If you've driven NH Rte 9 between Concord and Keene, no doubt
you've seen the sign in Stoddard indicating two hikers crossing the
road. You may wonder where that trail goes? If you're curious and
want a short but moderate hike, try this cache.
Exit NH 9 at the hikers crossing sign, heading towards the state
maintenance buildings. Just before the gate, pull up into a parking
lot marked "M-S Greenway Parking". Do not go through the
gate.
From the edge of the parking lot, enter the woods at the white
blazes of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. then up the
hill you go, leaving behind the roar of Route 9. Enjoy this old
road, noting stone walls from farmers who tried to make a living
off the stony ground long ago. The cache is near the height of the
land, in the saddle between Felt and Tolman hills, not quite a
mile's hike from NH 9. It is an easy bushwhack of about 130 feet or
so off the trail.
If you follow the trail south beyond the cache, it will come out
on Log Cabin Road in Nelson Village. If you'd like a longer hike,
about 1.6 miles each way, you may park along Log Cabin Road or on
the village green, but please don't block any driveways.