Owl's Head 1 Night Backpack - The Most Remote 4000 footer

After our successful summer backpack to peak bag Mt. Isolation, Kelsey and I decided why not to use the same strategy to conquer the most remote 4,000 footer peak on New Hampshire's 48 list - Owl's Head.  

Owl's Head is located in the heart of the Pemigewasset  Wilderness.  The only way to access the summit is by first hiking into the center of this wilderness area, and then climbing up a steep slide.  As a day hike on maintained trails, this hike is 9.1 miles one way.  I know my knees...and an 18.2 mile day is not a great option for me. Our plan was to hike in, summit, then spend the night.  Making two days of about 9 miles each.  

The day before our backpack, a torrential storm doused the region with +6 in of rain and caused all the waterways to swell.  This wasn't good for us.  We had many water crossings.  So, we regrouped and decided to take the well known "Black Pond Bushwhack" which would eliminate all but two of the water crossings.  This plan proved to be extremely successful!  We had a really enjoyable time in the Pemi for a night and we were spoiled with perfect fall weather, foliage, and no bugs.  

Fall backpacking means mild weather and no bugs!

Here's how to recreate this adventure:

Adventure

One Night Backpack to Owl's Head Peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Getting There

This hike is accessible from one of the most popular trailheads in the Whites - The Lincoln Woods Trailhead.  Located just 4 miles down the Kancamagus Highway from the town of Lincoln, this parking area is easily accessible.  However, it fills quickly.  Knowing it was going to be a nice fall weekend, we arrived at 8 am.  There were still a few spots left in the lot.  Parking costs $5 a day here.  Bring cash or a check.  We used our national park pass so didn't have to pay the iron ranger.

Trail

From Lincoln Woods Trailhead, we took the Lincoln Woods Trail to the Black Pond Trail.  At Black Pond, we continued onto the Black Pond Bushwhack (not marked).  This bushwhack took us to Lincoln Brook trail and cut out many river crossings and shortened the hike by a mile! Next, we took Lincoln Brook and set up camp at our first large river crossing (see below).  We did both river crossings and took Owl's Head path up the slide to the summit.  Coming off the summit, we opted to take the Brutus Bushwhack back to Lincoln Brook and return to camp.  The following day we returned to parking the same way we arrived.  

Our Route

Here is a more detailed itinerary:

Start - 8:30 am - We sign into the ranger log, cross the Lincoln Woods pedestrian bridge and head north on Lincoln Woods trail.  The river was raging and the fall foliage peak. It was a long, flat walk but really really beautiful. There weren't many other hikers at this time of day. We 

Black Pond - We turn off the Lincoln Woods trail and hike the 0.8 mile trail to Black Pond.  This trail had a slight uphill grade but was still pretty easy.  It went through hardwoods forest and emerged with a beautiful view of a small mirrored pond and mountains behind it.  

Black Pond Bushwhack -  Although the trail officially ends with the pond on the right.  We continued straight onto the bushwhack.  Knowing we wouldn't have cell service, we had downloaded the Gaia and AllTrails maps.  Even without cell service, we were able to follow our trek on the digital maps.  While the bushwhack is fairly obvious, the recent dropped leaves made it somewhat challenging to follow the trail.  Both these maps systems are only available for subscription holders.

Lincoln Brook Trail  - 10:30 am - The bushwhack popped us out at the Lincoln Brook trail. We turned left and followed the trail as it parallels Lincoln brook.  The trail is fairly easy - a low inclining grade with few challenges except for some mud and puddles.  It is not blazed (which really surprised me).

River Crossing and Camp - 12:00 pm - At noon, we reached the first crossing of Lincoln Brook.  Kelsey noticed the cliff above us has a plateau and scrambles up to find a nice dispersed/impacted camp site.  We set up our tent, have a lunch break and pack small bags for the rest of our journey.  After securing camp, we cross this section and soon after another.  Kelsey stayed dry with waterproof boots and gaiters.  I brought a pair of sneakers to get wet wading the crossings.  

Owl's Head Path/Slide - After the crossings, we found the two cairns that signal the Owl's Head Path.  The climb is steep and involves quite a bit of lose rock.  As we climbed the slide, the views behind us got better and better.  It was a clear day and we had fun identifying the various peaks of Franconia Ridge.  We paused for a long break and enjoyed the view. 

Summit - 2:40 pm - After the slide, the hike continues through woods, past a false summit and eventually ends at lack luster small cairn signaling the true summit.  Prior to this, however, you get one more small view of the Bonds across the Pemi.  We summited at 2:40 pm, took a selfie and then turned around.  

Brutus Bushwhack - At 3:10, we reached the offshoot to the Brutus Bushwhack.  Again, our Gaia maps were very helpful in finding this.  The bushwhack is located near the end of the slide at a large moss covered boulder.  The day we did it,there was also a small cairn at it's base and on its top.  The bushwhack is steep but on soft ground through the woods.  It was a little tricky to follow at times, but eventually we got back to Lincoln Brook path - very close to the second water crossing.  

Camp - 4:10 pm - We crossed both rivers again and returned to our camp just after 4 pm.  We made an early dinner, filtered water from the brook, changed into warm clothes, played cards and were in bed by 7 pm.  We secured food using an ursack.  In the morning, we got up around 7 am, made breakfast, packed up and took off at 8:20 am.

Brutus Bushwhack - 9:25 am - About an hour later, we reached the Brutus Bushwhack.  We retraced our steps back to the pond, then Lincoln Woods Trail.  We got back to the parking lot at 11:30 am.  Our hike was complete!

Lincon Woods Trail

Rules and Regulations

Disperse Camping

You do not need a permit to hike and camp in this region. Disperse camping is camping outside a designated campground or tent site.  It is not allowed everywhere so make sure you know the rules and regulations of the area you are planning to camp.  The section of trail we camped (Lincoln Brook Trail) is in the Pemigewasset Wilderness that is part of the White Mountain National Forest.  Rules for this area are:

• Limit group size to 10 people
• Camp at designated sites OR at least 200 feet away from trail, water source, or campground.
• No mechanized equipment is allowed

You can learn more about these rules on the US Forest Service Website.

In addition, it's important to practice Leave No Trace including the proper disposal of human waste and removal of all toilet paper and trash.

Water was easily accessible from the river, but it is important to treat water since it can harbor pathogens and bacteria - even in the wilderness.  I used the Sawyer Squeeze as my main form of water treatment.  

Lastly, I recommend purchasing and carrying a New Hampshire Hike Safe Card.  For $25 a year, you are covered financially if you need to be rescued.

Our Campsite

Gear and Apparel

For a fall one night backpack in the White Mountains I brought the following:

• 10 Essentials - My choices for products are on my Hiking Necessities List.  This includes first aid, hat, compass, headlamp, and more
• Tent and Tent Accessories
• Trekking Poles
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Stove, Pot, Fuel
• Bear Bag
• Food for Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
• Bag with electronics: Charger, cord, lantern
• Clothes: Rain gear, puffy coat/mid layer, sun shirt, base layer/sleeping layer, extra underwear and socks, extra shorts, camp shoes (crocs)
• Trash bag
• Water filter
• Poo trowel, toilet paper, and bags to hike out with it
• Toiletries: Sunscreen, bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste
• Deck of cards

For questions about gear, DM on my instagram and I'm happy to provide guidance!

Kelsey and I at the summit of Owl's Head

Final Recommendations/Things to Consider

• This was a great one night backpack for someone who wants a quick escape.  Although most of the hike is easy, the scramble up Owl's Head Path is challenging and would be quite dangerous in foul weather.    Be prepared and turn around if you are above your ability level.
• Always tell someone your plan.  For safety, carry the 10 essentials.  You will not have cell service any of this hike.
• I suggest downloading a set of maps from Gaia or AllTrails prior to your hike.  Bring a cell phone battery pack to make sure you don't lose access to those maps.  In addition, carry a traditional map and compass.
• In order to reduce weight while summiting, you can set up your camp and then ascend with a "slack pack".  
• Be aware of wildlife. This is quite a remote area of the Whites.

Beautiful Views on the Slide

You might also like these adventures:

- One night on Mt Liberty
- Carter Notch One Nighter in Winter
- Mt Garfield One Night Backpack
- One Night Backpack up Mt Isolation

Morning light on the Lincoln Brook Trail

3 Easy and Stunning Fall Foliage Hikes in the White Mountains

 It's my favorite time of year!  Time to see the White Mountains change from green to gold.  Lets put out pumpkins, drink cider, and go for a fall hike.  If you're looking for a perfect fall foliage hike in the White Mountains, here are three easy and stunning fall foliage hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

View from Ladies Ledge on Square Ledge Hike

Square Ledge, Pinkham Notch

This 1.1 mile out-and-back leaves from the Lost Pond Trailhead.  Park at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and carefully cross route 16 to the trailhead.  The trail crosses over water, then immediately climbs up hill.  There is a nice lookout to Ladies Ledge.  Following the lookout, the trail gets steep and bouldery to climb to the ledge.  The view is stunning and rewards the hiker with a clear view of the Pinkham Notch.  I've also listed it as one of the best family hikes in the Whites. The ledge is very exposed and is also a popular climbing route.  Stay away from climbing ropes and don't throw objects over the edge.  

View from Artist Bluff

Artist Bluff, Franconia Notch

This 1.5 mile loop is located in the northern part of Franconia Notch. Park at the overflow lot to Cannon Ski area and walk to the back of the parking lot where you'll see the trail entrance and sign.  I travel the loop in a clockwise circuit.  The climb is moderate and goes through hardwood forest with multiple peeks at the view of the notch below.  The bluff is located on the descent and provides stunning views of Echo Lake, Cannon mountain, and the Franconia peaks to the left.  During fall, it erupts in color and is a rightly popular photo opportunity.  Continue the loop and get views along the way until you return to parallel the road back to the parking lot.  This trail is also gorgeous in winter!

Mt Willard view

Mt Willard, Crawford Notch

This 3.2 mile out-and-back is one I've written about before.  Park at the Crawford Train Depot, cross the tracks and follow the Avalon Trail until it breaks off to the left.  The first part of the trail is a gentle incline followed by a stream crossing.  After the crossing, the trail ascends through forest with a sweet view at Centennial Pool.  Continue up the trail over moderate terrain.  The last part of the trail levels off through a boreal forest until you emerge at the ledge.  Hikers are rewarded with views looking down the glacier carved Crawford Notch.

Here's How to Avoid the Crowds

These three trails are popular for good reason. They offer some of the best views in the Whites with comparatively minimal effort.  Consider visiting these sites during the weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons to avoid crowds.  Make a back up plan to do a different hike if the trailhead parking is full.  

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Although these hikes are all moderate - they all area climb with uneven footing.  In fall, be prepared for variable weather and bring proper safety equipment.  Here's my list for packing for a fall day hike! Safe Travels! 

I hope you enjoy these three easy and stunning fall foliage hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

You might also enjoy these posts:

Perfect Family Hike in the Whites

5 Best Fall Hikes in the White Mountains

Fabulous Fall Family Fall Foliage Hikes

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

You might also enjoy...

- Mt Osceola via Tripoli Road

- Mt Carrigan Loop

- One Night on Mt Liberty

WM Gonic Trails - River Views and Waterfalls

I've blogged this one before. The Gonic Trails on the Waste Management land in Gonic (Rochester), New Hampshire is probably my most hiked trail in the Seacoast.  It's about 5 minutes from my house and provides river and waterfall views, easy to moderate walking, and limited mileage - perfect for a quick after work dog walk or Saturday family morning stroll.  I also love doing it as a winter hike or snowshoe.  After posting photos of it on my Instagram stories this week, I realized that the only post I had about it was for deep snow and winter walks.  It's a slightly different experience when there's no snow on the ground.

Waterfall views on the Gonic Trail.

Here's how to recreate this adventure:

Adventure: WM Gonic Trails in Summer/Fall

Getting there:  The main parking lot for this trail is located on Rochester Neck Road.  Take Rt 125 to Rochester Neck Road (across from 1st City Motors Auto Dealer).  The parking lot is located on the right about 0.7 miles down Rochester Neck Rd.  Park in the gravel lot.  There is a sign in the parking lot that says WM Trails.  Parking is free but there are no restrooms.

Trail Sign in parking lot (with map)

Trail: There are three trails in this system - blue, red, and yellow.  There are multiple opportunities to take a loop (see map).  My favorite is to start by taking the yellow trail toward the waterfall.  When facing the parking lot from the road, this trail starts to the far right.  This path is wide and easy.  It travels through hemlock forest on the outskirts of the waste management land.  There is a slight decline and a fairly straight stretch.  When you reach the Isinglass river, you can see remnants of a bridge or damn.  The trail curves left and goes down a moderate rocky area, past a rock wall to low area where you can approach the waterfall.

After enjoying the waterfall, continue on the yellow trail (trail markers on trees).  It will wander up and down with small elevation changes until it drops back to the river and it meets the Red Trail.  Here I continue with the river on my right until I get the second offshoot of the red trail.  If you continue straight here on yellow, you will go multiple miles more to a different parking lot.  There is a sign present which warns that the red to the left is the last option to loop back.

Take Red up a steep incline.  After about 20 feet, the trail levels off again and you will enjoy an easy walk back to the parking lot through hardwood forest.

Trail Map available here.

Difficulty: Easy with a few short/steep portions.

Distance: The yellow to red loop is about 1.5 miles.

Yellow Trail

Recommendations/Additional Information

- There usually is ample (free) parking in the dirt lot.  At times it can get crowded on hot summer days.

- Leashed dogs are allowed.  Be prepared to see them on trail.

- There are no bathrooms available at the trailhead.

- For an even longer hike (or different approach), hike the out and back yellow trail.  You can also access this trail further down the Rochester Neck Road on the right.  It's labeled Isinglass River Park.

Yellow/Red Trail right before taking red back toward parking lot.

I've hiked this trail in every season and really enjoy all that it offers in such a reasonable loop.  It's one of the many short, yet beautiful scenic hikes in Seacoast New Hampshire.  

Isinglass River in September

For similar experiences, check out:

- Winnie the Pooh Hike in Barrington, NH

- Hanson Pines in Rochester, NH

- Pickering Ponds in Rochester, NH

Willand Pond Nature Walk

Willand Pond

I literally drive past this walk everyday and up until last week, I had never actually gone.  I've mostly ignored it before because unlike my usually mountain hiking, it's a flat, easy nature walk.  This turned out to be the perfect outing with my friend Courtney and her 2.5 year old.  With the easy trail, and things to see like trees, beach, and bridges he (and we) were entertained.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Willand Pond Trail

Getting there:  I accessed the trail on Rt 108 on the Dover/Somersworth Line.  The trail starts at the Willand Pond Boat Launch that is located across the street from Strafford Farm Restaurant.  There is a parking lot at the trailhead/boat launch but no bathroom facilities.

Bog Bridges

Trail:  The trail is a flat dirt path.  I would say it is fairly wheelchair accessible (and stroller accessible).  The trail winds along one side of the lake.  It is not a loop.  There are benches along the way as well as calisthenic stretching/exercise stations.  After (my guess) about a half mile, there is a picnic area on the lake.  We weren't able to travel the whole trail since the toddler got tired, but we crossed paths with families, singles, and dog walkers all enjoying the trail.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.0 miles one way (2.0 miles out and back)



Recommendations:

- Dogs are allowed on the trail if they are leashed, however, be prepared to see unleashed dogs.

- It is a popular local fishing spot.  Be prepared to see boats, fishermen, and recreationalists.

Photo courtesy of Willand Pond Facebook Page

- It can be crowded in the summer but was pretty quiet on a cool, November day.

- Consider enjoying breakfast at Strafford Farms before your walk - that's what we did!

- Parking is free. There are no bathrooms.

I enjoyed exploring this nature walk close to my house.  It's always refreshing to get a respit from the town/city with a little patch of nature.

Enjoying the beach

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Winnie the Pooh Trail in Barrington, NH

- Stonehouse Pond Loop in Barrington, NH

- Stratham Hill Park in Stratham, NH

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

View of Mt. Welch from Mt. Dickey on Welch-Dickey loop

I've been wanting to do this hike for a long time.  I mean - this is one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains - and I'd never tried it!  So when my friend Sarah suggested we take the dogs for a late fall hike on the Welch-Dickey loop, I jumped at the chance.  It is easy to see why this trail is so popular - the 4.5 mile hike is a true loop that includes amazing mountain views without the need to go to 4,000 ft (the peaks are in the mid - 2000ft).  Late fall was a great time because the crowds were low and the weather still mild enough that we didn't need traction on our boots.  Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Welch-Dickey Mountain Loop

Leaf-covered trail in November

Getting there:  The trailhead is located off I-93 near the town of Waterville Valley.  To get there, I took I-93 North to exit 28.  Drive East on Rt 49 toward Waterville Valley.  Turn left onto Mad River Road then turn right onto Upper Mad River Road.  Follow the "hiking" sign and turn left onto Orris Road.  The parking lot with be on the right with a well marked sign.

Trail:  The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot.  This is a true loop.  Just walk 0.1 mile down the trail and you'll come to the fork.  We decided to do a counter-clockwise loop by taking the right fork first.  This appeared to be the more popular direction, but hikers could enjoy either way with equal challenge-level.
     We followed the yellow blazes up a gradual and moderate climb.  Soon we popped-out onto a ledge and viewpoint.  I could see the Sandwich Range to the south and behind us, the summits of Welch and Dickey. We continued up granite slab, all-the-while enjoying the views.  We were lucky to hike the trail on a dry day, but I imagine this trail could be very dangerous if it was wet or icy.  From the summit of Mt. Dickey, we descended down a slab ridge.  This is your last time above the trees.  We enjoyed a snack and staring at the loop hike that we had almost completed.  Continue down the trail and in no time at all, you'll be back at the parking lot.
      The dogs handled this trail with no problems at all and we came across many other dogs on the trail.

Be prepared to walk up slab near the summit of both peaks.

Difficulty:  Moderate-  This trail starts out easy and turns to a moderate slab climb near the summits.  That said, if it's wet or icy, this trail could quickly become dangerous above treeline.  The granite slab is great for open views, but hikers should be careful when climbing.

Enjoying the view of Mt. Dickey from Mt. Welch

Distance: 4.5 mile loop

Recommendations:

- Get there early!  Even in November, the parking lot and trail is very popular. At 9 am the parking lot was mostly full.

- You will need a National Park/Forest parking pass or $3 per vehicle to park in the lot. Bring exact cash or check.  There are envelopes to deposit your money in near the trailhead sign.

- There are pit toilets at the parking lot.

- There is no cell service in the lot.  Plan accordingly.

Final ridge walk down from Mt. Dickey

- Remember that the Whites have their own weather.  It might be 70 and sunny in Boston, but icy trail conditions up north.  For late fall hikes, bring microspikes or other traction options just in case.  A warm coat, gloves, and hat are a must.

I loved this moderate loop.  It would be wonderful to try it in every season.  I can see why it's a favorite for hikers in the area.

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Summit gets some love!

Please leave comments and questions below.

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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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.

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Happy hikers on the AT!