HOST: Cherie Bélanger | @cherie_hikes | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Hiking

LOCATION: Holderness, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: November 14, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Limit: 10

Mounts Morgan and Percival are distinguished mountains in the Sandwich range for being on both the NH 52 With a view, AND Terrifying 25 lists. While the challenge of this hike will be its technical nature, there are bypass trails that can be taken to get around the most technical parts. Challenge rating for this hike is moderate with 5.5 miles of trail and 1,522 ft of vertical gain.

We will be taking a SLOW pace, stopping frequently, and there are 2 summit areas with phenomenal views where extended breaks will be taken. The first 1.5 miles of the hike is a fairly standard NH climb. The final 0.25 miles up Morgan's summit features 3 ladders (about 25 feet total) bolted to, and climbing up a rock face. After the second ladder, a horizontal transfer to the 3rd ladder will be necessary before reaching the top of the ledge, and scrambling on all fours through a 12 foot boulder cave leading to a final scramble to the summit.

For those who get to the ladders and decide it's too much, there is an alternate trail that goes around to the summit while avoiding them. After catching our breath on Morgan, we'll make our way along a mostly flat 1 mile of trail to get to the Percival summit for another break and pictures. From here, there will be 2 choices of descent from the summit area, either down a massive glacial rockslide, through more boulder caves where we'll be working as a team to get ourselves and our packs through the caves, or down a much less technical cliff walk for those feeling less limber. The chambers inside the caves are roomy, but we will need to take off packs and pass them through a couple of smaller openings.

After the cliff/cave walks, the rest of the hike is fairly standard without any further technical challenges. While this is not a super challenging hike, those with an extreme fear of heights, or tight spaces MAY find parts of the hike to be particularly unsettling. If you are unsure, know that there are alternative routes one can use to skip the most technical parts. This hike will be cancelled if wet or icy conditions are present, which would make the climb or descent dangerous.

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!

HOST: Diana Moore | @ladyofthewildwoods | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Birdwatching

LOCATION: Concord, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 5, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: No

Limit: 15

Join us for a birdwatching outing in conjunction with our friends at NH Audubon.

Devin Guilfoyle, an Audubon educator, will be joining us to lead us through some of the trails on the Silk Farm Road property in Concord, NH.

This will be a very gentle and easy walk through the woods with numerous stops to listen to, view, and photograph local birds.

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!

HOST: Heidi Lewis | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Indoor climbing

LOCATION: Concord, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): $35, paid through our donation page

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 5, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes, 14 and over

DOGS ALLOWED: No

Limit: 15

Join us for an exciting Beginner Indoor Rock Climbing Workshop! Whether you’ve never climbed before or have only tried it a few times, this event is perfect for anyone looking to explore the world of rock climbing in a safe and supportive environment.

What to Expect: Introduction to Climbing: Learn the basics of indoor rock climbing, including climbing techniques, safety practices, and equipment usage.

Expert Instruction: Experienced instructors will guide you through fundamental skills, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to tackle the walls.

Hands-On Climbing: Get ready to climb! You'll have the chance to practice your skills on various routes tailored for beginners.

Community Vibe: Meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, share experiences, and make new friends in a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself and discover the joy of climbing. We can’t wait to see you there!

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!

HOST: Cherie Bélanger | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Beach Walk

LOCATION: Hampton, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 12, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Limit: 20

If heat, the smell of sunscreen, and crowds of obnoxious people all mixed together aren't your thing, then winter just might be your beach season! (Yes, we are aware that Dec 14th is still technically fall)

Join us for a leisurely walk up and down Hampton Beach. Enjoy the weak sun, hear the crash of waves, and maybe get sniffed by a few doggos. Hopefully no one will get pooped on by a seagull, but no promises, that's why we have release forms!

Plan on about 2.5 miles of walking on packed sand (if we're lucky) and a total elevation gain of 26 feet. You may get sand in your shoes, sorry! Super special bonus points to anyone who dares stick their toes in the water (hey, it'll probably be warmer than the air!)

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!

HOST: Diana Moore | @ladyofthewildwoods | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Instructional Class on Winter Hiking

LOCATION: Concord, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 13, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: No

Limit: 15

Join us for this indoor workshop to learn about the winter 10 essentials, layering techniques, selecting appropriate boots, winter traction device options like microspikes and snowshoes, winter safety, and more.

This two-hour workshop will be interactive, so please feel free to bring gear for feedback. I'll have all my winter gear and a filled pack that we will deconstruct, so you can see what you should bring and what that looks like in a pack.

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!

HOST: Diana Moore | @ladyofthewildwoods | New Hampshire Ambassador

ACTIVITY: Hiking

LOCATION: North Conway, NH

SUGGESTED LGBT OUTDOORS DONATION: $10

ACTIVITY FEE(S): Free

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 29, 2024

MINORS ALLOWED: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Limit: 10

Mt. Moosilauke is one of the 48 4000-footers in New Hampshire. This will be our 2nd annual NYE hike on this beautiful mountain.

It's a difficult hike, but it's relatively one of the easier ones to do and a great mountain for a first 48 hike! ***This year we are doing a different trail, so we won't have the long trek across the windy ridge. ***

It will be a winter hike, so plan accordingly. Also, this will not be a turtle hike. We will take many breaks, but then we will keep going, both up and down. Stopping for too long endangers everyone in the group.

Hike plan and gear: We plan to begin our hike at 8:30 am at the trailhead. If you need some time to physically warm up and/or situate your gear, please plan accordingly. The recommended arrival time is 8:15 am. If you use All Trails, here is a link to the planned route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-moosilauke-via-gorge-brook-trail The hike will be about 7.1 miles with 2,513 feet of elevation gain. It is mostly wooded, but there is an amazing view at the summit. Since this is a group hike, we will be staying together.

To sign up, click the “Register Here” button below and follow the steps.

If you haven’t joined the New England FB group you can do so here!