Pulpit Rock Letterbox LbNA #12165

***WARNING Please wear orange if hiking is this area during hunting season/fall. A dog was shot by a hunter while walking with his family in a neighboring conservation area.

Bedford's Pulpit Rock Conservation Area consists of 173.3 acres of unique geological, historical and multiple-use open space. Mixed stands of hardwood, pine, and hemlock cover much of the property. The wetlands forming the headwaters of the Pulpit Brook cascade over small waterfalls leading toward the vast rock formation known as Pulpit Rock.

History--During the glacial runoff some 14,000 years ago, rushing water carrying swirling boulders wore through the bedrock and created the gorge and rock formation that came to be called Pulpit Rock. A ledge on the east side of the gorge somewhat resembles a church pulpit, which probably gave early visitors the idea for its name.

The Kennard Trail to the Pulpit-- 0.6 miles.
From the Pulpit you can hike 0.6 miles farther on the Ravine Trail to visit the Old Mill Site.

Directions:

From Rt. 293 follow Rt. 101 West to Rt. 114. When Rt. 101 takes a sharp left, follow Rt. 114 straight toward Goffstown. At the first light take a left onto New Boston Road. Just past the Joppa Hill Road intersection watch for the trail headon the left. It is marked with a brown sign. If you get to the New Boston, NH town line you went too far.

The hike to pulpit Rock is through forest and over streams, some of which are bridged.
This is not a stroller friendly hike.
Be careful with young children as there are no railings at the edge of the gorge.

Clues:
Park in the trail head lot --study the map on the board at the trail head.
While there take a compass reading.
You will follow the trail heading due west.
Stop when you come to a picnic table.
Place your compass on the table.
Take a heading of 260°--take that trail for eight steps.
Look right for a "ghost" birch tree (hint--it is scrubby and not pure white).
Your treasure is under a sparkly rock and leaves at its base.

Please rehide carefully.
**Note--this box may not be accessible under heavy snow cover.