Treat your senses to beautiful scenery and a night under the stars with family and friends on Mount Sunapee.

Join the Friends of Mount Sunapee, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, for a family-oriented day—a hike to Mount Sunapee’s Lake Solitude and old growth forest followed by music and camping on the mountain.

The event is part of the Welsh Centennial Celebration honoring 100 years of citizen-led conservation efforts on and around Mount Sunapee including land now part of Mount Sunapee State Park, one of New Hampshire’s iconic mountain parks.

The day will start with a hike to Lake Solitude, located at 2,510 feet along the top of the Sunapee Ridge between the summit and South Peak, and offering spectacular views.

Co-leading the hike will be Dave Anderson of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and conservation biologist Chris Kane, who has studied Mount Sunapee's natural heritage including its old growth. The largest known fragment of old growth forest south of the White Mountains remains in Mount Sunapee State Park.

Hikers will meet at the state park campground at 9 a.m., stop for lunch at Lake Solitude, and return around 2 p.m. (Hikers should wear appropirate hiking boots/shoes and bring water and lunch.)

The hike is of "moderate" difficulty. There will be short increments of very steep walking on a road and off-trail bushwhacking to see special hidden old growth features.

After the hike, one can further explore the mountain or relax at the Sunapee State Beach. (There is free entrance to the beach area for campers, otherwise there is a nominal state park fee.)

Evening camping activities will start at 5 p.m. and will include music, singing around the campfire and a celebratory cake. Participants are asked to bring their own dinner and drinks. Event organizers have reserved several campsites that are available on a first-come basis. Contact FOMS camping coordinator Lisa Bozogan (603-877-0037) for more information about the camping festivities and how you can participate.