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For those RMC members who would like to venture on to the new paths to the Pond of Safety, we're pleased to provide trail descriptions and a map. The trail descriptions are courtesy of Steve Smith. Four Soldiers Path Trail Description This new trail, located on land recently acquired by the Town of Randolph and the White Mountain National Forest, leads from the Pasture Path, 1.5 mi. west of its trailhead on Pasture Path Rd., over the Crescent Range to the Pond of Safety Trail, 0.3 mi. from the pond. The most direct access to the trail from Randolph Hill is from trailhead parking for the Mount Crescent Trail on Randolph Hill Rd.; follow Grassy Lane for 0.1 mi. and the Pasture Path for 0.6 mi. In combination with the new Underhill Path and other trails on the Crescent Range, the Four Soldiers Path makes possible various loop hikes from Randolph to the Pond of Safety. The trail is named for the quartet of American soldiers who, during the Revolutionary War, were accused of desertion and sought refuge at the pond. The Four Soldiers Path leaves the Pasture Path on the right (west) 10 yd. beyond a sharp left turn. It soon crosses Carlton Brook and ascends at easy grades west through hardwoods, crossing two old snowmobile trails and several small brooks. It then ascends moderately along the southeast slope of Mt. Randolph. At 1.3 mi. it levels out, and there is a boulder on the left which provides glimpses of a view to the south. In 130 yd. it crosses the Crescent Ridge Trail, and in another 20 yd. it turns right and climbs gradually northwest through an extensive logged area where openings provide views of the Northern Presidentials. The trail re-enters the woods and at 1.9 mi. it swings right where a spur path leads 50 yd. left to a fine cleared view across the valley to the high peaks. The main trail climbs easily for 0.1 mi. to the height-of-land and "The Eye of the Needle," a spot where there is a unique perspective on Mt. Washington through Edmands Col. The trail now descends gradually, swinging more to the north, and enters another open logged area with partial views of the Pliny Range and a glimpse of the Pond of Safety. It re-enters the woods and descends easily, crossing a gravel road at 3.3 mi.; the Underhill Path begins 25 yd. right (east) along this road. The Four Soldiers Path meanders down to the northwest, then crosses a series of bog bridges in a dense, wet conifer grove. It crosses two branches of the outlet brook from the Pond of Safety and ends at the USFS Pond of Safety Trail, which is, at this point, a gravel road. To reach the pond, follow the road left for 0.1 mi., then a spur road right for 0.2 mi., and descend a path to the shore. Four Soldiers Path Distances from Pasture Path
(1830')
This new trail leads from the Four Soldiers Path, 0.5 south of the USFS Pond of Safety Trail, to the Crescent Ridge Trail, 0.2 mi. west of Carlton Notch. It is named for Miriam Underhill, a pioneer in women's mountaineering and, with her husband Robert, a long-time resident of Randolph. It begins on a gravel logging road 25 yd. east of the point where the Four Soldiers Path crosses the road and climbs gradually east and southeast through hardwoods. At 0.7 mi. it turns right and climbs through a series of switchbacks in a beautiful forest of fir and birch. It crosses a height-of-land at 1.2 mi. and descends, soon turning to the left (east). It then swings briefly to the south and ends at the Crescent Ridge Trail. Underhill Path Distance from Four Soldiers
Path (2275') |