Stonehouse Pond Loop

Stonehouse Pond and 150 foot cliff face.

My parents were in town visiting last weekend from Oregon.  When I asked my mom what she wanted to do for the day, she replied, "I don't know.  Walk around a pond or something?"  Matt new the perfect place to go on a summer day - Stonehouse Pond in Barrington, New Hampshire.  

Matt is very familiar with this piece of NH Fish and Game property because he has frequently climbed and ice-climbed the 150 foot granite cliff on the far shore.  It's also a well known spot for anglers as it is stocked with brook trout.  The hike around the pond is a short one (my guess is about a mile) and provides views of the pond and surrounding area from the top of the cliff.  It was just what my mom was looking for and we all enjoyed this local little hike.

View from top of Stonehouse Pond Cliff

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Stonehouse Pond Loop Hike in Barrington, New Hampshire

Sign from Route 9/202

Getting there:  The Pond is located on Route 9/Route 202.  From the Lee Traffic Circle, take Route 4- East for seven miles.  Take a right onto Cooper Hill Road.  After about a mile it will connect to 202 East.  Turn right onto 202 East.  After a mile, turn right onto the dirt road.  There is a large wooden sign marking STONEHOUSE POND.  Drive to the end of the dirt road where there is a parking area.  There is no cost to park and no bathroom facilities available at the trailhead.  Stonehouse Pond can be found using an iPhone or Google Maps as well.

Matt checks out the view on our hike.

Trail:  Unfortuantely, the trail is not well signed or marked.  There are many footpaths, offshoots,

Trail

and choices when going around the pond.  It's sort of a choose-your-own-adventure.  We stuck to the most well worn trails, keeping the pond always at our right.  The trail is fairly easy until you start "climbing" to the cliff.  Here, the trail got steep and uneven.  After about a half mile, we emerged at the top of the cliff.  **Be careful not to throw rocks or objects off since it is both a popular climbing and swimming area below!

After enjoying the view, we again had to choose a trail to decend.  Our first choice turned out to be quite steep so we returned to the top and then hiked down another one.  I could see it being easy to get a little lost since non of the trails are signed or blazed.  Take are to look for landmarks and give yourself plenty of time and provisions to return.

Difficulty:  Moderate.  There are some steep areas when climbing up and down the cliff.  Because of the numerous trails, it's possible to take a steeper or more challenging trail.

Distance: About 1 mile loop.

Enjoying the view from the summit of the cliff.

Recommendations:

- Even though this is a short hike, bring proper hiking footwear and provisions (water, snack, and rain gear).  

- Take care around the cliff.  Do not through objects from the top.  The cliff face is a popular climbing spot and there could also be swimmers or boats below.

- There are no bathrooms or water at the trail.  Plan accordingly.

- The dirt road to the parking lot is covered in deep pot holes and can be difficult terrain.  Take care!

"Walking around a pond" was the perfect family weekend activity and Stonehouse Pond was the perfect place to do it.  On the way home, we stopped at Calef's Country Store  on Rt 9/125 intersection for a giant pickle and Moxie. What is more New England than that?

Three Generation Selfie at Stonehouse Pond

You might also enjoy these adventures:

- Winnie the Pooh Trail in Barrington, NH

- Stratham Hill Park in Stratham, NH

- Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME

Sisters Wilderness - Green Lakes Trail near Bend

Waterfall off spur on Green Lakes Trail

On my recent Oregon trip, I was lucky enough to spend three nights outside of Bend.  My family rented a beautiful home on the Deschutes river.  We spent most of the time sitting on the porch, watching the lazy river take tubers and paddlers by our deck, and sipping on a glass of wine.  It wouldn't be a real Freelance Adventurer vacation, however, without a sturdy hike.  This time I went with my parents, husband, and baby to hike the Green Lakes Trail.  This 9.3 mile out-and-back trail was a little too much for a 90 F afternoon, but we did enjoy over two miles in with views of river, waterfalls, and mountains which made the perfect hike.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Trailhead

Adventure:  Half Way Up the Green Lakes Trail (and back).

Getting there: The Green Lakes Trailhead is located 27 miles west of Bend on Century Drive.  It has a large parking lot (and overflow lot) but the lot is not marked.  There is an outhouse and well marked trailhead at the end of the parking lot.  Visitors must have a national forest parking pass.

Trail: The trail starts from the parking lot.  There is a sign that marks the way.  We initially crossed Fall Creek on a log bridge and then steadily walked uphill.  The moderate trail was dusty and graded.  There were few obstacles.  It winds through a pine forest and stays parallel to the river.  After about 30 minutes of walking (maybe 0.5-1 mile up), we took a spur path on the right to see an impressive waterfall.  The spur was not marked, but listen for the water noise increase (it wasn't visible from the trail).  The steep 50 ft spur trail takes you down to the base of the falls.  The spray felt AMAZING on the hot day.  Continuing back up, we reached the intersection of Moraine and Green Lake Trail at 2 miles.  We went a little further and were rewarded with views of a meadow, wildflowers and nice views of Broken Top Mountain.  After a water and snack break we decided to head back.  All-in-all I think we did about 5-6 miles.  It was a wonderful hike and I'd love to go back and make it to the lakes!

Horses and Dogs are allowed on the trail.

Log Bridge at start of trail

Difficulty:  Moderate

Recommendations:

- Bring lots of water!  We traveled on a July day that started in the 60s and ended in the high 90s.  It was dry and hot!  There was no water available for refill at the trailhead.

- Get to the trailhead early.  It was a popular hike and even at 10 am the parking lot was packed.

- Dogs and horses are allowed.


We loved our family hike with three generations!  It was a great way to enjoy central Oregon Cascade views and get outside!

Fall Creek and South Sister in the Background

View of Broken Top Mountain

You might also enjoy these adventures:

Crossing another log bridge

- Crossing the Cascades

- Oregon Coast Day Trip

- A Day at Cannon Beach

- Portland, Oregon - Bikes, Beers, and Baristas

Fall Creek Cowboy

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!

You might also enjoy these adventures:

- Kancamagus Cool Down

- Advice for Hiking in the White Mountains

- White Ledge Trail

Mount Kearsarge North - 360 Views in the Heart of North Conway

Summit of Mount Kearsarge North

I was just over a month postpartum and looking for White Mountain adventures.  My first venture was to tackle Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch which is just over 3 miles round trip.  Next, I wanted to try something with more mileage but no big ledges or rock scrambles (since we would have the baby in-tow and our balance/line of sight would be off.  Matt and I decided to try Mount Kearsarge North right in North Conway.  It was the perfect choice - longer mileage (6.2 miles round trip), no challenging terrain, and just minutes from Moat Mountain Brewery post-hike.  I loved this hike and would love to do it again soon!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mount Kearsarge North

Evergreen Forest at the start of the trail.

Getting there:  We took Rt 16 North through North Conway.  Just north of town you will pass the visitor viewpoint on the left.  Soon after, turn right onto Hurricane Mountain Road.  Take this road until you reach the trailhead (marked on left).  There are a few parking spots or park on the road.

Trail: The trail is fairly easy terrain but it is a constant uphill climb.  As a result, I was sore for days after!  The trail begins through an evergreen forest - rare to find in lower elevation in the Whites.  I almost felt like I was back in the West!  After a mile, you transition into the tranditional hardwoods.  In the last mile, we got back into boreal/evergreens and some easy slab with peaking views of the Whites and North Conway.

Although the summit is only a 3,000-footer, you can enjoy 360 degree views of the southern White Mountain range.  Climb up into the firetower for even better views and escape from the wind.  This was a wonderful hike with a fabulous view.  Since it is out-and-back, we returned the way we came.

Views from the trail.

Difficulty:  Moderate.  There was no tricky footwork needed but it was a constant and steady uphill for over three miles.

Distance: 3.1 miles one way/ 6.2 out-and-back total.

Recommendations:

- Get there early.  Parking is limited and because of its proximity to North Conway, the trail can be popular.

- There is no bathrooms or facilities at the parking lot.

- Plan ahead and be prepared. Weather in the White Mountains can change quickly and without warning.  Bring plenty of water, snacks, rain/sun gear, and first aid.

Slabby portion of trail near summit

We loved our White Mountain adventure.  It was a wonderful hike and gorgeous view.  After our hike, we drove down 16 to Moat Mountain Brewpub where we enjoyed brews and burgers before returning to southern New Hampshire.  Until next time...

360 degree views from the firetower.

You might also enjoy these adventures...

Welch-Dickey Loop - Amazing Views in the Heart of the White Mountains

Mt. Carrigan Loop - 4000 footer and More

Mt. Moosilauke - Moderate Hike for a Major View

Summit views on a cloudy day.

Liebeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge in Winter

View from Lila's Ledge of Pinkham Notch, NH

I guess I should apologize... I've been off the blog for a few months.  For those of you who don't know, I'm in the third trimester of a pregnancy and that, combined with the poor snow season, has kept me out of the White Mountains and instead exploring hikes near home.  This weekend however, I did manage to get up north for a birthday hike.  Due to my current preggo-state, I opted for a shorter hike that still promises awesome views and a moderate challenge.  This approximately two mile loop provides great views of Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch, and Tuckerman's Ravine.  In winter, you have the additional benefit of little to no crowds and clearer views between leafless trees.

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Leibeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge

Trail through George's Gorge

Getting there:  The trailhead is located at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Rt 16.  From North Conway, take 16 North.  At the 302/16 light, turn right to continue on 16.  Drive 20 minutes and the visitor center will be on the left.  Walk past the visitor center to the main trailhead sign and continue straight onto Old Jackson Road/AT.

Trail:  From the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, take Old Jackson Road (AT) 0.3 miles to the junction with the Crew Cut trail.  This is a wide, gentle incline and popular trail.  After the small footbridge, take a right onto Crew Cut trail.  The Crew Cut is a narrow offshoot.  It winds up for 0.3 miles passing the left hand entrance of George's Gorge trail.  Continue straight and follow signs to Lila's Ledge.  It is a 0.1-2 offshoot from Crew Cut.

From Lila's Ledge, you can see Wildcat Ski area, Pinkham Notch/Rt 16, and Mount Washington via Tuckerman's Ravine.  It's a GREAT view for such a short little hike.  Return back to Crew Cut and from here, take Liebeskind's Loop Trail to start looping back.  This 0.5 mile section winds up and down along tall rocks and on narrow trail.  You will pass a viewpoint named Brad's Bluff that give more magnificent views of Mount Washington before reaching the George's Gorge Trail.  From here, you can either continue 0.3 miles uphill back to Old Jackson Road trail or take a left and return via George's Gorge (0.5 mi) to the original Crew Cut/Old Jackson Rd section.

Icy Trail

On this day, we decided to get back to Old Jackson Road quickly since many portions of the narrow loop were very icy.  Back on Old Jackson Rd, we enjoyed the leisurely, wide trail back to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.


Difficulty:  For this area of the White Mountains, this trail is Easy-Moderate.  However, on this day, there had been little snow and the trails were sheets of ice in many places which made it increasingly difficult even with proper traction.  Be sure to come prepared with proper winter gear.

Distance: 2-3 miles (depending on which offshoot/loop you do)


Recommendations: 

- This is a great little hike near the visitor center.  In the summer, it's a perfect stroll for families or someone looking for a short hike with a great view.

- Lila's Ledge is a dangerous overlook - especially in winter.  Watch your dogs, children, and yourself when navigating onto the ledge.

- In winter, weather conditions can change quickly in the notch with little warning.  Even for a short hike, plan ahead and be prepared for ice, snow, wind, and rain.  We wore multiple (non-cotton) layers, winter boots, microspikes, ski poles, and packed a winter emergency kit, AMC Presidential Map (#1), water, and snack.

- Warm up afterwards in the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center with some hot chocolate or coffee. Get advice from the AMC guides and employees on winter conditions.

This was a great way to spend my birthday and finally get up to the White Mountains for a little adventure.  Even 7 months pregnant, I was able to get great views of notch and some of my favorite peaks.

Visit to Sabbaday Falls later that day

You might enjoy these winter hikes as well...

Carter Notch Hut in Winter

Skiing the Sherbie

Cold Night on the Mountain

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Blueberry Mountain - Short and Steep

Life on Bickford Brook Trail

Ebeneezer's Pub is a Belgium beer bar in Lovell, Maine.  It's been voted "Best Beer Bar in America" by
Beer Advocate and happened to be hosting it's Belgium Beer Festival.  Matt and I decided to double date with our friends Amber and Jason to the event.  Since we were already up north, we looked for a short local hike to try before we hit the bar.  Lovell is on the NH/Maine line close to Fryberg, Maine.  I found a hike in Evan's Notch to Blueberry Mountain (1781 ft).  This hike can also connect to Speckled Mountain to make a nice +7 mile loop, but on this day, we decided to adventure on a 3 mile out and back trek up Blueberry Mountain.

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Blueberry Mountain, Evan's Notch, NH

Getting there: The Bickford Brook Trail is located along Rt. 113.  It at "Brickett Place" - a small historical house/museum.  From 302/113 junction, take 113 north about 20 miles.  Brickett Place is located on the right, just after the Cold River Campground (on left).  There's plenty of parking (cost $3 cash per car or National Park Pass).  Privey toilets are available at the trailhead.

Trail Sign at Brickett Place

Trail:  From the back of of the Brickett Place parking lot, take the Bickford Brook Trail.  This goes through woods, crosses a beautiful stream (take the spur down to see the waterfall!).  This will gently take you to the junction of the Blueberry Ridge Trail.  Take a right on the Blueberry Ridge Trail.  This trail is surprisingly steep - ascending with rocky trail and partial slab.  A large open slab before the summit provided a great photo spot/lunch spot.  The actual summit was wooded and only provided partial views.  Blueberries carpeted the peak, a tribute to its name.  There is no marker at the summit.  From here, we turned around and returned to the car.  

Difficulty:  Moderate - I was surprised how steep some portions were for such a short peak!  

Distance:  0.7 miles to junction + 0.8 to summit = 1.5 miles one way/3 miles out-and-back round trip.

Recommendations:

View from lunch ledge 

- Take the time to stop at the stream crossing.  There is a short spur trail that will lead you down to a
beautiful waterfall. 

- Avoid wet slab on rainy days - it's dangerous

- Take your photos and lunch on the large open slab right before the summit.  The summit is wooded with limited views.  

Afterwards - If you are beer lover, drive the 30 minutes to Ebeneezer's Pub in Lovell.  They have 35 Belgium brews on tap and a great pub menu.   It is located at 44 Allen Rd. Lovelle, ME 04051.

It was great to get a little hike in with our friends and then visit the Belgium Beer Fest at Ebeneezer's.  I can't wait for next year, to do it again!

Waterfall on  Bickford Brook Trail spur

Please leave comments and questions below...

Riding above the Clouds - Silcox Hut, Mt. Hood

View of clouds from Silcox Hut, Mt. Hood, Oregon

When Matt and I got engaged this fall, we looked for a venue that would fit our personality.

Where should two self-proclaimed alpinists get married?  

On top of a mountain of course!  

Even Grandma got on the Snowcat

Since my roots and family are in Oregon, we chose to get married on Mt. Hood - Oregon's tallest peak.  We found that the historic Timberline Lodge offers weddings at their warming hut at 7,000 feet at the quaint and cozy Silcox Hut.  To get to the location, the guests and wedding party will take a Snowcat machine from the lodge (6,000 feet) up an icy slope to the 7,000 feet elevation, above the clouds.  This spring, we will marry on the mountain slope - a perfect place for a mountain-loving couple.  

Since I was visiting family for Christmas, I decided to take the trip up to the lodge and hut to see the venue and discuss details.  Steve- the hut manager and our Snowcat driver - has run the hut for 20 years and provided an excellent experience.  If you wondering how you can visit this magical place - see the information below...

Staying at Silcox

Silcox is an overnight destination mountain hut available for groups (12 person min). Cost ranges from $140-$180 a person per night and includes your Snowcat ride to and from the hut, as well as delicious family style breakfast and dinner.  The hut books up fast, so reservations should be made months ahead of time.  It is also available non-overnight functions like weddings and parties.  More information can be found at the Timberline Lodge website.

Enjoying the sun

Roaring Fire in Silcox Hut

Snowcat at Silcox Hut

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