Discount includes peak foliage weekends at New Hampshire and Maine lodges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2009

Northern New England is world-famous for its fall foliage, and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) roadside lodges in New Hampshire and Maine are beyond compare for back-door access to nature walks, panoramic hikes, and paddling surrounded by mountain-scapes blanketed in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows come late September.

Starting September 1, 2009 and throughout the entire peak foliage season, including weekends, the AMC is offering all-inclusive “Kid 2-for-1” lodging savings for two children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. This discount is available at all five of the AMC’s northern New England roadside lodges, located in or near National Forests, State Parks, and woodlands in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and Moosehead Lake Region of Maine.

Family-friendly leaf-peeping adventures range from guided, “walk-on” hikes and naturalist programs at the AMC’s White Mountain lodges to countless self-guided explorations – including nature walks and lower-elevation summit hikes for younger kids, plus more challenging, above tree-line climbs in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and Maine Woods adventures for older kids. All-inclusive stays at each lodge provide value and convenience in trip planning, and family-style dinners offer the company of new friends.

Each AMC lodge is located in a distinctive natural setting with unique opportunities that include:

New Hampshire

• White Mountains, Highland Lodge: throughout September and October, choose from a changing mix of free, daily guided activities, from fall foliage walks skirting local lakes and overlooking Crawford Notch to longer hikes. Special kids’ games and activities include AMC Jr. Naturalist, nature journaling, wildlife tracking walks, and hands-on natural history programs. GPS orienteering and other introductory outdoors-oriented skills programs or films are offered in the evenings. Every Saturday, families are invited to a pre-dinner social, followed later by a featured guest speaker.
  
  
• White Mountains, Joe Dodge Lodge: throughout September and October, join free, family-friendly naturalist-led walks or longer, moderately challenging hikes to scenic Pinkham Notch pond, waterfall, and overlook locations on the network of trails branching out from the AMC’s lodge at the base of Mt. Washington. Backcountry clinics on topics such as Leave No Trace and safe hiking and outdoor preparation are offered daily, and guided walks, hikes, and talks take place as scheduled. The evening program every Saturday is a featured speaker.
  
  
• Lakes Region, Cardigan Lodge: hike to Mt. Cardigan’s bald summit—a popular first “big mountain” climb for kids—that rewards with 360-degree foliage views above the tree canopy, or enjoy a more leisurely nature walk to Welton Falls nearby the AMC’s road’s end lodge.
  

Maine

• Moosehead Lake Region, Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins: paddle on a remote Maine Woods pond and watch for wading moose or try casting a fly rod with the kids. Then enjoy the views from the lodge’s dock on Second Roach Pond and relax with the family while staying in a private cabin.
  
  
• Moosehead Lake Region, Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins: hike to a secluded view of Mt. Katahdin and along the Pleasant River to waterfalls at Gulf Hagas, the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” or take a short walk from the AMC’s historic Maine Wilderness lodge to canoe on Little Lyford Pond.
  

For families just getting started in the outdoors, the L.L. Bean gear room at Highland Lodge also provides the added value of free loaner outdoor clothing and equipment, such as hiking boots, backpacks, water bottles, and fleece jackets. In Maine, canoes and kayaks are available free for guest use.

Families have a choice of private rooms with private or shared bath at New Hampshire lodges and private cabins with private or shared bath in Maine.

Rates and reservations
The AMC's Kid 2-for-1 discount is available September 1 – December 25, 2009 (excluding November 26 – 29) during the full-service season, which varies by lodge. All-inclusive rates include breakfast and dinner at all lodges, plus trail lunch at Cardigan Lodge and Maine Wilderness Lodges. Only one discount is offered per reservation.

For reservations, call (603) 466-2727. Full details about lodge accommodations and amenities are available on the AMC’s website at www.outdoors.org/lodging.

Starting August 15, visit the AMC’s Fall Planning Guide at www.outdoors.org/fallguide.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.