ORFS GROUP

OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR SENIORS MONTHLY SCHEDULE

The Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS) group meets every Tuesday year-round at 10am. In the summer we kayak/canoe, swim and hike. In the fall we hike, and in the winter we snowshoe and cross-country ski. Our trips are from 1-1/2 to 2 hours, followed by lunch. ORFS is a very informal group and participation is for all outdoor enthusiasts wanting guaranteed good exercise with a friendly fun group. Join in on the fun. Hikes will depart promptly at 10am.

Please NOTE: ORFS events are listed on the MEETUP digital platform that allows members to indicate their planned attendance at a specific event, be notified of event cancellations/changes, and be able to communicate with fellow members.

NEW ORFS PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN THE WAIVER AND EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS BELOW PRIOR TO THEIR FIRST ORFS ACTIVITY.

May 6th

Hike Bicknell Brook Loop Trail and and Collette Trail, Enfield

Hike Leaders: John & Judy Reisch

Enjoy the rushing water along one of our favorite hikes!

3 Options:
1. A short hike down to the cascades and beautiful waterfalls. Bring your chairs and we will have lunch here.
2. Continue from the waterfalls and walk down to Crystal Lake and back.
3. Hike the Bicknell Brook loop trail, which is about 3 miles.

Please bring poles for roots and ridge walking, a portable chair and lunch together at the waterfall, weather permitting.

Directions: From New London, take Route 114 North through Springfield to Town Meeting Hall on the right. Turn right onto Four Corners Road to intersection at Bowman Road and continue left on Four Corners Road for one mile. Turn left onto Route 4A North and proceed 6 miles. Turn right onto Boys Camp Road. Follow until you cross a small bridge and see the parking area.

May 13th

Hike or Kayak around Kezar Lake in North Sutton

Leaders: Skip Hause, 339-440-2256 and Al Peterson, 603-763-5456

First paddle of the season. Make a loop around the island to see wildlife on a tributary, or walk as far as you want on the rural road around the lake.

Bring lunches and chairs and picnic in Wadleigh State Park.

Directions: From the intersection of Routes 114 and 11 in New London take Route 114 south towards North Sutton. After passing the First Baptist Church on your right turn right then straight onto Wadleigh Road to the boat launch and parking area. Parking is also available at the church.

May 20th

Hike or Kayak at Bradley Lake, Andover

NOTE: This replaces the original event at McDaniel's Marsh on this date.

Leader: Kendall Buck, 603-608-6670

Kayakers will enjoy paddling around this 165 acre reservoir that is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Bradley Lake offers a serene natural setting that supports recreational activities such as fishing and small craft boating .

There is no public boat ramp for larger boats, though access is available for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards near the outlet dam by carrying your boat over a small berm to a sandy beach.

The beach area also presents an opportunity to swim and cool off during hot weather.

Walkers may go along Bradley Lake Road approximately 0.7 miles in either direction from the boat launch and parking area.

Bring chairs and lunch for a gathering at the conclusion of the paddle and walk.

Directions: From the center of Andover turn by the Irving gas station onto Lawrence Street. Go 0.3 miles and bear right onto Bradley Lake Road. Proceed approximately 1.3 miles to the dam and kayak launch area.

Important parking details: Parking is limited. Please park along one side only and as close together as possible. You may wish to unload your kayak and then take your vehicle a short distance up or down the road to park. Please leave enough room for residents and emergency vehicles to pass.

May 27th

Hike or Kayak Sunapee Harbor, Sunapee, NH

Leaders: Skip Hause, 339-440-2256 and Al Peterson, 603-763-5456

Put kayaks in at the Sunapee Harbor ramp and restrooms.

Hikers will walk around Lake Avenue.

Bring lunch to eat at the area picnic tables.

Directions: From Exit 12 off I-89 take Route 11 west towards Sunapee. After entering Sunapee take left just after school and Dunkin onto Main Street and proceed to the harbor.

June 3rd

Kayak or Hike at Otter Pond, New London, NH

Leader: Margaret Carley, 603-763-1895

Kayak around Otter Pond or hike along Otter Pond Road.

Bring your lunch to enjoy on Margie Carley’s lawn and deck (490 Otterville Road).

Margie will be providing drinks and dessert.

Kayakers can land at Margie's house at lunch time and then paddle back to their vehicles after lunch.

Hikers can walk from the parking area along Otter Pond over to Margie’s house. (490 Otterville Road).

There is also room for 10 cars to park at Margie's house.

Directions: From New London, follow Newport Road to Otter Pond Road. Park along Otter Pond on the beach side of the road only.

June 10th

Hike or Kayak Crystal Lake, Enfield, NH

Leaders: John & Judy Reisch, 603-443-3780

Crystal Lake is a beautiful small lake with a nice sand bar area for swimming. The Bicknell Brook empties into the lake and one can paddle a way up the brook depending on the water level. Loons often nest along the shore of the brook in June. Hiking is available on the dirt road along the lake.

Bring chairs and lunch to enjoy at the boat launch area.

Directions: From New London take Route 114 north thru Springfield Center to 4 Corners Road. Turn right on 4 Corners Road at Town Meeting house. Turn left at stop sign. Follow 4 Corners Road to Route 4A. Turn left on Route 4A north for 8 miles. Turn right onto Shaker Hill Road. Turn right onto Crystal Lake Road. Turn right on Algonquin Road to boat launch.

June 17th

Hike or Kayak Kilowatt Park, Wilder, Vermont

Leaders: John & Judy Reisch, 603-443-3780

We will kayak north on the Connecticut River to Mink Brook. We will kayak up the Mink Brook as far as desired before heading back down stream to Kilowatt Park. Hikers can walk around the park and then follow a multi-use path to Dothan Brook School and back. Bring your lunch to enjoy near the boat launch at Kilowatt Park. Bring your chairs or you can sit on the lawn.

Directions: From New London take I-89 north to I-91 north in Vermont. Take Exit 12 on I-91 toward US 5/ Wilder (Wilder is part of Hartford). Turn right on Bugbee Street then left on the first cross street Hartford Avenue. Turn right on Depot Street. , turn left on Norwich Avenue, then turn right on Passumpic and follow to Kilowatt Park.

June 24th

Kayak or hike at Lake Massasecum, Bradford, NH

Leaders: Sharon & Jim Coer (203-671-5180).

Bring lunch and chairs to eat near the boat launch or bring lunch in kayaks to eat on rock ledge along lake. Swimming is also an option if it is a hot day.

Hikers can walk on local roads along the lake.

Directions: From New London follow Route 114 South for 15.7 miles. Turn left onto Massasecum Lake Road, which is the boat launch. Park only in designated areas along Route 114.