Volume II Outdoor Play: Hiking New Hampshire’s Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG): 75 Miles on a Fourteen Trail Loop.
by Stephen L. Priest and Timothy J. Priest
In 2021, Steve authored Outdoor Play: Hiking New Hampshire's Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG): 75 Miles on a Fourteen-Trail Loop. Fourteen different hiking companions joined me during that project. Some hiked only one trail, while others completed two or three. My adult son, Timothy, joined me on five of the fourteen trail segments.
Timothy and I decided it was time to return to the SRKG to revisit those trails, document the changes, and perhaps begin laying the groundwork for a new book. To do that, we would need to re-hike most, if not all, of the Greenway's fourteen trails.
Trail 7: A Traverse Across Bog Mountain Bog
During a summer SRKG gathering on Mount Kearsarge, we learned that a new footbridge had been constructed over Kimpton Brook. The bridge replaced the stream crossings that hikers once navigated using rocks, fallen trees, and, at times, a considerable amount of caution. It was also announced that the bridge had been named the Scott Hollinger Bridge, honoring a local resident whose love of hiking and commitment to the outdoors touched many in the community.
When we first hiked Bog Mountain in 2021, winter storm damage still affected portions of the trail. Large blowdowns blocked sections of the route, and crossing Kimpton Brook required balancing across slippery rocks and fallen trees. Because we had hiked the trail counterclockwise, the brook crossing came near the end of a long and tiring day. At the time, the northern portion of the trail was also less clearly marked than it is today.
Additional changes awaited us. The southern trailhead, once located beside the North Wilmot Library, had been relocated approximately one mile south on Route 4A. Although that change improved access, it also meant additional planning for vehicle drop-off and pickup.
Timothy and I set out to hike Trail 7 in a clockwise direction. The route traverses Bog Mountain for approximately 4.5 miles and gains nearly 1,800 feet in elevation. We looked forward to seeing the new bridge, experiencing the improved trail, and discovering what other surprises awaited us along the way.
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| SRKG TRAPEZOID TRAIL BLAZE |
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| Tim at Junction of Trail 6 and Trail 7 on Rte 4A |
Steve's walking stick, a must to have for this hike given its steepness and plethora of granite rocks of all sizes, was handmade and a gift from a friend and fellow SRKG hiker in 2021 proved its worth, along with hiking boots, and plenty of drinking water and oranges. (Notice no sneakers!)
| Trailhead of Bog Mountain SRKG Trail 7 Off Route 4A and Kimpton Brook Bridge |
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After reviewing SRKG newsletters, Wilmot Historical Society notes, volunteer rosters, and local obituaries, the picture became clear:
“Dud’s Dell” is an informal tribute to one of the Greenway’s earliest champions: Dudley Wallace Moseley of Wilmot, NH.
Who Was Dudley Wallace Moseley?
Dudley—known simply as Dud—was a Marine Corps veteran, longtime insurance executive, and devoted community volunteer. When he and his wife settled in Wilmot in the late 1990s, Dud found a new calling in the outdoors.
He became:
One of the early developers of the SRKG
The 16‑year steward of the Bog Mountain trail
An avid hiker who completed the SRKG winter walkabout
A familiar sight on Wilmot’s trails, always with a stick in hand, clearing branches as he walked
His obituary describes a man who loved the woods, loved his community, and loved making the trail better for everyone who followed.
Why “Dud’s Dell”?
The spot marked by the sign is a quiet, shaded glen—a classic New England dell, meaning a small wooded hollow. It sits directly on the section of Trail 7 that Dud maintained for nearly two decades.
There is no formal SRKG dedication, no official ceremony, and no mention of the name in SRKG publications. That absence is meaningful: SRKG does document official memorials, benches, and dedications. “Dud’s Dell” is not one of them.
Instead, the evidence points to something more personal:
A simple, heartfelt tribute placed by hikers or volunteers who knew Dud, loved Dud, and wanted future hikers to know that this peaceful spot was his.
It’s exactly the kind of quiet, handmade memorial that fits the spirit of the Greenway.
A Moment to Pause
When you reach the Kimpton stream crossing on Trail 7, take a moment. Look at the sign. Listen to the water. Feel the stillness of the dell.
This little hollow is part of Dud’s legacy—one of the many places where his hands, footsteps, and care shaped the trail we enjoy today.
As you continue toward the Bog Mountain summit, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of a man who spent years making sure the path was clear for you.
OutdoorSteve’s Tip
If you’re updating your SRKG notes or leading a hike, point out Dud’s Dell to your group. It’s a perfect example of how the Greenway is more than a trail system—it’s a community effort built by people who love the outdoors and want to share that love with others.
And now, thanks to a little wooden sign, Dud’s story continues along the trail he cared for so deeply.
Trail 7: Bog Mountain — New Trailhead, New Bridge, Same Big Climb
At a summer SRKG gathering, we learned that Trail 7 had undergone notable changes, including a new bridge near the NH Route 4A trailhead. When Steve hiked Bog Mountain in 2021, he followed the counterclockwise direction, entering the trail just a few feet from the North Wilmot Library. During a later SRKG outing on Mount Kearsarge, we discovered that the south entrance had been moved—now located a full mile down North Wilmot Road.
For this hike, we followed the SRKG book’s clockwise direction: Route 4A trailhead → 4.5‑mile exit on North Wilmot Road.
Parking and Shuttle Logistics
Trail 7 requires either two vehicles or a reliable pickup plan.
Here’s what we did:
Park Car #1 on North Wilmot Road near the Wilmot Library.
Drive Car #2 back to Route 4A and turn right. Left onto Schoolhouse Road and park near the SRKG Trail 6 sign (Great Brook to NH 4A – Wolf Trees).
Begin the hike by carefully crossing Route 4A—watch for fast‑moving traffic—and enter the trail behind the metal road barriers.
This setup allows a smooth point‑to‑point hike without backtracking.
A Perfect Fall Day — and a Tough Climb
This blog post, titled Prelude, is meant simply to introduce my new SRKG book project. But to give you a taste of what’s ahead:
Start time: Noon
Temperature: 50 degrees
Season: Peak fall foliage
Finish: 5 pm on North Wilmot Road
Total time: 5 hours (longer than the 4.5 hours I expected)
Elevation gain: 1,787 feet
To give you a preview of what lies ahead in this series, I can simply say this: I was exhausted by the end of the day. Bog Mountain’s granite‑strewn climb took its toll. Timothy was my encourager and steady companion throughout.
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| A view from Peak of Bog Mountain of Mount Kearsarge |
