Kim Nilsen (photo by Ellen Kolb)

If you’re anywhere near Lancaster, New Hampshire, you might want to consider a drive up the auto road of Weeks State Park this Thursday evening, July 11. As part of the Weeks State Park Association’s summer programs, Kim Nilsen will give a talk on “Hikes North of the White Mountains.” The free program begins at 7 p.m. at the Summit Lodge.

Kim came up with the idea for New Hampshire’s Cohos Trail over thirty years ago. It exists now thanks to care and interest from many people, but it all began with Kim’s imagination and tenacity. He knows New Hampshire’s North Country, and he’s always looking for ways to share his enthusiasm. He recently wrote 50 Hikes North of the White Mountains, part of Countryman Press’s successful 50 Hikes series.

While I’m based in southern New Hampshire, readers of Granite State Walker blog know I love my forays into the North Country. Kim’s the best living resource I know for information about the area’s trails.

There’s a link on the Weeks State Park site to a PDF with the entire schedule for the summer series of programs. There’s a fine variety of speakers and topics, all related to New Hampshire’s natural history or outdoor recreation. I wish I lived closer so I could sit in on Thursday evenings!

Here’s a press release about this week’s program, taken from the Friends of the Cohos Trail Facebook page:

Kim Nilsen will present a slide talk at Weeks State Park on “Hikes North of the White Mountains” on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. The Great North Woods north of the White Mountains offers more than 200 miles of underutilized hiking trails winding through breath-taking terrain. This slide talk describes these trails through this largely undiscovered, pristine region. Nilsen has authored books on this subject and will have his books available for sale and signing. Kim lived in Coos County while employed by the Coos County Democrat. He has bushwhacked most of the county’s mountainous backcountry and has now realized a dream that a through trail, The Cohos Trail, could be built that highlights features away from the White Mountain ranges. Kim today lives in Spofford,where he works with severely handicapped young people. He writes essays, articles and books.
This free program will be in the Great Room of the Summit Lodge of Weeks State Park. Come early and bring a picnic supper or climb the fire tower for one of the best views north of the notches. Weeks State Park is on the east side of Route 3, approximately two miles south of Lancaster. The Evening Program Series is sponsored by the Weeks State Park Association, N.H. Division of Parks, and UNH Cooperative Extension. All programs are free and the public is invited.