Splendor in September
Setting up camp at Spacious Skies – Seven Maples Campground in Hancock felt like stumbling upon a quintessential New Hampshire secret. Tucked into the quiet countryside, it served as our dream home base for exploring classic small-town New England, logging miles on the bikes, and hitting the local hiking trails.
We rolled into the heart of the Monadnock Region in southwest New Hampshire just a day before Labor Day, arriving right at the peak of holiday weekend energy. The campground was brimming with life: kids splashing in the pool, bikes whizzing past our site, and a live afternoon band providing a fantastic backdrop. Then came Tuesday morning—BAM. Just like that, the trailers vanished, the pool gate clicked shut, and an absolute, golden stillness settled over the park for the rest of our stay.
We took full advantage of the quiet, pedaling our bikes on a ten-mile ride through a dense, emerald-green tree canopy to the town of Peterborough. While only a handful of shops lined the quiet streets, the timeless charm of old-town New England was baked into every classic brick storefront and leafy street corner.
Our day trip to the spirited college town of Keene was a highlight, as we spent hours ducking in and out of quirky local spots. One shop in particular was a glorious, unexpected menagerie—nestled right alongside gourmet food items and handcrafted jewelry, an entire section was stocked with witchcraft supplies. We managed to resist buying any mystical potions or ominously labeled herbs, though Mitch couldn’t resist wandering to the back of the shop to treat himself to a milkshake.
The scenic drive to our trailheads at Skatutakee Mountain and Thumb Mountain was every bit as thrilling as the hike itself. The backroads meandered through a cozy covered bridge and tree-lined stretches that felt remarkably like a wooden roller coaster, swooping over steep hills and tight curves.
With our boots dusty and our spirits high, our next stop along our journey takes us deeper into northern New Hampshire. We are eagerly keeping our eyes on the canopy, hoping the very first fiery signals of autumn leaf-peeping season are about to burst alive.
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