Camp 9 Spur Line, Franconia Brook Trail – When the Franconia Brook Branch of the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad (1893-1948) was in operation, a spur line traveled through this wetlands area along today's Franconia Brook Trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness; it was not always wetlands. Beavers have been active over the years. The Franconia Brook Branch of the railroad began at trestle No. 7 and ended at logging Camp 13. The Franconia Brook Trail utilizes the railroad bed right-of-way.
From my book, the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad (2018), “A spur line beginning at Camp 9 traveled through this wetlands in a northwest direction, crossed Franconia Brook at today’s Lincoln Brook Trail crossing, and ended at a landing/work area just beyond the brook.”
The area is very wet, and following this spur line during the summer can be difficult without getting your feet wet. But during the winter, when the wetlands is frozen, the spur line can be followed without problems. The snowshoeing is excellent in this section of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
The view of the southern end of Owl’s Head Mountain, seen here in 2009 from the start of the spur line, is excellent during the autumn months. Unfortunately, this vantage point is now somewhat overgrown.
Located near the end of the Camp 9 spur line is one of the more interesting artifacts of the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad. This artifact, pictured above, is likely the hoisting system of an old steam-powered crane or steam shovel. Steam-powered cranes were used to load logs onto railroad log trucks. Steam shovels were used during the building of the railroad.
In August 1907, a lightning strike started a fire on the eastern side of Owl's Head Mountain; J.E. Henry and Sons had logged the area, and the logging slash (unwanted part of the tree) left behind fueled the fire. Thousands of acres burned, and the smoke could be seen from neighboring towns.
Interesting links:
Trestle No. 7
August 1907 Owl's Head Fire
East Branch & Lincoln Railroad Book
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
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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.