One Night on Mt. Liberty

Summit of Mt. Liberty

With my big trip to Iceland, I didn't go on my usual summer backpack trips, and I've been aching to sleep in the woods.  With the weather turning cooler, I decided I better get out before I lost my opportunity for the year.  Fortunately, my friend Jenny, took me up on a last minute invite to spend the night near the summit of Mt. Liberty at the Liberty Springs Tentsite.  We were rewarded with early fall weather, summit sunsets, and a pleasant hike. Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mt. Liberty Overnight Backpack

Jenny on the Liberty Spring Trail

Getting There:  Mt. Liberty is located along the famous and often visited Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains.  To get to the trailhead, I took I-93 north into Franconia Notch State Park.  You can park at either The Flume or The Basin parking area.  I choose The Basin.  Both parking areas are free to park and have pit toilets.  To access the trail, walk south on the paved bike path about 0.8 miles until you reach the Appalachian Trail/Liberty Springs trailhead.  Your hike starts here.

Trail:  We took the Liberty Springs Trail from the bike path all the way to the tentsite and summit.  This is also part of the Appalachian Trail and is marked with white blazes.  The first 0.6 miles gradually rises through a hardwood forest.  At 0.6 miles, you reach the junction of the Flume Slide Trail with the Liberty Spring Trail.  Many hikers choose to take this offshoot to the ridge at Mt. Flume and then loop back to Mt. Liberty.  I've tried it in the past and while it's enjoyable and fun, the Flume Slide Trail is challenging and difficult.  I decided it wouldn't be as fun with my large backpacking pack.

Loving Nature on the Franconia Ridge

From the junction, the trail gradually meandered up through the forest, crossing over a moderate river crossing (not bad in fall).  As we crossed into the boreal zone of conifers and evergreens, the trails steepness increased and the last 1.5 miles was like a long rock staircase.  The challenge of the hike came in the consistent steady uphill, but I would categorize it as fairly moderate since there was little to no slab or technical hiking involved.

At around 2 miles, we reached Liberty Springs Tentsite.  We checked in with the cartaker (still manned through September), paid our $8 a piece fee and were assigned our platform.  Due to to the high numbers of campers, we had to share a platform with another small tent.  Our AMC caretaker warned us of increased bear activity and reminded us to cook in the assigned area away from the tentsites and to keep all food and food-related materials in the bear boxes.

Rainy hike down...bring the right gear!

Jenny and I set up camp and left again to reach the summit.  Back on the trail, it was another 0.3 miles or so to the ridge junction.  From here, we turned right on the Franconia Ridge trail.  We hiked through low trees on a gradual rise until we popped out on the rocky summit of Mt. Liberty (about 0.3 miles from junction).  We reached the summit around 6:30 pm - just in time to admire the sun setting behind the western mountains.

We returned to camp, made our delicious dinner of burritos and settled into our tent for a cool night under the stars.

In the morning, we packed up and returned the same way - 2 miles back down the Liberty Spring Trail to the bike trail and 0.8 miles back up to The Basin parking lot.

Difficulty:  Moderate in fair weather

Bear Watch at Liberty Spring Tentsite

Distance: 5.2 miles on the trail (including summit) plus 1.6 miles on the bike path to the parking lot = 6.8 miles total.

AMC Liberty Spring Tentsite: The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains shelters and tentsites in the White Mountains.  During the busy season, a caretaker is there to help assign tent platforms, maintain the privy, and aid hikers.  There is an $8 fee per person.  This gives you access to the privy toilet (bring your own toilet paper!), bear boxes, and a water source.  In the summer the tentsites and shelters fill quickly, especially on weekends.  Make sure you get to your site early.  Even through it was mid-September, Liberty Spring Tentsite was completely booked by the end of the night.  We got there around 5 pm and there were still spots (although we had to share a platform).  This is a great way to backpack through the Whites with limited impact and guaranteed water/tentsite.

Recommendations:

- Check the Weather - Franconia Ridge is notorius for high winds and variable weather.  Although it was easily 80 F in The Basin parking lot, it was a cool 40 with windchill at Mt. Liberty summit.  We experienced hours of downpour overnight and woke up to drizzle in the morning.  Fortunately, we had checked the weather and were prepared with rain gear and warm layers.

View of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain from Liberty.

- Gear - Know what you need for an overnight.  Besides a tent, sleeping bag, and pad - overnight hikers need to be prepared with extra water, water purifier, stove, food, warm layers, and extra first aid materials.

Experiences sunset on the Franconia Ridge was a magical experience.  By spending a night up at Liberty Spring Tentsite, Jenny and I got to enjoy some of the best views and camping in the White Mountains at the beginning of fall.  I highly recommend a night near the ridge.

Please leave comments and questions below.  Don't forget to visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheFreelanceAdventurer

You might also enjoy...

Pemigewasset One Night Backpack

Baldface Weekend Backpack

A Night on Mt. Pierce

Happy hikers on the AT!

Carter Notch Hut in Winter

Clear winter morning at Carter Notch Hut.

When my west-coast sister came out to New Hampshire for a few days,her one request was "Take me on a winter adventure!"  I decided to take her to my beloved White Mountain wilderness.  I booked us one night at the Carter Notch Hut - an Appalachian Mountain Club hut that serves as a self service accommodation in winter.  We experienced smooth, snow-packed trail, cold nights, and comforting fellowship. 

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Carter Notch Hut overnight


Getting There: We took the 19 Mile Brook Trail out-and-back to access the Carter Notch Hut. 

19 Mile Brook Trailhead

This trail can be accessed on Rt 16 about 2-5 miles north of AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge.  To get there from Boston/Southern New Hampshire, take 1-95 North to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) North.  It is approximately a 3 hour drive from Boston/2.5 hour from Exeter, New Hampshire.  After you pass Wildcat Ski area, the trail head is 1-2 miles further on the right and marked with a small "hiker" sign.  Parking is free in the winter but requires a National Forest park pass (purchasable at map/sign) in summer.  There are no bathrooms at the trail head. 

Trail:  We took the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail 1.9 miles to the Carter Dome Trail/Nineteen Mile Brook Trail junction.  This section is a mild ascent through boreal/evergreen forest.  The snowy and flowing Nineteen Mile Brook parallels the trail and at times, the two cross.  In winter, these crossings were easy.  From the junction, we continued on Nineteen Mile Brook Trail for 1.7 miles.  The trail continued with a moderate ascent.  A thick layer of packed snow made it easy on our knees.  Impressively, there was little ice, and although we had

Packed snow on 19 Mile Brook Trail

packed crampons and microspikes, we never felt the need to strap them on!  As we approached the hut, we got views of frozen alpine ponds and peeks of the steep cliffs of Wildcat Mountain on our right.  Near the hut, we linked up with the AT/Carter Moriah Trail for the last 0.1 mile to Carter Notch Hut.   Our hike up was moderate and gentle mountain climb through snow filled forest on a cold day.
The next morning, we returned the same way.

Difficulty: Due to perfect snow pack conditions, our trail was an easy to moderate climb.  However, bitterly cold weather and unpredictable winter conditions make this an adventure that should only be attempted by hikers with winter hiking experience and proper safety gear.

Distance: 7.2 miles round trip.  It took us 2.5 hours to make it up to the hut and about an hour back.

Carter Notch Hut:   Carter Notch Hut is a hundred-year-old mountain hut located in the valley

Carter Notch Hut

between Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome.  In the summer, a team of staff members cook meals, provide bedding, and guide visitors who stay the night.  This is called the "full-service season".  In winter months, the hut changes over to a "self-service" facility.  One AMC staff member cares for the hut and helps guests who stay.  For a reasonable overnight fee ($26 for AMC members/$31 for nonmembers), guests get access to the kitchen (stove, dishes, and oven), as well as a bunk in the non-heated bunkhouse, and toilets.  After dark, the caretaker also runs a fire in the wood stove to warm guests and dry gear. 

On this 20 degree hiking day, Kelly and I greatly appreciated the access to hot water for drinks, a warm dinner and snuggle by the fire before dipping into our freezing bunkroom.  The crew member, Liz, was knowledgeable, welcoming, and helpful.  To pass the evening, Kelly and I took photos, explored the area, played cards, and chatted with Liz.  We made a hot dinner and sipped a cup of wine before heading to bed.  We had a memorable and peaceful experience at this iconic hut.

Inside of Carter Notch Hut

Recommendations: 

Gear -  This overnight trek is not for those who fear the cold.  We chose a very cold (but beautiful)

Crossing frozen pond in Carter Notch

weekday evening to make this trek.  Adventurers should bring proper winter hiking and safety equipment including: multiple warm/non-cotton layers, winter gloves, shell, warm hat, ski pants, long underwear, warm socks, winter boots, trekking poles, and boot traction (snowshoes, microspikes, or crampons).  Also, bring food for all meals, 2L of water per day (clean water available at hut), headlamp, map, compass, and first aid kit. 

It is VERY important you bring a sleeping bag that can handle the cold temperatures.  Kelly used a -30 degrees bag that kept her toasty in the frigid temps.  I brought a 20 degree bag along with a bivy - unfortunately - THIS WAS NOT WARM ENOUGH!  I was very uncomfortable and ended up cuddling up with my sister and sharing the roomy -30 bag. 

Reservations - We made our reservations weeks ahead online at outdoors.org, but since we went mid-week, it turned out that we were the only guests that night at the hut.

This was a wonderful way to experience winter hiking in the Northeast!  It was fun showing my sister the beauty of our winters.  The morning we woke up at the hut was clear and blue skies.  We marveled at the shear cliffs of Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome that loomed above us and the twinkling white of the snow filled notch. I can't wait for the next adventure with my wonderful sister!

For another winter overnight, check out former blog posts below:
Cold Night on the Mountain

A great way to spend time with my sister.

Please leave comments and questions below. 

Katahdin Climb

Thru-hiker "Belch" took this photo of us on the summit.

Having worked as a hiking guide, outdoor blogger, and  New England adventurer, I am frequently asked,
"Have you hiked Katahdin?" 
I usually blush and mumble "No, but I really want to." 

Mt. Katahdin is the tallest mountain in Maine and arguably one of the most exciting and challenging climbs in New England.  So when my adventurer guide friend, Sarah, asked if I wanted to join her on her first Katahdin climb, I jumped at the opportunity...and into her Civic.  From the complicated permitting process, to the epic climb up to the Abol trail, to the night hike down the Hunt trail, we loved our adventure from start to finish. 





Fall leaves were vivid in Northern Maine

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Katahdin Climb, Baxter State Park, ME. 

Getting there:  One of the reasons I'd never adventurered to Katahdin before is, it is a looooong drive to get there.  Mt. Katahdin is located in Baxter State Park.  It was a five hour drive from North Conway, NH.  To get there, take I-95 in Maine to Millinocket.  From here, follow signs to Baxter State Park.  Since we couldn't secure camping reservations inside the park, we camped at Penobscot Outdoor Center which is located just a few miles out of Millinocket and only two miles from the South entrance to Baxter. 




Trail:  There are multiple trails to Baxter Peak (highest peak on Mt. Katahdin).  You need a permit to park at the trailhead to any of them.  As a result, Sarah and I were at the mercy of whichever

Up Abol Trail/

trailhead permits were still available three days before our hike.  Originally, we wanted to hike Saturday and include the treacherous "Knife's Edge" into our adventure, however, due to our last minute planning, the only reservations available was on Sunday at the Abol campground trailhead.  We showed up at the park entrance at 8 am with our reservation in hand.  Unfortunately, we failed to read the fine print, and found out that after 7:05 am, all parking reservations were given away to other visitors.  NO!!!!!!  Fortunately, the hiking gods were smiling down on us, because there were just two permits left - this time for the Katahdin Spring campground and Hunt trailhead.  We grabbed our spot and headed to the trailhead.

 

heart cairn - photo by Sarah Audsley

Wanting to try a loop, we parked at Katahdin Spring and walked/hitched a ride down the 2 mile road to the Abol campground trailhead.  We signed in at the trailhead and headed up the Abol trail.  This trail is amazing!  After a half hour through the birch forest, we reached the slide.  Here, we spent 2 hours climbing up rock and boulder - ascending 3,000 feet in only 1.3 miles.  The climb gave us beautiful views of the valley below and through a bank of clouds to the plateau.  We took a break for lunch at the junctions of Abol and Hunt, then continued onto the Hunt trail/AT for the last mile to the summit of Baxter Peak.

The views were AMAZING at the summit.  On one side we got views of Chimney Pond, Owls Peak, and the Knife's Edge, and on the other, an ocean of clouds.  We were welcomed by a rowdy group of thru-hikers who had just finished their 6 month trek along the AT.  It was wonderful to see them celebrate the end of their journey and join in on the merriment. 

Sarah enjoys a snack break at the summit.  Looking at knifes edge.

After thirty minutes of summit awe and celebration, we descended on the Hunt trail back to our car.  This trail is one of the longer ones from Baxter peak (5.2 mi), and includes a technical 3 mile stretch down a rocky and exposed ridgeline.  The views were amazing as we lowered ourselves onto large granite boulders.  We caught the sunset as we dropped below tree-line into the forest where we finished the last couple miles in the dark - using our headlamps to find our way.  By the end of the hike we were exhausted and happy.  The day was a wonderful adventure filled with excitement and beauty. 

Hunt Trail/ Last mile of the AT

Difficulty Level:  Strenuous and Challenging!  The Abol trail was steep and challenging with many large boulders and straight up. The Hunt Trail was technical with large rock steps.  The Hunt Trail was also highly exposed and would be dangerous if the weather was bad. 

Distance:  + 9 miles. 11 hours including breaks.






Recommendations: 

Summit of Baxter Peak.  Photo by Sarah Audsley.

I think my biggest piece of advice is follow the first rule of Leave No Trace:  PLAN AHEAD AND
BE PREPARED!  This comes down to planning way in advance for trail and camping, bringing proper gear, knowing your route, and your capabilities.  If you follow this, you are bound to have a great trip.

Trail Permits - Reserve your permit in advance (you are allowed up to 2 weeks prior). Camping permits can be made up to 4 months in advance.  We were lucky to obtain a parking spot reservation with only one day's notice but didn't get the trail we wanted.  Read the fine print!  You will lose your parking permit if you don't get there by 7:05 am!  This happened to us and we were soooo lucky that we still got to hike!

Camping at Penobscot Outdoor Center

Camping - We didn't reserve in time to camp in the park, but we really enjoyed camping at Penobscot Outdoor Center.  The campground offers wooded, lakeside tent site, cabin rentals, and canvas tent rentals. They have hot showers, bathrooms, and free canoe rental.  The price was right (13 dollars a person per night) and was only 2 miles from the park's southern entrance.  Great place!





Hiking - This is a really challenging hike.  In fact, Sarah - an experienced guide - said it might be the most challenging hike she's ever done.  This is because the large rocks and steep elevation gain makes it just take a long time.  It's not good for someone who has bad knees or inexperienced. 

Hunt trail near summit

Gear - It's a long hike.  Bring plenty of water - I drank three liters and it was a cool day!!  Summer, I would need even more.  Bring lots of food, protection from the sun (lots of exposure on the hike), first aid kit, compass, map (and knowledge of how to use it), layered clothing, and a head lamp. 






Mt. Katahdin was an amazing experience.  Sarah and I experienced thrilling hiking, outstanding fall weather, and unforgettable views. 

Looking up the Hunt trail.

Please leave comments and questions below!

Pemigewasset One Night Backpack

Summit of Mt. Garfield, White Mountains

Jenny and I took off for a early fall weekend in the White Mountains.  Only having the typical work weekend, we searched for a one night backpack that would offer moderate terrain, AMC shelter, and a summit view.  Our prescription was filled by a one-night backpack up the Mt. Garfield trail.  This 10 mile round trip out-and-back hike took us through a unique hemlock forest, along rivers, and to one of the best views in the Whites - the summit of Mt. Garfield. 

Here is how to recreate this adventure...  

Hemlock Forest - first mile of trail

Adventure:  Mt. Garfield One Night Backpack

Getting there:  The trailhead to Mt. Garfield Trail is located off Route 3 in Bethlehem, NH.  We drove up I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and took exit 35.  From here, we took Route 3 about 5 miles to the first right.  This is the Gale River Loop Road.  Take the loop road (closed in winter) about 1-2 two miles to the trailhead parking area.  The trailhead is marked by a "hiker" sign and trail map.  There is no charge for parking and there are no bathrooms at the trailhead. 

Trail: This is the perfect 4,000-footer for a timid backpacker, family, or person with bad knees.  The hike lacks many of the rocky climbs and steep ledges of its other Presidential counterparts.  The trail begins by climbing a gentle, needle-padded trail through a forest of large hemlocks.  I love this part of the trail because it reminds me of the Oregon trails of my childhood.  The trail here is easy and pleasant.  At around 2 miles, you have a fun little river crossing.  On the way up, Jenny and I easily crossed the gently brook, but after a night of torrential downpour, we had a hard time finding a path back across.  As a result, we got some wet toes, but it made a fun little challenge. 
 

Stream Crossing on Garfield Trail

After the river-crossing, the trail ascends gently and easily through the typical hardwood forest of New England.  The trail is even and steady - with a few stones in the trail but nothing horrible.  The last 0.2 mile of the hike is really the only part I'd call "moderately challenging".  Here, you reach the junction of Mt. Garfield trail and the Garfield Ridge Trail (AT).  Jenny and I dropped our packs and scurried up the last 0.2 miles to the summit of Garfield.  This bare peak at 4,500 ft offers 360 degree views of the Pemigewasset, or "Pemi" wilderness.  To the east, the Bonds, scraped and scuffed by rock and glacier, give me a glimpse of one of my favorite White Mountain Hikes.  To the west, the Franconia Ridge rises magnificent, with many of the tallest peaks in the area.  In the center of the bowl is Owl's Head Peak - another one of the beloved 4,000 footers. Lastly, to the northeast, you can even get a glimpse of the summit of Mt. Washington. 

View from summit of Mt. Garfield - Pemi Wilderness

Jenny and I enjoyed a reward of "trail mix cookies" on the summit, took photos, and reveled in the view.  We sought shelter behind the rocks and in the old foundation of a fire tower since wind gusts were reaching 70 mph!

After our well deserved break, we descended back to the AT junction, grabbed out packs, and detoured onto the Garfield Ridge Trail.  This rocky path, takes you down another 0.2 miles to the Garfield Ridge Campsite where we spent the night. 

Our morning hike was just the reverse of our previous day, taking us back down the 5 miles of the Mt. Garfield trail to the parking lot. 

This is an easy to moderate trail - and in my opinion, the easiest 4,000 footer ascent in the White Mountains (although not the shortest).  It was the perfect pick for a leisurely hike to a magnificent view. 

70 mph gust winds at summit

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - the only moderately challenging section is the last quarter mile
to the summit. 

Distance:  5 miles to summit/ Total backpack was about 11 miles. 

Recommendations

Trail - This is an easy to moderate trail.  I recommend this as an excellent first time backpacking trip for someone looking to get into the hobby.

The stream crossing was probably the most challenging part on the rainy descent.  It was very helpful to have trekking poles here to steady myself across. 


Campsite - The Garfield Ridge Campsite is excellent.  This large AMC site offers tent-platforms, views, water, bear box, privy, and a superb four-sided shelter.  Jenny and I decided to stay in the shelter to reduce pack weight and avoid the predicted evening storm.  We were very comfortable inside - sharing the space with eight other people.  We loved the experience of meeting the other hikers.  One group of over-50-year-old-men were tackling the Pemi Loop, while the other group of the three were from upstate NY and had decided to forgo the Adirondacks to experience their first White Mountain hike. 

Comfy Hiker Shelter at Garfield Ridge Campsite

The Garfield site is manned by an AMC shelter caretaker through Columbus Day weekend, and we had to pay $8 a person to stay there.  Since we were visiting in September, the campsite had plenty of space for all, but having been there in August in the past, I can advise that the beloved site gets crowded and even fills up in the summer.  If you are planning on staying here, it's best to get to camp early or plan on finding alternative camping in the busy summer months. 




In the Pack - the shelter offers a privy, bear box, and water source, but first time visitors should be aware that the tentsite does not offer toilet paper nor "filtered water".  Plan on purifying your water with chemicals or by boiling, and bring some TP for the privy. 
 
This one mile backpack offered easy to moderate trail, great views, and comfy camping accommodations,- all while ascending over 3,000 feet and hiking over 10 miles.  It's a great choice for a weekend in the Whites. 

Another great friend trip in the wilderness!

Please leave comments and questions below!

Baldface Mountain Weekend Backpack

Matt summiting South Baldface Mountain

When the extra blanket makes it onto my bed and the window fans are removed from the windows, I know that that the best backpacking season has arrived. That magic time when the summer tourists have left the Granite State and the leaf peepers have yet to arrive, is in my opinion, the best time to go backpacking.  Matt and I decided to take advantage of the fair weather and weekend freedom to do a one night backpack on the Baldface Mountain Loop on the eastern edge of the White Mountain National Forest.

First Trail Junction of Baldface Loop Trail

Although I've hiked most of the peaks in the Whites, this pair - the North and South Baldface - had somehow escaped me.  Matt proposed the hike since the last time he tackled the hike was when he was 10 years old!

This one night backpack included everything a good backpacking trip should - stream crossings, 360 degree summit views, ridge walks, and a technical rock scramble.  I recommend this adventure for those hikers looking for a moderate to difficult one night backpack in the White Mountains with access to an AMC lean-to, privy, bare summits, and free parking. 

Here is how to recreate this adventure...
 

Follow the yellow blazes

Adventure:  One night backpacking in the Baldface Mountains, NH.

Getting there:  The trailhead to the Baldface Mountains is located in Conway, New Hampshire.  We took 302 to 113 North about 30 minutes from Center Conway and parked in the lot on the right across from the trail head. A brown hiking sign marks the Baldface Loop Trail.  Parking is free and there is an outhouse at the parking lot. 

Trail:  On the first day, Matt and I crossed Rt 113 from the parking lot and took the Baldface Circle Trail 0.7 miles to the first junction at Emerald Pool.  Here, we admired the pristine waters of the stream and ventured on about 2 miles the South Baldface Shelter. 

We arrived at the Shelter around 4:30 pm and were the only hikers there (another sign of fall!)  The campsite offers a generous lean-to as well as a few impacted tent sites.  The site also has a privy (bring your own toilet paper) and trickling stream for a water source. 

Tent set up in South Baldface Shelter

Matt and I set up our tent inside the lean-to and settled into our comfy, dry clothes.  A few hours later, another group of three showed up and joined us at the lean-to.  We all fit comfortably in the shelter and enjoyed swapping stories and conversing before settling down for the night.

In the morning, Matt and I arose and began our ascent up South Baldface.  This is where the trail got exciting!  The one mile section between the shelter and the summit of South Baldface is technical and challenging.  At one point, Matt and I even abandoned our strict LNT code, and bushwhacked through partial alpine vegetation in order to avoid the steep and wet rock scramble.  At points, the slab and rock reminded me of White Horse Ledge - a favorite multi-pitch climb in North Conway - except that when I tackle that section, I'm harnessed and roped up!

The summit of South Baldface was clear and magnificent.  Photos and words cannot express the beauty of the 360 degree views on this crystal-clear day.  I delighted in the clarity of two of my favorite and most recognizable peaks - Mt. Washington to the north and Mt. Chocorua to the south.  It was the perfect place for us to sit, soak up the scene, and enjoy our breakfast. 
 

Morning fog below from  Baldface Loop Trial

From here, we continued onward 2 miles to the summit of North Baldface peak, where another
majestic and clear view greeted us.  We took a short respite, then started our descent on the Bicknell Ridge Trail.  This 3.2 mile trail travels through ridgeline and forest, providing multiple views back at the ridge we had recently conquered.  It is a moderate trail that eventually evens out into an easy wooded stroll. 

At Emerald Pool, we reconnected with the Baldface Loop Trail with an adventurous river crossing and retraced the 0.7 miles to Rt 113 from the day before.

This one night backpack was a wonderful adventure for those looking for clear views, a peaceful lean-to, and a challenging hike.  

Challenging section from shelter to summit of S. Baldface

Difficulty: The difficulty depended on the section of hike we were tackling.  See below:
Baldface Loop Trail from 113 to Shelter- Easy to Moderate
Baldface Loop Trail from Shelter to South Baldface Summit- Challenging/Difficult
Baldface Loop Trail from South Baldface Summit to North Baldface Summit - Moderate
Bicknell Ridge Trail from North Baldface Trail to 113 - Easy to Moderate




Distance: 9.5 round trip.

Recommendations:


Enjoying the view from South Baldface

Gear - Early to mid September can be chilly.  Matt used at 20 degree sleeping bag, but I chose a 30 degree below bag to ensure warmth.  We carried 3-4 liters of water each in addition to food, warm clothing, first aid, an AMC White Mountain Map #5, compass, rain gear, and a camera. 

More info - I recommend making sure to hike these peaks during clear, dry days.  Even though the summits are only 3570 ft and 3610 ft, the slabby rock and open peaks simulate a mountain far higher in altitude.  The steep, treacherous section near the summit of South Baldface is intimidating and could be extremely dangerous under poor conditions.  Take care.  I recommend hikers have a basic rock climbing/scrambling skills before attempting this section with a large pack.

Summit adventures

This is the perfect weekend backpack for hikers looking for open summit views, varied/challenging terrain, comfy AMC shelter camping, and no crowds.  Because this hike is not one of the peak-bagging 4,000 footers, it gets far less foot traffic.  It is the perfect one night trip for those seeking solitude in the natural beauty of the White Mountains.  Happy hiking.




Please leave questions and comments below...

River Crossing at Emerald Pool

Skiing the Sherbie

Combine a love of hiking and skiing into a perfect afternoon in the Whites.

Hiking up the Tuckerman's Ravine Trail to Hermit Lake Shelter

        Last weekend I had my first non-park alpine skiing adventure.  This was a great activity for me because it combined winter hiking (which I love), skiing (which I love), and not spending any money on a lift ticket (which I love!)

        Matt and I drove up to AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge in the White Mountains, NH. We arrived around noon and planned to hike to Hermit Lake Shelter then ski the 2 mile John Sherburne Ski Trail (nicknamed the "Sherbie") back to the Lodge parking lot.
While loading up our pack in the parking lot, we ran into friend Tyler who had just finished the run.      He warned that the Sherbie was icy and rated it a "black diamond" that day.  Ready for another run, he decided to gear up and go for a second trek.
        The hike up the wide Tuckerman's Ravine trail in packed snow was highly enjoyable, and although I was nervous for my first "backcountry" skiing, I really enjoyed the winding Sherbie ski trail.  I'd love to try it again on a powder day!

Below is more information you need to recreate this adventure...

Drive:  2.5 hour drive from Kennebunk, ME to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge on Rt. 16, NH.

Trail Up: Hike up Tuckerman's Ravine Trail.

Winter View from Hermit Lake Shelter

Distance: 2.4 miles from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to Hermit Lake Shelter.
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on pace
Challenge Level: Moderate

Trail Down: Ski/Board down the John Sherburne Trail (Sherbie) accessed from Hermit Lake Shelter.
Distance: approx. 2 miles to south end of parking lot at Joe Dodge Lodge
Time: 10 - 40 minutes depending on pace
Challenge Level:  Moderate to Difficult (Black Diamond on a icy day)

GEAR
For this adventure, you need both winter hiking gear and ski/snowboard gear:

Wear:

Attach Skis to side of pack.  Put boots in pack.

- Winter hiking pants w long underwear
- Poly long sleeve top
- Fleece or 2nd non cotton layer
- Shell or Parka
- Warm Hat/Headband
- Gloves or Mittens
- Warm Socks
- Winter Hiking Boots/Snow Boots
- Traction (I wear MicroSpikes) or Skis with Skins*
- Ski Poles
- Sunglasses or Goggles

In Pack:
- Ski Boots
- Small First Aid Kit
- Extra Dry layer
- Ski Helmut (optional)
- Skis latched to outside of pack or Split Board*
- Camera (optional)
- Water and Snack
- Headlamp (just in case)

Tyler uses a split board and skis to ascend.

* Tyler chose to use a split board.  This is a snowboard that is split and allows the user to ski up the trail instead of hiking.  Skins (adhesive carpet like strands) are place on the bottom of skis to allow the user to ski uphill and not slide.  Once at the hut, Tyler re-configured his skis into a snowboard and flew down the Sherbie.

Cooking without electicity - My favorite backcountry meals

Cooking without electricity

As I prepared for Hurricane Sandy, I realized that being an avid backpacker, I had some of the tools, skills, and experience to cook comfortably without the use of power.  I packed up my MSR Whisperlite stove, fuel bottle, extra fuel, and stocked up on a bunch of backcountry friendly foods in case I lost power for a week or more.

As it was, we were very lucky in my neck of the woods and I never had to rely on my back-country cooking.  My heart goes out to those without power, water, and major losses from this storm.  For those of you looking for delicious cooked meals that don't require regular refrigeration,  here are my favorite backcountry meals...

*Note: A backpacking stove should never be used indoors nor in a tent.  You should always cook in a well-ventilated outdoor space.  





Favorite Backcountry Meals

1.  Stir Fry - This dish proves that just because you aren't in your home kitchen, it doesn't mean you can't have a healthy and well-balanced meal.

Tools
- Stove (I use a MSR Whisperlite)
- Fry pan/Wok
- Sauce pan/pot for rice

Healthy Stir Fry

- Spatula, knife, cutting board

Ingredients
- Tempeh (protein that's packaged and can go days without refrigeration.  Find it near tofu/vegetarian aisle.) Cut into 1 cm cubes.
- Veggies - You can use peppers, onion, garlic, canned beans, mushrooms, carrots or broccoli (fresh or frozen), etc - Cut them up!
- A seasoning sauce (Soy, Teriyaki, Stir Fry dressing)
- Boil-in-Bag brown rice (takes less time and no measuring required)
- Oil

Instructions
Prep time: 20 min.  Cook time: 20 min.
- Marinate Tempeh with garlic and a little bit of sauce (Soy, Teriyaki, Stir Fry dressing)
- Brown Tempeh, sauce, and garlic in oil.
- Stir Fry veggies.  Add cooked Tempeh and more sauce and cook together.
- Boil water in sauce pan/pot (on second stove if you have it, otherwise do this after you make veg)
- Cook boil in bag rice as directions instruct
- Put rice in serving dish and stir fry over it.  Add more dressing if needed.
- Enjoy!


2.  Mac and Cheese Melody - This is a way to add flavor and nutrients to your typical mac n cheese dinner.

Tools

Add cooked broccoli and onion to your mac n cheese.

- Stove (I use a MSR Whisperlite)
- Fry pan
- Sauce pan
- Spatula, knife, cutting board

Ingredients
- Box of Mac n Cheese (I like either Kraft or Annies)
- Broccoli (fresh or frozen cut up),  Onion diced
- Oil
- Pepperoni Stick - cut into bite sized pieces
- Butter

Instructions
Prep time: 8 min.  Cook time: 15 min.
- In fry pan, cook up broccoli and onion in a little oil. Set aside.
- Boil water in sauce pan.  Cook Mac n cheese as directed on box.  Instead of milk, leave a little extra water in noodles and add a little extra butter (if you don't have butter, you can use oil).
- Stir in cooked broccoli, onion. 
- Stir in cut- up pepperoni.
- Enjoy!

3. Pita Pizzas - These are fun and everyone can make their own. Great for kids and teens!

Tools
- Stove (I use a MSR Whisperlite)
- Fry pan with lid
- Spatula, knife, cutting board

Ingredients
- Pitas

Calzones

- Cheese - shredded
- Can of tomato sauce
- Oil
- Toppings for pizza - pepperoni stick, veggies, olives, canned pineapple, etc

Instructions
Prep time: 5 min.  Cook time: 5-10 min per pizza.
- Place pita in warm fry pan with a little bit of oil.  Flip pita after one side cooks.
- While in pan, add sauce cheese, and toppings to upright warmed side of pita.
- Turn heat to low and cover pan.  Monitor pizza so it doesn't burn.
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
*If you fold the pita you make a calazone- type pocket and this often helps the cheese to melt easier.


I hope you enjoy these recipes and use them on your camping adventures!  Please leave comments or questions below.  

Backcountry Cooking