Visitors walk along the Bisack Trail, between the Rocky and Whaleback pastures.

History of the Joe Binsack Memorial Trail

The Binsack Trail — officially the Joe Binsack Memorial Trail — was named after Joseph H. Binsack, PhD (1936–2005), a neighbor to Doc Remick and active resident of Tamworth. Joe enjoyed walking and exploring the Remick property, in which he found beauty and prized views of his beloved Mount Chocorua. In 2007, when the existing trail was expanded to its current state, the naming of the trail was an obvious tribute.

Today, the trail is an enjoyed pathway for townspeople and a favorite discovery of visitors. We hope you take time to enjoy the varying views and unique farmstead perspectives of the Binsack Trail!

About Joe Binsack

Joseph H. Binsack was born in New York City and grew up in Staten Island, New York. In 1958, he graduated from Manhattan College with honors, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, and married Barbara Jane Murray, his high school sweetheart.

In 1960, Joe received a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and in 1966, he earned a PhD from MIT. He was Associate Director of the Center for Space Research at MIT from 1973-1996. During that time, he largely resided in Bedford, Massachusetts.

In 1983, Joe purchased the house adjacent to the Edwin C. Remick House (now the Museum Center), making him a part-time neighbor to the Remick property and Doc Remick. (Doc Remick had moved back into his boyhood home on Great Hill Rd. by then, following the death of his wife, Marion, in 1980.) Now under new ownership, the house Joe purchased can be seen peeking over the landscape to the southwest, beyond the Remick gardens. 

After retirement and becoming a full-time resident of Tamworth, Joe was an active community member. In part, he volunteered as a science and technology teacher at the Kenneth A. Brett School and made maps of the town’s hiking trails. He was fond of Chinook* dogs and always had his dog Mason by his side.

* The Chinook is a breed of sled dog, developed by adventurer Arthur Treadwell Walden in Wonalancet, New Hampshire (a neighboring community of Tamworth) during the early 20th century. It is New Hampshire’s official state dog.