Springtime Hiking

CLOCK PHOTO/JENNIFER TEPPER

Plymouth State University is still awaiting the full-on arrival of Spring. It teased the student body with its brief existence of some warm days, and then days of gusty winds and freezing temperatures brought them back to reality. Although Winter sports are wonderful, it will be nice to get outside without a multitude of layers on. It will also be nice to enjoy the other recreational activities that New Hampshire has to offer. The Outdoor Center is a great place to get involved with more of these activities, and don’t worry about not having any equipment to paddle down the Pemi. All equipment usage is free of charge for any Plymouth State student.

If you have a car and want to find a great spot nearby to take a nice Spring hike, try Welch Dicky, a somewhat challenging and steep hike, but with views that will be worth it or, Plymouth Mountain, a wooded hike that is great for people who don’t want too steep of a climb. 

Stinson Mountain, Rattlesnake Mountain, Mount Moosilauke, and Mount Lafayette are great hikes as well. If seeking something a bit more relaxed, shorter, or nearby, try the Quincy Bog and Rainbow Falls. The Quincy Bog has trail guides online that can make the journey entertaining, while Rainbow Falls guides you along a nice brook to a waterfall. Once it becomes a bit warmer, think about taking a boat out and paddling the Pemi. Just remember to have someone, or another car, ready to go at the other end. 

Through the Outdoor Center, Plymouth State students can also participate in sunrise series hiking trips that occur on Tuesday mornings. “They are a really cool opportunity for people to see the mountains in a different light,” said Mary Lawlor of the Outdoor Center. Other trips that the center will be hosting this season are climbing trips to the Rumney rocks, whitewater paddling trips, slackline sessions, and night hikes. 

The Outdoor Center is a great place to get involved on and off campus. Beginners at any of the activities listed above need not fear, because the Outdoor Center offers training sessions that will acclimate students to the skill level needed, along with a group, in an empowering environment. Be on the lookout for the Outdoor Center’s calendar coming to The Clock online next week, or keep updated with the Outdoor Center's page on the Plymouth website to discover when the exact dates for programs and outings are.