Mount Washington in Fall

We weren't planning on summiting that day.  My parents had agreed to watch the kids while we took an "adult hike".  I let my husband choose - knowing he would pick something around Mt. Washington - his favorite peak.  We started from Pinkham Notch Joe Dodge in the clouds and fog.  The visibility in Tuckerman Ravine was awful, but wanting to get a little more exercise we decided to climb the Boot Spur Link up to Boot Spur Trial.  As we continued along the ridge, I heard Matt call "LOOK!".  The clouds parted and we were soon looking at Mt. Washington with a backdrop of blue.  Below us the under-story of clouds provided a blanket over the valley.  It was then we decided to go for the summit.

Boot Spur to Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Mt.Washington summit loop via Tuckermas, Boot Spur, Davis, Tuckermans, Nelson Craig, Alpine Garden, and Lion's Head.

Getting there: Our adventure began at AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.  To get there, take Route 16 north out of North Conway.  At the 302/16 intersection, turn right to stay on Route 16.  About 11 miles from the intersection you will reach the visitor center on the left.  There is a large parking lot, AMC visitor center/dining hall and Joe Dodge Lodge.  The Tuckerman Ravine trailhead is located directly behind the main visitor center building with a well marked sign and is the starting point for many of the other trails that come off it.

Crystal Cascade on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail near Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

Trail: This hike involved many trails.  There are numerous stories of people who have gotten lost in this region.  It is important to use a AMC trail map (available for purchase in the visitor center) and familiarize yourself with it before departure.  Below is the way we took...

Part 1: Visitor Center to Hermit Lake Shelter
We started by taking the Tuckerman Ravine trail from Pinkham Notch.  This trail is wide, a steady uphill, and uneven terrain.  My mom once asked "Is this a dried up river bed?" and that statement perfectly describes the trail.  Along the way, enjoy views of Crystal Cascade - a photogenic waterfall.  This section is 2.4 miles one way and ends at a shelter deep in Tuckerman's Ravine.

Part 2:  Hermit Lake to Boot Spur
From Hermit Lake Shelter, we took the Boot Spur Link...up.  I've taken this trail with Matt a few years ago, and we took it down.  It's one of the steepest trails I've ever done in the White Mountains and not for the weak knees.  When you get to the ridge, the link meets up with Boot Spur Trail.  Continue up the Boot Spur trail until you at the Davis Path intersection. This section is 1.3 miles.

Part 3: Davis Path to Tuckerman Junction
From Boot Spur, take the Davis Path toward the summit.  This exposed rocky trail is marked with cairns.  Turn right at the Lawn Cutoff and continue towards the summit.  Clear days provide stunning views of Mt. Washington's summit and surround ridges.  The Lawn Cutoff ends at Tuckerman Junction where five points of trail meet. This section is 1.0 mile.

Part 4: From Tuckerman Junction, take Tuckerman Ravine Trail the last half mile to the summit.  This steep climb is covered in boulders and extremely exposed and steep.  Emerging at this peak can be somewhat anticlimactic since the Auto Road and Cog railway brings non-hiking tourists to the summit it can be crowded and busy.  This section is 1.0 mile.

View of the Mount Washington summit from the top of Boot Spur

After a warm beverage and bathroom break in the summit's visitor center, we headed back down a different way.

Part 5: Nelson Craig Trail to Alpine Garden
From the summit, we took the Nelson Craig Trail which parallel's the Auto Road.  At the Huntington Ravine Trail, we turned right for a short distance until it met with the Alpine Garden Trail. Huntington Ravine Trail is dangerous and never recommended for decent. We decided to take the Alpine Garden trail which cuts back along the ravine and reconnects with Lion's Head trail and Tuckerman Ravine Trail. This section is 1.9 mile.

Part 6: Lion Head Trail to Tuckerman Ravine Trail
After 0.9 miles of the Alpine Garden Trail, it reaches Lion's Head Trail.  From here we took the steep and sometimes technical Lion Head Trail down the mountain.  At 1.1 miles, it reconnects with Tuckerman Ravine trail just below Hermit Lake.

Part 7: Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center
We finished the hike by retracing steps down the river-bed-like Tuckerman trail back to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.  This is about 2 miles. Done!

Photo of Map. All hikers should have a purchased AMC map.

Difficulty: Strenuous and Challenging

Distance: 10.7 miles using this path.

Fall Foliage at its best on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Recommendations:

- Each year there are tragic stories of injury and even death on Mt. Washington. This peak boasts the most extreme weather in the world and hikers often underestimate the challenge because its relatively low elevation.  Plan ahead and be prepared.  Matt and I each packed multiple layers including base layers, rain layers, and multiple poly blend warm layers - plus warm hats, gloves, and scarves.  We carried 2 L of water a person, food, and a large first aid kit.  We also carry the AMC map. Be prepared to scrap your plans based on weather.

- Parking is available at Pinkham Notch visitor center but is very popular and crowded in summer.  Plan ahead by getting there early.

Although Mount Washington wouldn't have been my choice of hike that day, I cannot imagine a better day to summit.  We were lucky with weather, visibility, and trail conditions.  Less than 48 hours later - the entire peak was covered in ice and snow.  Be safe out there!

Views from Alpine Garden Trail

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Summer 4000 footer - Mount Osceola via Trail on Tripoli Road

Back in May of 2015, I headed up to Tripoli Road to solo hike Mount Osceola.  Unfortunately, I discovered that in early May, the Tripoli Road is still "closed for winter" and I couldn't hike it.  I ended up taking the nearby multi-use Livermore Trail for a day hike and blogged about it.  It's now over four years later, but I decided to try again.  This time with my friend Kaley and her two dogs.

When looking for a hike to tackle today, I wanted something with a good view that wouldn't break us - neither had been doing strenuous hiking in the last couple months.  My choice was perfect! This moderate 4,315 footer is a steady out and back climb without any major slab or technical difficulty.  If you can just keep climbing up for 3.2 miles up and then back, you're in for the reward of spectacular views of the Sandwich Range.

View from Osceola summit.  Photo taken by my friend Kaley.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Mount Osceola via Mount Osceola Trail on Tripoli Road

Getting there:  We followed cell navigation to the trail head.  It took us a slightly different way than some websites but made good time and wasn't hard to find.  From I-93, take exit 28 for NH-49 toward NH 175/Campton/Waterville Valley.  Then turn right onto NH-49 E/State Hwy 49 E. In 10 miles, take a left onto Tripoli Rd.

Tripoli Road is only open in summer and is in moderately-poor condition for a paved road.  We dodged pot holes while slowly driving the couple miles to the Mount Osceola Trailhead.  There is a parking area but even by 9:00 am on a Sunday, it was full and we parked along the road with other vehicles.  There are outhouses at the trailhead as well as a parking fee (currently $5 a vehicle - bring exact change or check).

Roots and Birches

Trail: This is a moderate climb - especially for a White Mountain 4,000 footer.  The trail starts with a gradual climb and continues going up for the entire trek.  The ground cover changes back and forth from rocks to roots and packed dirt.  We were able to keep a steady pace without involving climbing or grabbing trees for support.  I really fell in love with the mossy rocks lining the trail in the hardwood forest.  As we gained elevation, we were able to see glimpses of the view through the evergreen branches.  The last mile of the trail was the most challenging - with slightly steeper grade and short slabby sections which were wet from the previous nights storm.  Still, nothing too intimidating.

Love these moss covered rocks

The view from the summit was beautiful!  The lookout is an open slap that gives you about a 180 degree view of the mountains south of the Kancamagus Highway called the Sandwich Range.  It was a moderately trafficked trail and there were probably 4-5 other groups up there enjoying the sunshine and view.  After a sun and snack break, we headed back down to the car the same way we had come up.  Some hikers decided to continue and bag "East Osceola" - another 4,000 nearby, but since it doesn't have a view, we weren't interested.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.2 miles one way, 6.4 out and back

Recommendations:

- This would be a great hike for someone wanting to try their first 4,000 footer.  Although it was a steady climb with rocky trail, there were no technical skills needed.

- Remember your $5 for parking envelope.

- Don't make my mistake and assume the Tripoli Road is open in May. Summer only!

- This was a moderately trafficked trail and very dog friendly.  About a forth of hikers had dogs off leash.  Few asked if we wanted them to leash them.

Although I actually summited this mountain back in my guiding days, I had never taken the approach from Tripoli Road.  As a mom of a one and three year old, I don't get the opportunity often to take a full day to drive to the White Mountains and do a day hike.  I have to choose carefully!  This was the perfect hike for a summer day.

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Steady uphill climb gave these rewards

Kaley's dogs - Dexter and Cooper

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Wetting a Line on the Kancamagus

Falls Pond near Rocky Gorge on the Kancamagus Highway

Three years ago Matt and I met our friends from Long Island in the White Mountains.  We spent a day driving down the Kancamagus Highway finding spots to swim, fish, and picnic.  The post is titled Kancamagus Cool Down.  Now, exactly three years later, we met to do it again.  We hit up two new spots - Church Pond and Falls Pond - and returned to an old favorite - Sabbaday Falls.  It was a perfect summer day - sunny with a breeze.  We enjoyed our reunion with our friends and some White Mountain spots we truly enjoyed.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Rocky Gorge

The Kancamagus Highway (also known as Route 112) runs through the southern White Mountains.  The scenic drive connects Highway 16 in Conway to I-93 in Lincoln.  The entire road is 56 miles and provides access to hiking trails, campgrounds, and stunning views.  There are no stores, gas, or other amenities along the highway.  In addition, almost all the stops are on National Forest Land so vehicles need a pass.  You can purchase this with cash or check at any of the pullouts using an envelope and tag system.  On the date we visited, the charge was $3 a day. We met our friends Joe and Jeanne at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center at the start of the "Kanc" in Conway.  Our plan was to make three stops where we could stretch our legs with a short hike and the guys could fly fish.  Our three stops are listed below.



Stop 1: Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond
Nine miles down the Kanc from the visitor center in Conway is Rocky Gorge.  This scenic are is a small rocky canyon that the Swift river pounds through.  It forms a powerful cascading waterfall of cool mountain water.  Although not a good swimming area, it's a great place to stop for a view, bite, or short walk.  From the parking area - follow the trail across the bridge to access to Falls Pond and the Nanamocomuck Ski Trail (also available for hiking).  Lovequist loop is a short, family friendly, 1 mile loop around Falls Pond.  Matt was able to catch-and-release fish in the Swift River but didn't have any luck at the pond.

Sign for Lovequist Loop at Rocky Gorge

Matt fly fishes in the Swift River at Rocky Gorge

Stop 2: Church Pond
Fourteen miles down the Kanc (5 miles from Rocky Gorge) is Passaconaway Campground.  At the end of the left camping loop is a trailhead to Church Pond.  Church Pond Trail is a 1.1 mile out-and-back.  The entire section was flat and easy.  There were two shallow (but wide) stream crossings at the beginning but no other technical issues after that.  The trail travels through forest and bog lands (or 'moose-country' as Matt called it).  Bog bridges guide your way so no worries about wet feet there.  The pond was lovely with views of surround mountains and forest.  The water was bath-water warm and no fish were caught.

Bog bridges on Church Pond Trail

Trail Sign in Passaconaway Campground

Views at Church Pond

Stop 3:  Sabbaday Falls
Fifteen miles down the Kanc (1 mile from Church Pond) is the parking lot for Sabbaday Falls hiking and picnicking areas.  Before venturing to the falls, we enjoyed our lunch in the picnic area.  Then we took the short walk (0.2 miles) up the Sabbaday Falls Brook Trail to the falls.  The trail allows you to walk around the three tiers of falls.  At the base is an emerald pool.  Joe and Matt were both able to catch-and-release small trout with their fly rods here.

Emerald pool at base of Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls

Upper Sabbaday Falls

Our drive was a perfect summer day.  We enjoyed each others company and the beauty of the White Mountains.  I hope to do it again with them in another three years!

Baby Lucien enjoyed the hikes too!

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Mt. Carrigain Loop - 4000 footer and more

View of Mt. Carrigain summit as you approach from Signal Ridge Trail

A perfect fall day was improved by a White Mountain hike with two of my favorite girls.  We started the adventure with a plan to summit the 4700 ft Mt. Carrigain as an out-and-back hike.  Once on the summit, the ideal weather made us long for more, so we continued down Desolation Trail to Carrigain Notch Trail - making a sweet 13.5 mile loop.  It was a great way to enjoy the mountains, views, and friends.

Adventure: Mt. Carrigain Loop

Trailhead across from parking lot.

Getting There: From southern New Hampshire, we took Highway 16 north to North Conway.  Here we took Rt 302 North/East towards Crawford Notch State Park.  Just after the town of Bartlett, take a left on Sawyer River Road (closed in winter).  The road is across from Fourth Iron Tentsite and if you enter Crawford Notch State Park, you've gone too far.  Drive up Sawyer River Rd about 2 miles.  A signed parking lot is on the left and the trail is on the right.  There are no bathrooms and no cell service at the trail head.


Trail:  The adventure starts with Signal Ridge Trail.  The trail parallels a brook and is relatively flat for the first couple miles.  It winds through beautiful hardwood forest.  At 1.7 miles, you reach the junction for Carrigain Notch Trail.  Stay left to summit.  As we continued, the trail rapidly changed to a steady uphill climb.  The hiking isn't difficult (no slab or boulders), but the constant up can be very tiring and strenuous.  From the junction, continue 3.3 miles until you reach the summit.  Hikers can climb the fire tower for a 360 degree of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

Summit of Mt. Carrigain

After enjoying our lunch in the sun, we decided to continue our adventure by making our hike into a loop (adds 3.5 miles to the previously planned out-and-back).   Desolation Trail was a steep grade - narrow, mossy rocks made for a slow and cautious decent.  At 1.9 miles Desolation reaches Carrigain Notch Trail.

Continue along Carrigain Notch Trail over a relatively flat path.  We crossed streams and were surrounded by more hardwood forest.  There were few other hikers on the remote trail and we enjoyed the solitude and easy hiking.  After 4.1 miles on Carrigain Notch Trail, you meet back with Signal Ridge Trail.  Take the 1.7 flat trail back to the parking lot.   It was a wonderful long loop and I highly recommend it!





Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult.  The trails themselves aren't too bad (although Desolation had it's difficult moments), but the long trail and sustained hiking makes this day hike for experienced hikers only.

Descent on Desolation Trail

Distance:  13.5 miles for complete loop.  10 miles for an out-and-back to Mt. Carrigain.

Recommendations:  

- Even though half of this loop is on flat ground, two of us ran out of water on the last couple miles.  Bring over 2 liters when traveling over ten miles.

- There was no cell service at the parking lot or along the hike.  Make sure loved ones know where you have gone and when to expect you back.

- There are no water or bathroom facilities at the trailhead nor along the hike.  Plan ahead and be prepared.

- Sawyer River Road is closed in winter.  Be aware of road conditions if planning your hike for late fall - early spring.

Summit the Dog on Carrigain Notch Trail

I LOVED this hike with my friends Courtney and Ingrid.  I'm so grateful to have friends who share my love of nature and the great outdoors.  Consider this for your next big day hike!








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Best of Friends on the Mt. Carrigain Fire Tower!

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Approaching the summit of Mt. Moosilauke

It's been far too long since I wrote a post.  I partly blame the long winter that kept me from my traditional early spring hiking, but I also blame this wonderful spring weather we are currently experiencing.  The long-awaited spring weather caused me to fling myself into outdoor adventures and I've been reluctant to sit inside writing.  As a result, I've had quite a few hiking adventures this month and find myself having to "catch up" on sharing them.  Where do I start?  How about with last weekend...

Over the past couple months, I've been mostly hiking small, close peaks to my house - Pawtuckaway, Mt. Major, Mt.Cardigan, and Gonic Trails, but last weekend I told Matt I needed to get up to the White Mountains and tackle a 4,000 footer.  To ease into larger hikes, I decided to go with one of the easier 4,000 footers - Mt. Moosilauke.  I haven't done this peak in probably six years, but I remember it has a wide open summit and multiple choices for ascents - ranging from moderate to very challenging.  Read below on how to replicate my adventure...

The trail is well signed

Adventure: Mt. Moosilauke via Gorge Brook Trail

Getting There:  The Gorge Brook Trail leaves from the Dartmouth Outing Club's Moosilauke Ravine Lodge.  To get there from Boston, take 1-93 North and get off at exit 32.  Turn Right onto Rt 112 West.  This will take you into the town of North Woodstock.  After 3 miles, take a left onto Rt 118 South (we missed it the first time - so if you pass Beaver Brook parking lot you've gone too far). Rt 118 winds up the mountain. After 7.2 miles, turn right on Ravine Road.  Take the dirt/gravel road to the end and park along the road. Parking is free. Once parked, walk down past the lodge toward the river.  Here you will see signs for Gorge Brook Trail.  The drive took me two hours from southern New Hampshire (2.5 from Boston).

Trail:  Although there are multiple ascents up Mt. Moosilauke, we chose to go out and back on the Gorge Brook Trail because it is one of the easiest approaches as well as the shortest (3.7 miles each way).  The trail leaves from the lodge, crosses a bridge over the brook, and meanders up through hardwood forest. Due to it's high

Crossing Gorge Brook Trail

elevation start, the forest soon turns to evergreens.  The trail is easy to moderate as it climbs near the brook.  We discovered that it was re-routed onto the Snapper trail for a short piece but then reconnected with Gorge Brook Trail.
     Along the hike, you get a few peaks of views where the trees have been cut back.  As you climb, the evergreens get shorter and shorter. We were surprised to still have snow and ice on the trail over 4000 feet on May 17th!  Once above treeline, you can see the summit for the last quarter mile of trail.  Unlike most other White Mountain 4,000 footers, there was no slab hiking or bouldering near the summit.  It was a smooth hike (with some rocks and roots) but nothing technical.
     The summit is beautiful!  At 4,802 ft, you get 360 degree views of the surrounding valley and White Mountains.  The wind whips over the bald peak, but thanks to rock shelters, we were able to sit and enjoy our lunch with a view.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Distance: 3.7 miles one way.  7.4 miles out-and-back

Recommendations: 
- This is a perfect way to start back up on big hiking in the Whites.  The distance is substantial but the hike is

Still snow in mid-May!

only moderate difficulty.  If you had plenty of time, it would also be a great way to introduce a child or teen to big mountain hiking.  What's more, is that with relatively easy hiking, you get a top-notch view!

- Surprisingly, there was still significant snow and ice over 4,000 feet in mid May!  We were not prepared for this - and as a result got some wet ankles when we post-holed through the snowy trail.  It also made the trail slick.  In retrospect- trekking poles or microspikes would have prevented my three falls on the way down.

- The summit is completely exposed - bring multiple warm layers/windbreaker to stay warm.

- Before heading back home, stop in at Woodstock Inn and Brewery in North Woodstock for a beer and bite!

Lunch break on the summit of Mt. Moosilauke

Although it had been a few months since I tackled a 4,000 footer, I had no problem summiting Mt. Moosilauke.  Just as I remembered, the hike was pleasant and the views amazing on this beautiful New Hampshire peak!

 Please leave comments or questions below and feel free to like us on FACEBOOK!

Summit loved our hike!

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The Perfect Fall Foliage Hike

Chocorua Lake with Mount Chocorua in background

If you are looking for beautiful fall foliage, lake and mountain views, and a moderate hike, than Mount Chocorua is for you!  This peak has multiple ascents, but after a fresh rain the night before, I chose to adventure up the Champney Falls trail where I could get a view of the falls on the way.

Adventure:  Mount Chocorua via the Champney Brook Trail

Hiking on Mount Chocura

Getting there:  The trailhead is located on the south side of the Kancamangus Highway.  From southern New Hampshire, take Rt. 16 North, and turn left onto 112/Kancamangus Highway.  The trailhead parking lot is located 11 miles down on the left.  There is a small dirt lot.

Trail:  The Champney Falls trail started out with a small river crossing.  We continued up on an easy trail through colorful hardwood forest.  The trees were yellow, red, and orange.  After about 1.5 miles, we reached Champney Falls.  We took a break and explored the area, ate a snack, and rested.

Trail head to Champney Brook Trail

Continuing up, the trail turns into a steep set of stairs.  This leg burner continues for about a half mile and eventually returns to an easy-moderate grade.  At 3.3 miles, we reached the Piper trail/Champney Falls trail junction and continued up to the open rocky peak.  Follow the blazes and cairns over a moderate-difficult slab to reach the summit of Mount Chocura (3500 feet) at 4 miles.  There are amazing view from everywhere on the uninterrupted summit.  We enjoyed lunch on a small ledge that protected us from the wind and gave us a colorful view of the changing leaves below.  After lunch, we continued down the same way we came.  Watch the signs closely or consult your map...you wouldn't want to head down the wrong trail!

Some slab climbing required at the summit of Chocura.

Difficulty: The trail ranges from easy to moderate.  The hardest part is the summit's rocky slab which
has some difficult steps.  Take care...under wet or windy conditions. It could be very dangerous.

Distance:  4 miles one way.  8 miles out-and-back.

Fall leaves along trail

Champney Falls

Recommendations:

- This is a popular hike.  To guarantee a parking spot and avoid the crowds, arrive early.

- If coming from the south, make a stop at Chocura lake - I enjoyed early morning light on the beautiful lake and views of the peak.  Along the Kancamangus Highway, I enjoyed stopping at the Covered Bridge campground and also at Rocky Gorge along the Swift River.

- There are no bathrooms at the trail head.

- You need a White Mountain National Forest parking permit to park at the trail head.  The cost at the trail head is $3 per vehicle per day.  Bring exact change.

Covered Bridge along the Kancamangus Highway

Fall colors at Chocura Lake

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Summit perched at summit

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3 Great Spring Mountain Hikes in Northern New England

The snow is finally melting and you are putting your snowshoes back in the attic.  You know what this means...It's time for some spring hiking!  Here are three great spring hikes to try in Northern New England.

Summit of Chocura

1. Mt. Chocura - The Piper Trail - New Hampshire
This mountain hike is great anytime of year, but I love to summit in the spring, when the leaves are just starting to bud and the air is cool.  It is a moderate hike in the spring - traveling through hardwood forest, evergreen forest, and a rocky bald scramble to the peaked summit.  Although there are multiple ascents - all great hikes - I love a spring walk up the Piper Trail and back.  This 7.7 mile out and back is perfect for the experienced hiker and even experienced children and teens.  This is accessed right off Rt. 16 - 3 miles north of Chocura lake (check out the view of the mountain from here!)  There is a sign on the road that directs you into a dirt parking lot.  Parking is $3.  There are no facilities at the parking lot.


2.  Tumbledown Mountain - Brook Trail - Maine
Imagine hiking to the top of a mountain and finding...a lake!  Tumbledown Mountain in Western Maine has a

Summit of Tumbledown Mountain

unique summit and a great hike.  There are three trails to the summit.  The Brook Trail is the easiest trail.  It meanders through hardwood forests before turning and steeply climbing through the evergreen forest and emerging on a wide ridge with Tumbledown Pond and views of the Rangeley region.  The trail is a 3.0 mile out and back.  To access this trail, from Rumford, ME take Rt 17 to Weld.  Take a right on Weld Road.  About 2.5 miles down, bear right onto "Weld to Byron Road".  The Brook Trailhead is about 2 miles down the road on the right.  There is a dirt lot and parking is free.  There are no facilities at the parking lot.

Summit of Mt. Major

3.  Mt. Major - Boulder Loop Trail to Brook Trail - New Hampshire
This easy to moderate hike is a excursion for families, couples, or single hikers.  Located near the impressive Lake Winnipesaukee, this small mountain provides scenic views of the expansive lake and stunning Lakes Region.   The Boulder Loop Trail is the more challenging trail so I prefer to take the 1.4 mile up and return via the wider, more gradual 2.4 mile Brook Trail back.  The large and well signed trailhead is in Alton, New Hampshire - 4.2 miles north of Alton Bay.  Parking is free and there are no facilities at the parking lot.

Spring Hiking

Remember that Spring weather can be unpredictable.  Remember to wear layered clothing and pack first aid gear, map, compass, and raingear.  Check the weather before you leave and follow LNT guidelines. 



Spring is one of my favorite times to hike.  New green leaves, no crowds, and cool air - it's the perfect time of year to hit the trails.

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