Picking Up Trash, White Mountains – During this covid pandemic, many hikers have been picking up trash along the trail system here in the White Mountains. And there also has been an increase in hiker organized clean-up days, which is awesome. The easiest way for hikers to “give back” is to pick up trash along the trails.
However, it’s not widely known that the trail system is a portal to the White Mountains' fascinating past. Many trails utilize old railroad beds, pass through abandoned farm settlements and logging camps, and are links to important historical sites. And because of this, historical artifacts are scattered along many of the trails.
The above photo of artifacts shows what a hiker could come across along the trail system. These horseshoes and various other items are protected artifacts, and they mark the location of a forgotten logging camp along the Woodstock & Thornton Gore Railroad (1909-1914). If these artifacts are removed from this location, the history of this particular camp will be forever lost. And if a person did remove these artifacts from the National Forest, they could be prosecuted.
If you plan on picking up trash in the White Mountains, consider educating yourself about historical artifacts and the laws protecting them. Many of the bottles, metal objects (horseshoes, strapping, railroad spikes, stoves, etc.), and numerous other objects along the trail system are protected artifacts, not hiker trash. These artifacts should be left where they are found; they help tell the incredible story of the White Mountain National Forest.
When it comes to being a good steward of the White Mountains, being able to tell the difference between hiker trash and historical artifacts is essential. View some of the common artifacts found along the trail system here.
Happy image making..
Preserve History | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.