A Short Hike to a Gold Mine at David Dana Forest (Dalton, NH)

Thanks to Ann (author of the "HikerGal" blog) for making me aware of this truly terrific hiking venue named the David Dana Forest, which is located in Dalton, NH.

I strongly encourage you to read Ann's blog report (click HERE) about the wonderful experience that she and her husband had while exploring this property.  Since she did such a terrific job with her description, there is very little that I can add.  And so, I'll merely present a few of my photos, and add a few of my thoughts and other information.

The SPNHF (Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests) has an online brochure about this property (click HERE).  It indicates that David Dana donated this 301 acre property to the Forest Society.  It was once slated for a 23 lot subdivision.  The land offers diverse habitat, including wetlands, brushy fields, extensive deer yards, and a half mile of frontage along the Johns River.  However, the most unique feature of the property is an old gold mine which was operated by the Whitefield Mining Company until 1885. The entrance to the mine was carved into the face of a cliff.  It has one shaft at about 100 feet deep, which is now flooded.

It appears that Ann and I began our hike from two different locations.  The SPNHF map indicates that parking is available on Lower Ox Team Road.  However, the SPNHF brochure gives GPS coordinates for parking, as follows: 

N 44° 23' 25.44", W 71° 38' 30.12"

Before leaving home, I had plugged the above coordinates into Google Maps and discovered that it showed parking at a location on Ridge Road.  And so, I printed out directions for that location, and that is where I headed to begin my hike.  The map presented below shows the two different parking locations.  Also, highlighted in yellow is  the route that I followed to the gold mine.

Map showing parking and trail system for David Dana Forest (Dalton, NH)

Once you arrive at the old gold mine, the trail goes up wooden stairs and then continues onward for a considerable distance, much of which is a moderately steep climb.  I suspected that the trail eventually went outside the boundary of the David Dana Forest.  However, I saw no boundary markers whatsoever, nor was there any signage to indicate that hiking beyond the gold mine is disallowed.

  

On the Monday following my hike, I telephoned the SPNHF and asked if it's permissible to hike on the trails that extend beyond the gold mine.  The response I received was that the trail system does indeed go beyond the boundary of the David Dana Forest.  However, it was further stated that the landowner has expressed no objections to folks who hike responsibly on these trails.

I must admit that I was not prepared for an adventure such as I experienced at the David Dana Forest.  My GPS was purposely left at home, thinking that I would have no use for it.  However, I later regretted that decision.  My GPS wasn't needed because I got  lost!  Rather, I would love to have it available to plot my route and to mark some waypoints.

Since I didn't have my GPS, I cannot provide any firm data about distance, elevation gain, etc.  However, based on gut-feel, I would tend to agree with stats listed in Anne's Blog of nearly 4 miles (round-trip), with a significant elevation gain of several hundred feet.  Please note that those stats are applicable only if you hike beyond the gold mine.  Mileage and elevation gain would be significantly less if you were to just visit the gold mine.

And so, with no further ado, here are some photos that I took during my hiking adventure at the David Dana Forest.

Sign at pull-off parking area on Ridge Road

The gold mine entrance

Stairs which lead to trails extending a considerable distance beyond the gold mine

Many trail segments are moss-covered.  Was hesitant to trample the "carpeting"!

Within David Dana Forest itself, a few small segments of trail look like this

Trail is well-constructed with sturdy stairs, and many thoughtful switchbacks

High up on the trail is faint path leading to view of Presidential Range

A picnic table placed within a trailside nook

An old tree along the trail that seemed deserving of a photo

To sum it up, this adventure was such an unexpected surprise.  Undoubtedly, I'll be making a return visit to the David Dana Forest.  And when I do, my GPS is coming with me. :-)