Locke Hill Trail

[abay]

I had driven by the Locke Hill Trail parking area in Gilford earlier this summer and noticed that it was closed. Another drive by today shows the area still has barricades set up. Does anyone know why it is closed?

[Locke's Islander]

Lockes Hill Trails have NOT been, and are NOT now closed!! The Town was getting ready to pave the parking lot, but the rain messed up the schedule.
Just drive around the barricades to park and hike all you want! I have been on the Trail Committe many years, so I hope you enjoy.

[abay]

Appearances can be deceptive, and therefore wrong assumptions are made. I am happy to learn that the area is not closed. I have always enjoyed walking on those trails.

[mcdude]

Thanks for the info!
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/502/medium/20Img_2873.jpg
View from Locke's Hill - Nov. 2003

[Colt]

My family and I have hiked this trail several times and we love it. Thanks for your efforts and please pass this on to the rest of the comitee.

[onthebay]

Last year we hiked Locke Hill for the first time and had the opportunity to relax in the rock furniture and enjoy the view of the lake. Some of these pieces were quite intricate (and comfortable). Just wondering who took the time to create all of it...

[viands]

onthebay, do you have any pictures of the 'rock furniture' or link to pictures/description? Are they still there and where along the hike are they located?

Thank you.

[onthebay]

If you go left on the easy trail up it is on the end of the trail before you decend. It is where the view opens up to the broads. Sorry I didn't take any pictures. Maybe you could if you check it out...

[viands]

Sounds like a deal, thanks!

[baja-mama]

Can someone tell me where to find the parking area to start the hike? Sounds like a nice hike.

[viands]

http://hikenh.netfirms.com/TDLockes.htm

[Weirs guy]

I remember old timers saying that ancient Abenaki legend has it that the "furniture" was placed there so that the dead spirits of their loved ones could go there on their journey into the afterlife and view the lake.

I guess I know where I'm stopping off on my way to the afterlife. I wonder if the Abenaki would mind?

I'm hoping to take my family up the trail this weekend. Benjamin Kimball was a relative of my grandfathers (one of these 2nd cousin to his uncles sisters former roommate deals) and I've never been up there. Is the castle somewhere along the trail? I imagine its pretty well marked? Any help would be greatly appreciated before I get myself lost.

[Island-Ho]

The trail to the summit is well marked/worn, but it does not go to the Castle. You can get there by going down the power line, but I would not recommend that, especially with your family. There is a road/driveway to the castle.

[Weirs guy]

Thank you, that wouldn't have been any fun at all!!

[Weirs guy]

Finally made the hike this weekend, excellent time especially with the weather. Just as an FYI the new castle owner didn't look overly impressed with me driving up his driveway and asking to look around. Guess I don't blame him, but he should expect the occasional drop in.