While sadly we seem to be getting less and less snow, when we finally do get some snow please heed these wishes for Casalis.
Those who hike the wonderful trails in Casalis, are aware that many of the updates are courtesy of a group of hard working, mountain bikers. These intrepid riders worked hard to get permissions and build mountain bike friendly trails.
There are several cool new trails across the new bridge (2022 -2023) that crosses the stream on the east side of the Casalis State Forest in the SPNHF section.
Hikers are welcomed to hike them by one of the trail-builders even though they were created by and specifically maintained for the members of the informal mountain bike group in the Monadnock Region.
The important news to share is that any hiking done during the winter season should be with snowshoes or along the side of the trail. We should never walk with boots directly on the trail during the winter snow time.
In different seasons, we have hiked these trails, but only the ones that the mountain bike member indicated were finished. The group has worked hard with respect to getting permission where trails cross over private property. Evidently, some sections are still in the works, so please avoid those areas until such time that we hear that they have been approved.
Evidently, boot impressions do not compact the trail in a desirable way as one might believe. Instead, even one set of footprints can mess up the track for the mountain bikers.
Trails groomed for biking or skiing should not be walked on (even by dog paws).
-any indents in the trail ruin the desired effect of the grooming and could contribute to reduced access to private land.
-snowshoes help, however attention to temperature and snow conditions is important because you will still get indents with snowshoes in warm conditions.
-the desired effect is smooth.
Thus, we are passing on this information to everyone who hikes the area so that we can all be informed about the negative impact of boot footprints in the groomed snow and adjust our hiking in this area to be courteous to the mountain bikers who created the trails and work so hard to keep them in good shape for their winter biking.
You are still welcome to hike on mountain bike trails but we need to be extra mindful in the winter. Please just walk in the snow, assuming that it is not too deep, along the side of these specially-groomed trails. If there is deep snow, and if it is cold enough, then snowshoes can be used on the trails. Thank you for your thoughtful attention to this request.