W1/MV-007 Dunbarton High Point

This was the fourth and final summit of the day. After activating Clark Summit in Deering I drove over to this easy summit. Route 13 goes through the activation zone, and there are some residential side streets that are in the activation zone of this broad summit.

Parked at the forest sign.

However, the summit appears to be in the Natalie and Wilcox Brown Forest, and is open to the public. Just north of the high point there is a pullout by a sign on Rt 13 south, just before you drive by the small ponds. I parked here and decided to walk up to the top.

Bench at the second pond. This would be a good place to operate from too, as it is in the AZ.

There is a small trail that goes across the north side of the first pond to a bench at the second. This area is all in the activation zone, and setting up here would make this an even easier summit. There is a marshy area between them, and in the dry season it might be passable. I decided not to risk crossing the ice, and just went around the second pond. The woods were fairly open, and there is not much slope, so I just went uphill. There are some old stone walls that criss-cross the summit.

Lots of small puddles had frozen through.

I found a reasonable open area, and set up the antenna. There was plenty of cell service on top, and I could hear the cars zooming by on the highway a short distance away. The sun was setting, so I didn't stay long on top. To get back, I tried going around the highway side of the pond, but the steep terrain and dense forest forced me onto the shoulder for a few yards.

No view from the top.

Trailhead: Natalie and Wilcox Brown Forest sign, Rt 13 south.

Website: SOTA Site. Forest website

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Set up at the ponds, or bushwhack up to the high point.

Red Tape: None.