GORHAM, N.H. – Emboldened by the success of guided snowshoe forays this winter, White Mountain National Forest rangers have launched a similar program.

Dubbed Trail of the Week, the program invites people of all ages to join a U.S. Forest Service ranger in exploring a trail in the forest’s northern section.

Ranger Jenny Young at the Androscoggin Ranger District’s Gorham office, said, “In the winter, we did snowshoe hikes that were such a hit that we wanted to extend it into the summer.”

Sans snowshoes, of course, although a trace of snow was recorded atop Mount Washington Tuesday, she said.

Most hikes are appropriate for beginners, she added.

The hikes are free of charge and open to all, although space is limited and reservations are required by calling the district office on the morning of the hike at 603-466-2713.

“We’re requiring that they call the morning of the hike, because it may be canceled if we are out fighting a forest fire,” Young said.

Hikers should dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a lunch and plenty of water.

The first hike is to begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 23, from the basement of Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Route 16, south of Gorham.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, Ranger Matthew Schomburgh’s trip is a 4.6-mile, round-trip hike of moderate difficulty (five hours) along the Old Jackson Road to Lowe’s Bald Spot in the Great Gulf Wilderness.

Schomburgh, whom Young credited for the summer hikes idea, is to discuss the picturesque Great Gulf and its special attributes.

Other hikes and information can be found by phoning 603-466-2713.