GORHAM, N.H. – The U.S. Forest Service will kick off of its Winter in the Woods guided hikes series Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Androscoggin Ranger Station on Route 16 in Gorham. Ranger Matt Schomburg invites the public to start the New Year with plans to join him in free guided snowshoe hikes in the White Mountain National Forest.

“Come explore the forest along the Peabody River, on the Appalachian Trail in Shelburne and on the nature trail at Dolly Copp Campground,” he said. There will also be one guided cross-country ski trip on the Hayes Copp trail at the campground. A special treat this year is a hike by moonlight in Dolly Copp Campground during the full moon in March.

Most hikes are about 1.5 hours long and geared for beginners and families. Two hikes – up Square Ledge and along the Rattle River – are more challenging. A limited number of snowshoes for children and adults are available to borrow at no charge from the Forest Service, or hikers may bring their own.

Participants should dress for the weather in warm layers and bring a water bottle.

Space for each trip is limited. For more information, phone the Androscoggin Ranger Station at 466-2713 (TTY 466-2856). Phone the morning of the hike to reserve your spot.

Winter in the Woods

Saturday, Jan. 3

9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – snowshoe hikes

Just for Kids (parents are welcome, too) hike along the Peabody River. Look for animal tracks with Ranger Matt and learn how animals survive the winter. Meet at the Androscoggin Ranger Station on Route 16, 3 miles south of Gorham.

Friday, Jan. 16

1 and 3 p.m. – snowshoe hikes

Discover which of our native animals hibernate, and which are active in the winter woods. Meet at the Androscoggin Ranger Station on Route 16, 3 miles south of Gorham.

Saturday, Feb. 7

9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – snowshoe hikes

Snowshoe with Ranger Matt on the nature trail at Dolly Copp Campground. Meet at the trailhead in the campground, located 5 miles south of Gorham on Route 16.

Wednesday, Feb. 25

1 p.m. – cross-country ski trip

Bring your own skis for a few hours of gliding with Forest Service staff on the Hayes Copp Ski Trail. Learn about winter activities in the White Mountain National Forest. Meet at Dolly Copp Campground, located 5 miles south of Gorham on Route 16.

Friday, Feb. 27

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – snowshoe hike

Here’s a challenging half mile hike leading to Square Ledge and beautiful views of the mountains in winter. Meet at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s visitor center parking lot on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch, 11 miles south of Gorham.

Friday, March 5, or Saturday, March 6

7 p.m. – snowshoe hike

What is more peaceful than the winter woods illuminated by the full moon? Hike through Dolly Copp Campground by moonlight with Ranger Matt. Call ahead for date. Meet at the campground, located 5 miles south of Gorham on Route 16.

Saturday, March 13

10 a.m. – snowshoe hike

For fit hikers looking for a longer, more challenging experience, join Ranger Matt on the Appalachian Trail for a trek to the Rattle River backcountry shelter. Bring a lunch to enjoy at the shelter. About 3.5 miles round trip. Meet at the trailhead on Route 2 in Shelburne.

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