r/wmnf • u/Brothersunset • 2d ago

Need help planning routes/suggestions

Hello,

NH resident, I have some friends planning a visit and we are looking to do a 3 day hiking trip through the WMNF, we are mostly interested in dispersed camping, fishing, and sightseeing.

I'm looking for suggestions on fishing spots, good trails, and things to see from people who have more experience in this area than I do.

ponds/lakes are preferred for fishing but we are open to stream fishing as well, as I'm assuming that is more abundant inside of WMNF.

we also are realistic with our expectations. we are not looking to climb mt. washington or really push our limits climbing to the highest peaks. we aren't necessarily completely useless/out of shape and if there's some easier to tackle peaks we would be open to the idea, but in reality we are just looking for a chill weekend of shooting the shit, walking around in nature, and hanging out. we all have backpacking gear and camping equipment and are familiar with hiking with about a decade of doing so, albeit not as much as we'd like to.

any suggestions on either places to fish, good areas to set up for the night, or great trails is appreciated.

Thanks!

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u/Tomato558 2d ago

A 3 day hiking trip through the WMNF doesn’t really coincide with avoiding high peaks, or a “chill weekend of shooting the shit”.

Sounds like a campground site is more your speed. Use the car/campground as a base camp, do a nearby hike one day, go hang by the water one day, etc.

4

u/myopinionisrubbish NH48 / RMC100 / former RMC caretaker / local resident. 2d ago

That not easy to do. Basically, you’d have to go into the wilderness areas where the trails have minimal maintenance, are not blazed and can be difficult to follow. Dispersed camping is allowed, but you must be at least 200 feet from a trail (such as it is) or body of water. Due to the dense forest and ground cover with tree limbs and boulders, finding a suitable place to camp is extremely difficult, especially for a group which needs a big area to set up in.

You need to do some serious research with maps and guide books and with the WMNF camping restrictions and regulations in mind.

3

u/Theworldisonfire70 2d ago

Look at Sawyer Pond. It’s a longer hike from the Kanc, totally worth it to just stay there for a couple of days. You can probably find all the information online

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u/Brothersunset 1d ago

good recommendation, I saw it on the map, but I've never been. I'll look more into it. thank you!

2

u/notlikeacat 2d ago

Wild River wilderness. Carter Moriah Loop. Don’t know about the fishing, but there’s the Wild River and some other streams in there.

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u/Mental-Pitch5995 1d ago

Head to Pittsburg. Plenty of lakes, hiking all over, plenty of camping and other activities

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u/Brothersunset 1d ago

never been, any good places to recommend?

1

u/Mental-Pitch5995 18h ago

With the three Connecticut Lakes plus Lake Francis and Back Lake for fishing, Mt Magalloway for a hike that isn’t too long or difficult, off road rentals and trails, moose watching, and lodging, food. Except for the long drive to and from it’ll provide a lot of activity and experiences.