Short notice - Exploring Bear Brook with J Paul (supporting NH4Ukraine)

Note: It is not required to make a donation to participate in this event. However, if you wish to make a donation, you can do so by clicking on the “Donate” button on the “Life’s a Hike” page. For donations of $25 or more, you will receive one of our awesome “Life’s a Hike” T-shirts (see photos)

Details

Hike length: 4 to 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: about 340 feet
For the average hiker, this hike is easy/moderate.
We’ll be seeing an interesting old cemetery out in the woods and hiking to the Smith Pond Shelter to have lunch and enjoy the view of Smith Pond.
We will meet at the Hayes Field parking lot in Bear Brook State Park NO LATER THAN 9:30 AM
There is a park entrance fee of $4.00 for Bear Brook SP. You can pay at the toll booth shortly before you get to Hayes Field (they only accept cash) or you can purchase your pass online if you prefer. NH residents 65 and older get free admission.
There is an outhouse available at the parking lot, and also at the Smith Pond Shelter.
Heavy rain will cancel this hike, light rain won’t. Please pack rain gear. If the weather forecast looks bad the night before, I will cancel the hike.
Pack for summer conditions, including:

• Layers
• Rain jacket/poncho
• 2 liters of water or Gatorade
• Pack a lunch and trail snacks such as granola or energy bars

Life’s a Hike Group Disclaimer

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following that this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or other's; you assume all risks associated with this activity with this activity involves, you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skill, abilities, clothing and equipment to safely participate in this activity, you will know and follow the hike safe responsibility code. (Http://www.hikesafe.com) the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers, and you release, hold harmless and indemnity the organizer (s) and all members of this group from any and all claim's for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death-including those by negligence and/or other reasons
Directions to Hayes Field parking lot in Bear Brook State Park from I-93 North or South:

Take exit 11 (this is the exit right at the Hooksett tolls. Don’t go through the high speed EZ-Pass lanes - stay all the way to the right and exit before you get to the toll booths)
After you pass through the ramp toll booth, you will see the Hooksett Park & Ride straight ahead. Take an immediate L on Hackett Hill Road and drive .2 mile to the “T” at Rt. 3A
Turn L on 3A (W. River Rd.) and drive .6 mile
Turn R at the lights onto Main St. and drive .8 mile. (Main St. becomes College Park Drive)
Turn L on Rt. 28 / Rt. 3 and drive 2.5 miles
Turn R at lights onto Rt. 28 North, and drive 3.0 miles (You’ll see the sign for Bear Brook SP
Turn R onto Deerfield Rd. And drive 3.1 miles
Turn R onto Podunk Rd. Drive .2 miles and stop at the toll booth. This is where you will pay the $4 park entrance fee (they only take cash here) and obtain a parking pass. If you already purchased your park fee online, you can show it to them here.
Drive an additional .8 miles and pull into the Hayes Field parking lot on your right.