Smarts Mountain Hike -- 26 Aug 12
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1.0 Overview

This moderate afternoon hike is a fun opportunity for hiking with Troop 45 on a local mountain. This hike is a little more challenging than other recent hikes in that it is a bit longer and higher. It is a great local hike in itself and is a great training hike for future adventures. Starting from the parking lot on Lyme-Dorchester Road, we will follow the AT (Lambert Ridge) to the summit and return by the same path or by the Ranger Trail.

Smarts Mountain, at 3,240 feet, offers the closest taste of boreal forest in the Upper Valley. Standing alone and often buffeted by high winds, Smarts has a feel about it similar to the higher White Mountain peaks further north. With its open quartzite ledges on Lambert Ridge and old fire tower on the summit, Smarts affords plenty of interesting views across the surrounding countryside. This outing is a good opportunity for scouts to push their hiking endurance a bit, as well as 2nd class advancement opportunities.

2.0 Concept

2.1 Description

We will meet at the trailhead on Dorchester Road in Lyme. Before beginning the hike, we will take some time to study the map and plan our route. We will then climb Smarts Mt by way of the Lambert Ridge trail. We will stop along the way to enjoy the spectacular views from rocky outcrops and to practice our navigation skills. At the summit we will visit the fire tower. We may descend by either the Lambert Ridge Trail or the Ranger Trail.

Although we do not plan to stop for lunch, it's a long hike, and we will be stopping regularly to allow time for snacks.

2.2 Schedule of Events

Sunday, 26Aug12

1145 -- Meet at the trailhead. Check gear and consult maps to plan route.
1200 -- Start hiking.
1500 -- Arrive at summit.
1530 -- Depart summit.
1800 -- Arrive at trailhead.

2.3 Expected Conditions and Difficulty

This is not a difficult hike, but it will be nearly 7.6 miles long and involves 2400 feet of elevation gain. The trails are well graded, but rocky and occasionally involve scrambling.

There is no water along Lambert Ridge.

2.4 Special Requirements

Open to all Scouts, Scouters, and parents. There are no skill prerequisites for this outing.

3.0 Administration and Logistics

3.1 Announcement Date: 22Aug12

3.2 Roster Closing Date: 25Aug12

3.3 Costs

None

3.4 Equipment

3.4.1 Individual Equipment

  • Class A uniform for travel.
  • Class B uniform (Troop T-shirt) for the hike.
  • Standard hiking gear. (See Personal Equipment List)
  • Snacks enough to fuel an 8-mile hike.
  • Water.
  • Compass.

    3.4.2 Patrol Equipment

    None.

    3.4.3 Troop Equipment

  • First Aid Kit
  • Map: Smarts Mt Quad. Smarts Mountain Quad
  • Food for 2 lunches (Sat&Sun), 1 dinner(Sat), 1 breakfast(Sun)
  • Cooking equipment

    3.5 Transportation Plan

    Drop-off Point: Lambert Ridge Trailhead
    Drop-off Time: 1145 Sat 26Aug12
    Pickup Point: Same place
    Pickup Time: 1800 Same day.

    Driving Directions:
    Take Route 10 north from Hanover into Lyme. Coming around the green in Lyme, bear right at the white church and follow signs for the Dartmouth Skiway. Pass through Lyme Center 1.8 miles from the green in Lyme, and continue winding around for 1.3 more miles to where the wide gravel Lyme-Dorchester Road forks to the left. The fork is just before the Dartmouth Skiway. Take this fork for 1.8 miles until, just before the iron bridge over Grant Brook, a small parking lot is reached on the left. Orange signs mark the trailheads. Park here.

    4.0 Leadership

    4.1 Planning Committee

  • .

    4.2 Adult Leaders

  • SMIC: Mr. Mendelsohn
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  • .

    Approved YJB 23Aug12

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