand ferry was still in business. For more history check out Francie Von Mertens article. http://peterboroughopenspace.org/success-stories/hiroshi-hayashi-land.html

Hiking, snowshoeing x country skiing.

Dogs on leash please as lots of wildlife.

What a delight. Parking for many at the trailhead off Rte 137.

There is a kiosk with helpful information, a found hat, and a few other finds.

  • Sept update. Hat gone.
  • Left overs from Hiroshi Hayashi’s Monadnock school for Natural Cooking and Philosophy.
School foundation can still be admired.
It seems this trail is always harboring waifs. Found on rainy trail Nov. 12.

The trail is easy. Would be fantastic for children as you shall discover. I met a man walking with two canes. Not trekking poles, canes. He told me it was a lovely walk and told me he enjoyed all of the hour plus it took him to navigate slowly along. There seemed only one rough spot, but believe strollers could probably make it through.

The trail for the most part is open, and easy walking.

  • There are stumps set covid safely apart for contemplation and journalling.
  • Ruby and Rusty had differing ideas as to which way we should proceed. Rusty won.

The left trail took us along a swampy, vernal pool ladenned with all manner of singing reptiles and aquatic bugs.

  • Much greener in Sept, but quieter. No frogs.
Woods are rampant with woodpeckers, and I am sure porcupines.
Thankfully no run-ins this time.

Due to dogs on leash, the critters seem pretty tame.

  • Rusty and this squirrel had a staring contest.
  • This Chippie wasn’t so bold. Love how he hid in the tree. Can you see him?
Spider trees.

I am fascinated by the power and perseverience of Beavers.

One wonders how many generations have worked on this big old tree. The symmetry is to be admired.

The beavers here are incredibly busy. 😉 There are many dams along this route leading to Dinsmore pond.

  • Muskrat?

The view along Dinsmore is beautiful. There are a couple of pull offs down to the water for better viewing.

Dinsmore eventually flows into Nubanusit river, after another Beaver dam.

Spring 2021
Sept. 2021

The water is crystal clear. Tempting, but would not recommend drinking it. Beaver water not always good for one’s digestion.

  • Spring 2021
  • Spring 2021
  • Spring 2021
  • Summer 2021. Trail now muddy but passable.
I am glad I chose Rusty’s route as it allows appreciation of the progression of the water flow. I have taken trail both directions. I prefer going clockwise.

As we neared the Nubanusit we saw two mallard couples. Guess they didn’t know the brook used to be called Goose Brook. There are otters here but hikers we met confessed they had sent them into hiding.

Fall is approaching.

The Army Core of Engineers manages this area as flood control as part of the MacDowell Dam. http://www.nae.usace.army.mil Across the river is the 700 acres of the  Sargent Center.

Just some interesting shots along the river. Sept 2021 and spring 2021

  • Whoever placed these trail arrows, had a Whimsical side.
  • Tucked into a detour.
  • Perfect spot to sit.
  • View to Sargent Center
  • More info in link above.
  • Such peace.
  • Wish the hand ferry was still operating. Looks like it was fun.
  • Probably removed for safety.
  • And so, we leave the river and head back.
  • Nature in her Christmas colours.
  • Leaving the woods and streams to the fairies.
I am not an artist. But journalling is therapeutic.

Thank you John Muir Laws for inspiring me to journal.

Your comments are welcome. Contact Miles at stahmann@harriscenter.org or (603) 525-3394 or me, mikiclementscollier@gmail.com
These trails — and all of the Harris Center’s work — are made possible through the support of donors like
you: harriscenter.org/donate.

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