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.

April 1st:

Hiking at the Goodwin Conservation Area

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

The Goodwin Conservation Area comprises 108 acres with 2.8 miles of trail. The property is bounded on its westerly side by the Storr’s Hill Ski Area, and Great Brook flows near its northerly boundary.

The hiking trails follow a brook and pass by a large ski jump.

A trail map is available by clicking here.

We will plan to have lunch at Three Tomatoes Italian Restaurant, which is on the green in Lebanon at 1 Court Street.

Directions from New London:
Interstate 89 North to exit 17. Left onto Route 4 West into Lebanon. Circle ¾ of the way around Colburn Park in Lebanon and turn right onto Route 120 South (School St.), take a right on Spring St. and follow to Storr’s Hill Ski Area Parking lot. The Goodwin Conservation trails start from here.

April 8th:

Walk Around Eagle Pond, Wilmot

Leaders: Kendall & Judy Buck, 603-608-6670

This walk is an approximate 3.4 miles loop, a combination of Northern Rail trail and local roads. The rail trail may still be snow and ice covered so bring your micro spikes.

Weather permitting, bring chairs and a bag lunch to enjoy after the walk.

Directions: From the intersection of Routes 11 and 4 in Andover drive north on Route 4 towards Danbury for approximately 2 miles.The public parking area is on the left just beyond New Canada Road.

April 15th:

Hike Winnipesaukee River Rail Trail

Leaders: Joy & Joe Kubit, 440-488-4724

Enjoy the Class 4 rapids along the river interspersed with historical markers. Trail is a mixture of asphalt and crushed stone. Go as far as you like out and back.

Weather permitting bring a bag lunch and chairs to enjoy lunch at Trestle View Park. Lunch Option- Asian Delight, Franklin

Directions: From New London take Route 11 past Highland Lake and Webster Lake towards Franklin. Go right on Route 11 (N Main St.), then left on Central Street. (Routes 11, US3, 127). Follow through town. Park in Trestle View Park on left, just past downtown stores.

April 22nd:

Goshen Ocean - Hike Ruth LeClair Trail around Gunnison Lake

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

We will walk around the picturesque lake on a wooded trail. Also, there is an old cemetery across the dam at the entrance to the hiking trail. Bring chairs and a bag lunch to enjoy, if nice day. Directions: From rotary on Newport Road in New London take County

Road south towards Newbury which becomes Route 103A. Turn right onto Route 103 in Newbury. Go 3.6 miles and turn left on Brook Road. At 1.5 miles keep left on Brook Road. In 4 more miles turn left on Mill Village Road (Route 10 South). In 0.6 miles keep left

on Washington Road. In 0.6 miles turn left onto Gunnison Lake Road to parking lot.

April 29th:

Hike Knights Hill Nature Park Trails

Leaders: Kendall & Judy Buck, 603-608-6670

The Knights Hill Nature Park Trail System provides public access to lands owned by the New London Outing Club and protected by New London Conservation Commission conservation easements.

Five interconnected trails are in the nature park plus a connector link to the Lyon Brook Trail.

Click here for details on the trails including map.

Bring chairs and your lunch to enjoy at the conclusion of the hike.

Directions: From Newport Road in New London turn onto County Road from the rotary and continue past New London Hospital to trail head parking lot on left.

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 McDaniel’s Marsh in Springfield, NH

Leaders: Kendall and Judy Buck, 603-608-6670

Kayakers will encounter lots of Lilly pads and wildlife including Loons, Herons and Red Winged blackbirds.

Walkers can explore rural roads.

Bring your chairs and lunch to enjoy near the boat launch.

Directions: From New London take Route. 114 north past Springfield Library and continue ½ mile to George Hill Rd. where you turn right. Go about 2 miles and you will see the dam and parking area on your right.

May 27

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.