Pathways

LABYRINTH & TRAILS

THE LABYRINTH IS AN ANCIENT TOOL for worship, problem solving and healing. Early civilizations all over the world used these forms on the earth, in temples and cathedrals, on pottery and architectural facades. Many old labyrinths remain, and new ones are being created.

WMCCD associate Martha Douglass has determined by dowsing, as communicated through the Universe, a peaceful and contemplative area behind the Center, and created a labyrinth that is open to the public during daylight hours from May to October. Here one may bring a question, a worry, a problem, or just take a reflective walk through the seven connected circles that look from above like the two spheres of the human brain.

Directions, if one desires, will be available at the labyrinth.

ALMOST THREE MILES OF TRAILS are open to the public during daylight hours, and in the winter are available for snowshoeing (or cross-country skiing for the more adventurous (some are pretty steep). The easiest route is to start at the top at Kyle's Trail and work your way down to the Center.

Kyle's trail leaves from a log landing off Albert Road, a Madison NH Class VI Town Road, one half mile up Colby Hill Road on the right. The trail is named in honor of Kyle Koch, who built it with a team of Boy Scouts while working on his Eagle project. The landing is only 400 feet on the right from Colby Hill.

The trail works its way to breath-taking views of Chocorua, Mount Washington, the Moats, and the mountains of central New Hampshire. Along the way one can stop at Stone Cutter's Rest, a setting area cut in the granite over 100 years ago. It is a wonderful picnic destination.

From the top one may return the same way or continue on down the trail all the way to the Center. If a shorter walk is desired, you may take a 1/3 mile hike beyond the labyrinth or a more demanding 3/4 mile jaunt up the Jackson Brook Trail past Colcord Springs and through Thompson Pasture and back to the Center.

Trail maps are available behind the Center at the beginning of Robbin's way. Or we would be happy to send you one.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hathaway trail system has a number of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. These trails wind through a mixed hardwoods forest offering some nice views of Mt. Chocorua, old stonewalls, quarry stones and other natural treasures

Robbin’s Way: Beginning from behind the Hypnosis Center the trail winds steeply throughout most of the hike. At about ¾ of a mile there is a clearing & a bench with a good view of Mt Chocorua. Then it continues in a northerly direction ending by a gate at the Albert Road parking.

Kyle’s Trail: Kyle’s Trail starts at the Albert Road Parking. A narrow path heads in a southerly direction and climbs slightly. This path passes over some stone slabs that were cut using plug and feather technique. Look for the split drill holes in the rock. At about ¼ mile the trail connects with Eagle Way and comes out by the Chocorua View.

Eagle s Way: This trail goes from Kyle’s Trail to the Ledge Trail. It is relatively flat and slightly less than ¼ mile in length.

Ledge Trail: The trail starts at Chocorua View on Robbin’s Way and continues out to Chamberlain Ledge. The trail is relatively level climbing slightly to get to Chamberlain Ledge at about ¾ of a mile.

Nightingale’s Trail: From the Ledge Trail, this trail becomes a narrow footpath that can be difficult to follow at times and heads downhill toward Albert Rd.

Bickford Hill Trail: From Nightingale’s Trail, turn left on Albert Road and then in about 150 feet turn left again onto a wide trail which will bring you back to the Ledge Trail. From Albert Road it is an uphill climb to the Ledge Trail.

Thompson’s Pasture Loop: This trail begins at the crest of a long hill on Robbin’s Way up from the Hypnosis Center. It loops around to a nice view of Mt. Chocorua that can be seen through the trees.

Carter’s Cut: This trail begins at the upper junction of Robbins Way and Thompson’s Pasture Loop. It drops and crosses a small brook and then climbs, steeply at times, until it reconnects with Robbin’s Way.

Jackson Brook Trail & Grady Lane: The Jackson Brook Trail heads down hill from Carter’s Cut, just off from the intersection with Robbin’s Way. It continues following the brook downhill on the right until it connects with Grady Lane. Be sure to turn left onto Grady Lane and not to pass through the opening in the stonewall. Grady Lane continues level until it comes out on Robbin’s Way just above the Labyrinth.

Enchanted Pathway: On your way to the trails from the Hypnosis Center is a little gazebo which is the entrance to a short winding path that should appeal to the smallest hiker. Watch out for fairies along the way.

Directions/Parking: There are two parking lots for this set of trails. One is by the White Mountain Hypnosis Center, located in Madison on Route 113 between Mooney Hill Rd. and Colby Hill Rd.. The other parking lot can be reached by going north on Route 113 taking a right on to Colby Hill Road, another right onto Albert Road and immediately right into a parking lot.

Map & Descriptions created by The Community School mapping class June 2008.

wmccd@wmccd.org

This page last updated on 6/21/08