The Chocorua Mountain Club is over 100 Years Old!
Want to help? Join us for our Annual Trail Clearing Day
Heavier weather events and a significant increase in foot traffic are causing significant damage to the trails. If you are interested in helping with trail maintenance we welcome the participation of CMC members, non-members, friends from the community, or hikers from away who have enjoyed the glorious views from the summit. Annual CMC Trail Clearing Day is always held on the second Saturday of May each year, between the end of mud season and the beginning of black flies, followed by a splendid potluck dinner for all participants and annual meeting. Trail work can be as easy as a half-day of raking and light brushing around the lake or on CLC conservation land trails, or a full day of heavier duty and the chance to summit the mountain (again?). Please bring your own hand tools (NO power tools per USFS regulations), lots of water, a first aid kit, and lunch if you’re planning to be out all day. We meet at 9AM in The Grove by the Narrows Bridge between Little Lake and Chocorua Lake just off of Route 16. For more information and to let us know you’re coming please contact the CMC.
Chocorua Mountain Club trail crew!
Chocorua Mountain Club Events
Chocorua Mountain Club History
On July 17, 1908, Hutchie Page called the first meeting of the Chocorua Mountain Club (CMC), a sister organization to the Chocorua Lake Conservancy.
CMC's mission statement, written that same year, said:
“The objects of the Club are to explore and to make paths and camps in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for the convenience of visitors; furthermore, to acquire by purchase or gifts such tracts of land, with or with or without buildings, for the purpose of improving and preserving the natural resources of the White Mountains.”
Over the years, little or no land was bought, only a few camps built, but many hours have been spent on trail maintenance and, increasingly, erosion control.
In 1923, the CMC had 418 members and dues were 50 cents a year for active members. There are currently no annual dues for joining the CMC.
Trail Maintenance
Tim Twitchell clearing trails in 2010.
The CMC is responsible for clearing and maintaining seven trails on Mount Chocorua and Mt Paugus, including the Brook Trail, Hammond Trail, Bee Line Trail, Weetamoo Trail, Old Paugus Trail and Whitten Brook Trail.
CMC members also help maintain trails on CLC-owned and CLC-managed conservation lands, including the following trails: Bickford Heights, Old Mail Road, Heron Pond Loop (Lonely Lake); Middle Trail, Hunters Trail, and Highland Trail.
Trail Map
Ken Smith and Steve Weld clearing the way on the Old Paugus Trail.
The CMC publishes a detailed Tyvek map of all trails in the Mount Chocorua region. This trail map is available for purchase at local stores in Chocorua and Tamworth.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE US FOREST SERVICE
Working cooperatively, the US Forest Service and CMC achieve their shared mission of protecting natural resources and improving the experience of visitors through trail improvement and other stewardship activities in the White Mountain National Forest.
The US Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider. CLICK HERE for more information about the US Forest Service Saco Ranger District.