South Peak Ledges - Newbury Trail Series Traditional Geocache
South Peak Ledges - Newbury Trail Series
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Cache is located on the Newbury Trail, Newbury, NH. Mild Hiking experience is encouraged as this trail has a couple of brook crossings that may be difficult at times of high water.
This cache is the third in the Newbury Trail mini series located on the Newbury Trail located in Newbury, NH. The cache is located at the last viewpoint on the Newbury Trail before getting to Lake Solitude. If you hike to this cache via the Newbury Trail, it's about 1.4 miles one-way from the trailhead. OR if you're looking for a shorter route, you can hike to the ledges via the Rim Trail, which is about 0.8 miles from the Mt Sunapee State Park Campground. The campground option is only available during the spring, summer and fall. Because there aren't many trail descriptions out there for either trail here are some brief descriptions of each way to get to the cache:
Via Newbury Trail: From the trailhead the trail heads north almost immediately crossing a brook before beginning a moderate to sometimes steep climb up the hill. At about 0.2 miles the trail reaches the Mt. Sunapee State Park boundary and swings right onto an old logging road. The trail continues on at a more easy to moderate pace, passing the spur path to Eagles Nest at about 0.5 miles. At about 0.8 miles the trail swings left and ascends more steeply up a rocky slope then swings right at 0.9 miles onto a relocated section of the trail (relocated in 2003) to avoid the former steepest section. Meandering easily through the woods the trail crosses two small brook beds, gains a faint view to the east and then snakes it's way across a small spine in the landscape to a junction about 1.1 miles in.
At the junction turn left and climb steeply at first up the slope on rock steps. Using a few switchbacks the trail gains the ridgeline quickly in about 0.3 miles and turns hard right at the South Peak Ledges viewpoint. If you decide to continue from here the lake is another 0.75 miles further on a easy to moderate path through the woods.
Parking for this trail is available at the Information Booth on NH103 adding about 0.15 miles to and from to your hike. To get to the trailhead park at the Information Booth on NH103 near the caboose. Walk across NH103 to Newbury Heights Rd. Walk up and take the second right onto Lake View Rd about 100 yards from NH103. The trailhead is about 100 yards or so up on the right.
Via the Rim Trail: From the parking area at the campground walk down the road down the hill toward the parked trailers and ski lift parts. At the far end of the cul-de-sac, there's a sign up on a tree that says "Rim Trail, 0.9 miles to Newbury Trail". From here the trail cuts across a small brook and then slowly climbs the hill along the bank of a dry brook bed. As you get further up the hill the hike steepens, but not by too much. The trail never really gets to more than a moderate pitch. At around 0.4 miles the trail ends at the Newbury Trail at a signed junction. Continue on the Newbury Trail to the right/straight up the steep hill on rock steps. The trail then climbs the slope more on switchbacks and then turns hard right at the viewpoint.
To get to THIS trailhead, go to the Mt Sunapee Ski Area access road and turn left into the 3rd parking lot. Toward the right hand back end of the parking lot near the maintenance shop, there is a road that begins to go up the hill with signs pointing to the Mt Sunapee State Park Campground. Follow the road up the hill - it is extremely rough, but can usually be driven by a compact car without any problems. After about 1 mile, you'll encounter a gate as well as the entrance to the campground (which may or may not be gated) to the left. Park here without blocking either gate, and follow the instructions above. Total hike distance will be 0.8 miles to get to the cache.
While this viewpoint isn't as spectacular as it once was due to tree growth, it's still a nice spot to stop and take a rest on your way to Lake Solitude. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours if you do the whole series.
Please Note: Because of the DNFs on the other Regular cache in this series, the coordinates have been changed to bring you to the actual viewpoint, rather than the cache location itself. Looking out at the view turn to a 4 to 5 o'clock direction, the cache is located about 50 feet from where you're standing, in the woods.
Cache contains log, a few trade items, FTF item, and a travel bug.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sbhe fznyy gerrf, abg qbja bire gur rzonaxzrag.