#SugarRiverSocial Goshen Ocean Hike

The Sugar River Social Hike around the “Goshen Ocean”

The most recent Sugar River Social Goshen hike took place as a hiking excursion on the Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail loop around Gunnison Lake. The event saw a great turnout with 10 participants from across the county. All of whom were newcomers to the socials! We gathered in the parking lot and began our hike in the direction opposite the dam, setting the tone for a relaxing and engaging walk around the lake. The hike, which typically takes about an hour or so, turned into an enjoyable nature walk, as we stopped frequently to admire the local flora and capture photos of the scenic lake and surrounding forest. “It was a beautiful way for everyone to connect with the natural beauty of the region while getting to know each other!” said one attendee.

Sugar River Social Group Crossing the Dam. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

We were fortunate to have Ed and Lori, two local amateur mycologists, join us for the hike and share their knowledge of the local fungi and plants (you can read their part one and part two blogs here!). Along the trail, we discovered fresh wild grapes, which were tart but delicious. Lori taught us about the fascinating world of boletes—mushrooms with spongy undersides that love to grow in piney areas. She explained that some boletes are “blue stainers” which when cracked open, immediately stain to a deep blue color. We were fortunate enough to find just one blue stainer along the excursion.

Lori also shared a humorous anecdote about her grandmother, who would determine if a mushroom was safe to eat by simply licking it—surprisingly, she lived to be 99! A special find during the walk was ghost pipes, unique plants that don’t absorb chlorophyll and have pain relief properties. Lori explained that harvesting ghost pipes and creating an alcohol tincture from them turns the liquid a dark blue, an intriguing natural phenomenon.

Gunnison Lake View. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Overall, it was a memorable social event, blending hiking, learning, and laughter against the backdrop of Gunnison Lake’s serene environment.

All About Gunnison Lake – Historic and Present Day Significance

Creation and Naming

Name Origin: Gunnison Lake is named after Captain John Williams Gunnison (1812-1853), a prominent explorer and surveyor for the U.S. government. Born in Goshen, NH, Gunnison explored in the American West, particularly the Utah Territory, where he was tragically killed during an expedition. The town named the lake in his honor, recognizing his contributions and connection to the region.
Creation: Gunnison Lake was created in the early 1980s. The town constructed it as a flood control reservoir to help manage and mitigate the impact of flooding in the surrounding areas. The lake serves as a key component in regional flood management efforts, and its creation has since provided both environmental and recreational benefits.

Scenic View of Gunnison Lake. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The Dam

The Sullivan County Conservation District, the NH Water Resources Board, and the Soil Conservation Service constructed the dam impounding Gunnison Lake to regulate water levels and control flooding downstream.

In the summer of 2021, the Sugar River Region experienced severe flooding due to prolonged heavy rainfall, with significant damages. The reservoir played a crucial role in flood management, thanks to its dam equipped with two fail-safe systems. These systems effectively managed the rising water levels by controlling and gradually releasing excess water. This prevented the dam from overflowing. If the dam had breached, it could have caused severe flooding downstream in Newport.

Fun Fact: In the Town of Goshen Hazard Mitigation Plan of 2015, it was determined that the Dam Failure risk in Goshen to be medium/high. Yet in the flooding of 2021 it held strong!

Loon Life at Gunnison Lake

Loons are a significant feature of Gunnison Lake’s wildlife, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The presence of loons indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as these birds prefer clean, clear waters. Loons are sensitive to human disturbance, particularly during their nesting and breeding seasons in late spring and early summer. Visitors should keep a respectful distance from the loons to protect their habitat and ensure a successful breeding season.

Sugar River Social Group. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Activities at Gunnison Lake

Permitted Activities:

Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm and relatively small size of Gunnison Lake makes it ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can enjoy the tranquility of the water while observing wildlife, including the loons.
Fishing: The lake is a popular fishing spot for both shore anglers and those in small boats. Anglers can fish for bass, perch, trout, and other species. New Hampshire fishing regulations apply, so anglers need to be aware of any catch limits and seasons.
Hiking and Walking: The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail is a scenic loop trail around the lake, approximately 3 miles long, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding woods. It’s a popular trail for hiking, walking, and birdwatching.
Picnicking and Nature Observation: There areseveral spots for picnicking and relaxing, making it perfect for family outings.

Picnic Bench and Old Rope Swing Area. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Restricted Activities:

Motorized Watercraft: The use of motorized boats is prohibited on Gunnison Lake. This restriction helps maintain a peaceful environment, reduce pollution, and protect sensitive wildlife habitats, especially those of the loons.
Jet Skis and Water Skiing: These activities are not allowed due to the lake’s size and the focus on preserving its tranquility and natural ecosystem.
Swimming: Swimming is technically prohibited at Gunnison Lake due to reservoir supply and quality purposes. (Although this is not strictly enforced by the town…)
Camping: While day use is common, there are no designated camping facilities around Gunnison Lake itself. Visitors looking for camping opportunities will need to explore one of the many campgrounds and other overnight options in the region.

Ghost Pipes Plant. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail

The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail is a scenic loop trail that encircles Gunnison Lake. Named in honor of Ruth LeClair, a beloved community member, the trail is a cherished feature of the “Goshen Ocean”.

Trail Overview

Length and Terrain: The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail is approximately 3 miles long, is well-maintained, and features a combination of flat stretches and gentle inclines, making it accessible for most fitness levels, including families, casual hikers, and trail runners. The terrain includes sections of packed dirt, gravel, and natural forest paths, winding through dense woodlands and along the lake’s shoreline.
Scenic Views: Visitors can enjoy views of the lake from different angles, with several clearings providing ideal spots for photography, picnicking, and quiet reflection. The tranquility of the lake, coupled with the dense forest and occasional wildlife sightings, makes for a serene hiking experience.
Flora and Fauna: The trail is surrounded by mixed woodlands, featuring maple, oak, pine, and birch trees. It’s also common to spot wildlife, including various bird species, especially loons, which are a well-known inhabitant of the lake.

3 Felled Trees at the Hands of Beavers. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

History and Community Involvement

Trail Development: The trail was developed with significant community involvement. One notable contributor was Steve Smith, the current general manager and program director at WCNL and Vice Chair of the Discover Sugar River Region Board. On the excursion, Steve told us that he himself helped cut the Ruth LeClair Trail in 1993 as a high schooler. The school group received $4 an hour in pay to help establish this valuable recreational asset for the area.

Sugar River Social Goshen Group. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Next Time at the Sugar River Social

Did you attend the Sugar River Social Goshen hike? If you didn’t, we will host September’s Sugar River Social at the historic Plainfield Town Hall. We’ll get to experience a special presentation and light show of the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set! Be sure to RSVP here!