Explore Pittsburg's
Backcountry X-Country Skiing
and Snowshoeing !

[ Skiing and Snowshoeing in Pittsburg ]
[ About This Guide ]
                                       [ Coon Brook Bog ] [ Big Brook Bog ]
                                      [ Old South Bay ] [ River Road ]
                                      [ Ad Chase Brook ] [ Johnson Memorial Park ]

Skiing and Snowshoeing in Pittsburg

The Pittsburg Ridge Runners network of snowmobile trails are available for cross country skiers and snowshoers as well. However, caution should be exercised in utilizing active snowmobile trails. As a general rule, these trails should be avoided on weekends, as they can be periods of heavy snowmobile traffic throughout the winter season. Usage is less frequent during the week, particularly in March. In addition to plowed roads, winter recreation is not allowed in areas where there is active hauling of forest products, logging trucks, or road building equipment at work. A list of the areas closed to skiers and snowshoers in 2008 due to logging is provided below. We hope you will appreciate the privilege of enjoying these privately-built and maintained recreational areas through responsible use and respect for the property of all landowners.

The routes detailed in this guide are seldom traveled by snowmobiles and therefore may not be "broken" for use, particularly after major snowfalls. This is especially the case with the Coon Brook Bog and Big Brook Bog trails, where snowmobile use can be rare. Be prepared for vigorous exercise!

Closed to Skiing and Snowshoeing in 2008:
Indian Stream Road (entire)

About This Guide

The directions below are intended to be used with the Pittsburg Ridge Runners 2008 Snowmobile Trail System Map, an indispensable source for locating open and closed trails for the current winter season that is sold in the main lodge. However, please be aware that it does not contain mileages, and does not show the numerous secondary spurs to be found off of the primary trails.

Set your tripometer to "0" at the intersection of Beach Road and Route 3 to track mileages to skiing and snowshoeing trailheads.

Coon Brook Bog / Unknown Pond

8.0 miles North on Route 3

Starting from the vehicle turn-out area off of Route 3 just past the road to the bog, this 1.7 mile trek is a relatively steady climb to its destination. Just prior to reaching Coon Brook Bog, the road forks. Rather than staying straight, where you will find a locked orange gate, proceed to the left and down a slight decline to the bog.

For the more adventurous at heart, the short excursion to Unknown Pond is definitely worth the trip. While this is an ideal snowshoe trek, it has been made on skis as well. However, those undertaking this journey must use a compass, as the "trail" to the pond is little more than a ribboned game trail which can be easily lost. The trail departs at approximately the halfway point from the Coon Brook Bog trail and proceeds steadily uphill. The reward for your perseverance is close at hand upon reaching the "height of the land". Since ice thicknesses are unknown, please stay off of all ponds and bogs.

Big Brook Bog

8.9 miles North on Route 3

Slightly longer in distance than Coon Brook Bog, the trip to Big Brook Bog is an easily obtainable destination point only 2.3 miles from Route 3. This trail has an easier grade to it than others in our area and it also has several secondary routes worth exploring. About halfway up the main road, a logging road climbs a steady hill to the left (there is also a gate at this fork). By proceeding uphill to the left, one can find the aforementioned Unknown Pond (see the Coon Brook Bog description) by staying on this road - a slightly easier way to find the pond than from the Coon Brook Bog side. If you want to continue past Big Brook Bog, the road forks to the right and left another .7 miles past the turn to the bog. Though both roads dead end shortly, their steep pitches on the way up provide nice observation points for the bog and the surrounding countryside on the way down.

Note: Just after the start of the logging road off of Route 3 (where you will see an orange gate that is usually kept open), there is a vehicle turn around on the right. Park here, as there is room for several vehicles.

Old South Bay

2.7 miles North on Route 3 to River Road;
At 3.9 miles, park after covered bridge

This 5 + mile ski is a combination of new and old snowmobile trails that feature an abundance of inclines, eventually providing access to the southern end of First Connecticut Lake. To start, skiers and snowshoers must go back through the covered bridge over Perry Stream. Follow the snowmobile trail to the nearest right, proceed over the Connecticut River logging bridge, and continue straight uphill. Since this section of the trail is a heavy traffic area, caution is advised. The snowmobile trail winds to the right after the bridge, but the Old South Bay trail continues straight uphill over Carr Ridge. Snowmobile traffic is almost non-existent on this section of the trail. After a long uphill section, the trail does level out and gradually slopes down toward the lake. The trail does not end at the lake however, so bushwhacking is necessary for this to be accomplished.

River Road

2.7 miles North on Route 3 to River Road;
At 4.9 miles, park at Lk. Francis State Park

Proceed from the parking area at Lake Francis State Park on River Road, which is used for snowmobile traffic only from this point. Don’t let the opening incline intimidate you: this trail does level eventually, but it offers challenges later on. The road continues for approximately one mile before the trail splits off to the right. This trail eventually comes out in the Hill Road area of Pittsburg, 2 + miles away. The trail offers a steady climb, providing viewpoints of Lake Francis and Carr Ridge. Though the main trail forks about a mile in, both trails are well worth exploring, but make sure to follow the same trail back to the parking area. The challenge for skiers is in the descent, as they will be forced to navigate the trail’s low-lying canopied coniferous forest in addition to its winding course.

Note: The snowmobile trails inside of Lake Francis State Park are open for recreation as well, one of which follows the Connecticut River north toward First Connecticut Lake.

Ad Chase Brook

7.7 miles South on Route 3, then right

This 3 + mile trail runs parallel to swiftly flowing Ad Chase Brook toward the Halls Stream area of Pittsburg. It is unique in that it provides a view of Canada from the height of the land. Proceed straight ahead from the parking area to access the trail. Since this is a snowmobile trail, it does receive its share of use, but the trail’s upper reaches do not receive much traffic. Though it is almost entirely uphill, it is worth the work, as it ultimately levels off. The Canadian vista is close at hand once the trail begins to slope downward.

Note: A four wheel drive vehicle may be helpful getting into and out of the parking area.

Johnson Memorial Park

3.3 miles South on Route 3

Graciously donated by Arthur and Christie Johnson, this nature and wildlife preserve (motorized vehicles prohibited) is used extensively by students for research. The park itself is located on the right side of Route 3, but parking is allowed to the left, near the town highway garage. Several trails for skiing and snowshoeing run throughout the park, passing by various points of interest and "science projects". However, the highlight of Johnson Memorial Park is the beaver pond, found on the outskirts of the "Outer Loop" trail. The relative ease of the park’s trails and their brevity make it an ideal afternoon excursion.

Please keep in mind that the availability of logging roads for use by skiers and snowshoers is
completely at the discretion of the individual landowner and may change without notice.

[What's New][About Tall Timber][Accommodations][Rates & Policies][Dining]
[Fishing][Hunting][Snowmobiling][Outdoor Activities & Events]
[Directions][Weather][Search][Links]
[Home Page][Text Only Layout][Frame Pages Layout]

Tall Timber Lodge ~ 609 Beach Road ~ Pittsburg, NH 03592 ~ 800-83-LODGE

Email Address: Vacation at Tall Timber

Copyright©2007 Tall Timber Lodge. All rights reserved. Legal Notice.