A hiker hut system for the Coos Trail

[cohostrail]

Here's a question that I think will illicit a bit of response. It is about the concept of a rustic hiker hut system along the Cohos Trail, a system that would include the existing CT lean-tos and camp sites, but could also include (eventually) a system of five or six hiker hut compounds that might boast a rustic 12-person bunkhouse, open-air pavillion for cooking simple meals and dining at a covered picnic table or two, a composting latrine, and a sign board. The hut compounds could be in Jefferson not too far from the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, along the Bell Hill or Percy Road in Stark, on Mt. Gloriette or north Sanguinary Ridge in Dixville, in Clarksville near Ben Young Hill, and one or two in Pittsburg, one near the south of the community and one near the entrance Connecticut Lakes State Forest.

This is just in the conceptual stage right now, but it would be most welcome to get your ideas pro and con on the idea. Have a crack at it.

Percy Peaks

[1hiker]

As a one time CT hiker, I'd have loved the covered picnic tables. The current Percy tent platform, and Baldhead and Panorama lean-tos were wonderful.

In my opinion, a hut compound in Jefferson would attract day hikers. That area is near some great day hikes and some 4000 footers. Stark/Nash Brook also is a great place to mountain bike. Both locations might be a great place to experiment with your multi-use plan.

I wonder if huts would need to be so close to civilization that they'd be vandalized?

[ridgerunner]

Thank you for your input 1hiker.
Vandalism is always a possibility. It's something we do have to consider. But we also realize that to make these huts profitable, we have to place them in areas that they will get used quite a bit. We are also considering caretakers for the huts.
These huts are only in the thought process at this time and hopefully we can actually do something in the near future. Our first priority is to complete the trail system.
Ridgerunner