Unfortunately the forest service has closed off both trailheads for the originally Wachipauka Pond hike, so this is a subsitution hike.    We're going to hike Black Mountain via the Chippewa Trail.  The hike is 1.8 miles each way, so 3.6 miles round trip, so fairly steep (but we can take it slow!), but generally good footing and bang for the buck views.    Joe and I have done this hike several times before, but not this year yet.  According to a trail report from the other day, there is a small amount of snow/ice in some areas, so light traction such as microspikes are recommended, but snowshoes are not needed. We have extra microspikes and hiking poles if anyone needs (we can spray disinfectant on before and after). 

We will practice social distancing of keeping about 6 feet of distance between everyone.  Also, with the recommended guidance of hiking local during the pandemic, please be a resident of New Hampshire or within about an hour or so drive from the hike.  Pleace contact me for exceptions such as you're living up here in a second home.    

To get to the trailhead, you can put "Chippewa Trailhead, Pike, NH" into your GPS.     From Rt 25, you turn north on Lime Kiln Rd, which is about 3.4 miles west of the Wachipauka Pond parking lot and 5.2 miles west of Glencliff.   On Lime Kiln Rd, turn left at a major fork at 1.4 miles to stay on Lime Kiln Rd, and the trailhead is 3.1 miles from Rt 25 on the east side of Lime Kiln Rd.