This area offers 40+ miles of trails but its "peaks" are of the 500 foot variety, so knowing this was not a strenuous hike we were able to talk our kids into joining us. Together with some friends we started up the outer loop section of trails with the dummy proof plan of taking a right at every intersection, figuring we might end up back at the car but at least we wouldn't get lost. This outer loop consisted of trails named the Ring Trail, Porcupine Trail, and Tina's personal favorite, Rocky Road. She said it reminded her that we needed to pick up ice-cream on the way home.
After an enjoyable mile and a half hike, where at one point we even felt like we were going more downhill than up, we found ourselves standing on peak #2. Here is Logan, who doesn't just climb mountains he conquers them.
From there we backtracked and headed for peak #1, where all the action took place in the mountain's early years. In 1940 America's first radar tower was constructed on this spot and 25 men were stationed in barracks. Additionally, a fire tower that was built in 1918 saw usefulness during this time of war as a lookout tower peering over the Atlantic. This was a short lived outpost which burned down in 1944, and with WWII ending it was not rebuilt. The fire tower remained and in 1981 was replaced with a newer model that is still there today. It was a 60-foot tease to us however, since unlike the towers we have in New Hampshire this one is gated off-limits to the public, even though it's still in use and presumably safe.
Following its short stint as a military hill, Mt Agamenticus then opened as a ski resort in 1964 under the name “The Big A”. Unlike the larger mountains up north where snow is more plentiful, The Big A suffered from low snowfall and shut down after just 9 years, leaving several former ski trails to morph into the hiking paths we enjoy today. Happily, other remnants of its former life remain and make for some good exploring. Like Logan on the mountaintop, I don't just explore old remains, I conquer them.
If scenic views are your thing you probably want to head straight for peak #1, where the view is beautiful for nearly 360 degrees. On the cement base where the radio tower used to stand is now this lookout deck, our final stop for the day.
Whether you're looking for a beginner's hike or a grueling day-long excursion, Mt Agamenticus has something for everyone and easily satisfied our desire for adventure that day. How much did we enjoy Mt Agamenticus? Rather than try to put it into words, I'll simply show you Tina at the end of the day as she was saying goodbye to the final trail.
Links:
The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region
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