Campton, NH – The Lincoln Woods Trail, located off the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln, NH was severely damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011. While the trail was stabilized for short-term use, a section of this popular trail requires extensive restoration.
Beginning August 8 a section of the Lincoln Woods Trail, from the west side of the suspension bridge to the Osseo Trail junction, will be closed while repairs are underway. The project is scheduled to continue into October but the closure is expected to be lifted during the second half of September. The construction project will involve the use of heavy equipment to transport, place and compact gravel along a section of the trail from Highway 112 continuing for approximately 1.2 miles to a damaged culvert. Approximately 500 feet of the Lincoln Woods Trail, which follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, will be realigned away from the eroded river bank to a safer and more sustainable location.
“Although we try to minimize the impact of closures on the experiences of Forest visitors, this trail is such a popular trail year-round, there is no "good time" to complete the extensive work necessary,” said Jon Morrissey, Pemigewasset District Ranger. “We have worked with the contractor who will be performing the repairs on the lower portion of the trail and they have agreed to avoid work on the weekends. With this in mind I’m confident that we’ll be able to have the trail open safely to the public every Saturday and Sunday as normal.”
The Eastside Trail, located on the east side of the river, will remain open for day hikes and to access the Pemigewasset Wilderness; however hikers should note there is no bridged crossing of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River via this route and plan accordingly.
While the trail is closed for repairs, hikers will have to consider alternate routes which may increase distances to destinations. Please recognize this closure will restrict access from the Lincoln Woods Trail to popular destinations such as Franconia Falls, Bondcliff, Thirteen Falls Tentsite, the summit of Owl’s Head and the Pemi Loop.
Signs will be posted at trailheads with details about the closure while the project is underway and updated information can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountainLabels: Lincoln Woods Trail, Trail Closure, White Mountain National Forest, White Mountains