I had to go on up to North Conway the other day to bring a skidder-load of gear to Ragged Mountain Equipment to sell on consignment. So I figured, what the hay, I'll take in a hike or two as well.

Good plan, as it turns out.

Following my MO of late, I wanted to check out a couple of places I'd never been: Province Pond and Mountain Pond. (Hike descriptions and maps for both are found in the White Mountain Guide).

The trailhead to Province Pond is at the end of a gravel road off Green Hill Road, off of Route 113, somewhere east and north of Conway NH.

It's an easy walk of 1 1/2 miles through the woods over a grassy logging track. At the pond the path bears right and follows along above. Where the road bends right uphill take the narrow footpath left into the woods and tramp around to the log shelter on the north shore.

Province Pond, hidden away in the White Mountains just over the Maine-NH border. Note the log shelter tucked into the trees on the far shore.
Carey Kish photo

What a spot! Hemmed in by steep mountain walls, the place is a quiet slice of paradise, especially on this warm and sunny fall day.

I poked around for a bit on the big old bleached-gray log that leads to water. Then sat for a long time on the shelter's platform edge enjoying the scene and breathing in the good air. And finishing up We Took to the Woods by Louise Dickinson Rich (great read!).

Yours truly getting a good look-see at Province Pond.
Carey Kish photo

I can't wait to pack in my goods for an overnight stay sometime soon. A good book, a fire, a smidgen of Jim Beam, a cold night sky... oh yeah!

Out to the road I backtracked a few miles and wound up the Hurricane Mountain Road, little more than a glorified cart path, steep and winding, and with the real possibility of a head-on collision at any moment.

Ever the exciting ride!

I made it over to Intervale unscathed and unloaded my pile of gear with my friends at Ragged, hopeful that the stuff sells quick so I can buy more, a new winter stove and winter tent at the top of the list.

Post-Ragged I drove up toward Slippery Brook and the TH for Mountain Pond. I'd barely gotten on the trail when a group of campers trudged toward me toting a canoe loaded with gear.

Ouch!

It was worth the effort, they said, for the good fishing and fine camping. Points duly noted.

Beyond, I made a left at the trail junction and walked along the western edge of Mountain Pond, taking in frequent viewpoints as I went. There was nary a ripple on the dark blue pond which reflected the muted fall colors of the surrounding hills.

Mountain Pond from its south end.
Carey Kish photo

The old log lean-to tucked 100 yards into the woods near the pond's upper end wasn't much to look at, but I'm sure it would be welcome shelter in a rain.

Circling around to the other side the bare rock cone of South Baldface rose up in the west. A little further on the shapely twin peaks of Doublehead Mountain appeared above a ridge.

Canada geese on Mountain Pond. That's the upper reaches of South Baldface off in the distance.
Carey Kish photo

The walk, a very pleasant 3-mile circuit, was over much too fast. And as I reached that car I vowed to return here, too, with camping gear (but no canoe!) and spend the night sometime soon.

Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides) showing off its regal fall magenta colors at Mountain Pond. Note the golden buds.
Carey Kish photo

On the way home now, the all-powerful tractor beam of the Red Parka Pub in Glen proved too much for my little Honda Civic, and we were drawn helplessly in. Next thing I know Mike is pouring me a Mason jar of Long Trail Ale which I feel compelled to knock back, along with a slew of popcorn and peanuts (read: dinner).

Another Long Trail is forced upon me and I consume it dutifully, without complaint. Then it is indeed time to head home to Portland-town, turning the page on another fine day's adventure.

All good.

You been to either Province or Mountain Ponds? Spent the night?