A Trip to Greenleaf Hut with Appalachian Mountain Club

I was lucky enough to take part in a guided hut trip with the Appalachian Mountain Club!  This is not my first trip to the high huts.  I worked for AMC from 2007-2010 and regularly took groups to the area.  This felt like a coming home as well as a reawakening to the many possibilities of the mountains and how much the AMC contributes to my hiking happiness.  

Check out the three day guided trip to Greenleaf Hut
 with Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in the White Mountains.

If you'd like to do a guided trip, check out both the free (day hikes) and pay (overnight) trips offered by the club here.

Don't need a guide?  Book your own stay at Greenleaf Hut or another AMC facility.

Before you book, become a member.  Members get 20% off their stay as well as other discounts and benefits!

Read on to learn how to have a memorable 
adventure with AMC at Greenleaf Hut in 
the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Day 1:  The AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch.

I arrived at AMC Highland Center in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire around 5:30 pm.  Just in time for happy hour in the living room!  It was a rainy night, but the field of lupine in front of the lodge made for a welcome site.  I was given a name tag, checked into my private room/private bath, and mingled and met the rest of the group at happy hour.  

Enjoyed my first night at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch.

At 6 pm, we moved to the dining room where we enjoyed a delicious lodge dinner - served buffet style.  After dinner, we convened in one of the classrooms.  Our guides facilitated introductions, went over the hiking plan, and what we needed to pack.  Next, we were shown to the basement LL Bean gear room.  This is available to guests and participants.  It has everything from high quality hiking boots, fleeces, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.  Many of the participants borrowed packs, boots, and rain gear.  Around 8:30 pm, we departed to our personal rooms to pack, shower, and rest up for the next day's hike.

All your gear needs will be met in the LL Bean room
available free for guests at AMC facilities.

Day 2: Hiking to Greenleaf Hut

I woke up and packed, then headed downstairs for a hearty breakfast from the lodge cafeteria. We got a weather update and set out.  Our trailhead was a short drive away.  We were offered to either be transported by van or travel alone.  I took my car to cut down on the next day's drive.

We arrived at the Old Bridle Path trailhead in Franconia Notch around 8 am.  Our lead naturalist, Nancy, gave a rundown on some of the flora and fauna we might see on the trail and we took off at a moderate pace. 

Trailhead - 2.9 miles to our destination.

 A ways up the trail, we reached a section that was being worked on by the Appalachian Mountain Club's professional trail crew.  I was amazed to see their beautiful work and learned about the "Restoring the Ridge" project - a collaboration between the federal government and Appalachian Mountain club - to preserve this iconic loop hike for generations to come.  We also learned that our AMC membership helps this project!  

AMC professional trail crew makes steps
that will last generations and handle thousands
of yearly visitors and harsh weather.

This project combines federal dollars with
AMC funds from your membership.

Soon, we popped out onto a ledge.  While the Franconia ridge above was still in the clouds, we were able to see views of the valley below.  While taking a restful snack break, our naturalist brought our attention to various bird calls.

We take a break along Old Bridle Path.

The trail got steeper as we approached the hut.  When we got to Greenleaf hut, it was hugged by a cloud.  Now, around 1 pm, we were ready for our trail lunch (given/packed by the Highland Center kitchen).  After choosing a bunk in the hut, we sat on the porch and enjoyed our lunch.  

Bunks come with a pillow and three wool blankets. 
Bring sheets or sleeping sack/bag.

We still had plenty of time until dinner, so even though the visibility wasn't great, we decided to summit Mt Lafayette.  Hoping the clouds would clear by the time we got up there, we continued up into the alpine zone.  Nancy pointed out new plants off the trail.  In about an hour, we reached the ridgeline.  Unfortunately, there was no view due to clouds and mist, but that's ok.  We descended off Lafayette, back to the hut.  

We were treated to an informative talk about the climate science done by AMC scientists as well as their citizen science programs.  We also learned about the hut systems that makes it sustainable in the peaks.

Greenleaf Hut is run by Appalachian Mountain Club. 
In summer, it is a full service hut with bathrooms, meals, and beds.  Reserve online.

Dinner was multiple courses - served family style at long tables. You won't go hungry!  The food was both delicious and plentiful.  After dinner, guests read from the library, played games, and chatted before quiet hours at 9:30 pm.  Around sunset, the clouds cleared and we were treated to views of the magnificent Franconia Ridge!  It was a welcome site for guests and staff!

Day 3: Summit views and hiking down

The hut croo (yes, that's how they spell it), woke us up to some soft singing at 6:30 am.  We got up, dressed, and packed and then had a delicious breakfast in the dining room at 7 am.  After breakfast, the group discussed our goals.  Half of the group was ready to take Bridle Path down to return home before noon.  Some of us (me included), wanted to summit Mt Lafayette once more to get a summit view.  With multiple leaders, we were able to split the group.

Morning light streams in at Greenleaf hut -
laid out for breakfast.

As our group moved up the mountain, the clouds came rolling back in.  Fortunately for us, however, we were able to get a ridge view (with clouds) from the top.  

Arguably Mt Lafayette is one of the best views in the White Mountains.

After a leisurely summit break, our small group worked our way back to the hut.  After a bathroom break, we chose to take a different trail down - the Greenleaf Trail.  Some highlights of this trail included mossy "fairy forest" and Eagle cliff.  

Our guides brought us back to our cars two exits down the road.  It was a sunny, warm summer day and couldn't have been a better end to the trip.

Eagle Cliff along the Greenleaf Trail

Want to try this experience?

Go to AMC activities, and check out the backpacking options.

or

Hike yourself without a guide!  Book your hut stay!

and

Become a member to support the trail work, science, and recreation by Appalachian Mountain Club.

Want to see more video and photos from this trip? Check out more on my instagram account the @freelanceadventurer

Highly recommend going on a guided trip with Appalachian Mountain Club.

You might also like these adventures:

Carter Notch Hut in Winter
Lonesome Lake - Perfect Family Hike
24 Hour Affordable Getaway in the White Mountains

Carter Notch Hut in Winter

Clear winter morning at Carter Notch Hut.

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

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Carter Notch Hut overnight


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

19 Mile Brook Trailhead

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

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

Packed snow on 19 Mile Brook Trail

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

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

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

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

Carter Notch Hut

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

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

Inside of Carter Notch Hut

Recommendations: 

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

Crossing frozen pond in Carter Notch

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

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

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

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

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

A great way to spend time with my sister.

Please leave comments and questions below. 

5 Best Family Hikes in White Mountains, NH

New Hampshire has great hiking for kids.

Many tourists visit the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and are overwhelmed by the options of hikes, hiking guides, and maps.  Which hike should you choose?
Here is my advice for having a great hike in the Whites.

As a rule, a great family hike will offer...
1. A great view - (mountain top, waterfall, lake, etc)
2. Varying terrain - Many people think short, flat "hikes" are the best for kids, but it's boring to walk down a flat trail for 30 min.  Try a hike that incorporates some challenges.  It's exciting for a child to have a boulder to climb over or a scramble up a steep section.  Just make sure it's not too challenging.

Child enjoys view after a great hike.

3. Limited mileage-  Less than 5 miles round trip is a good rule for the family or less-experienced hiker.

Remember to bring the following:
- Lots of water (1 L or more a person)
- Extra clothing including rain gear, and a warm layer
- Toilet paper and ziplock to carry it out in (DON'T BURY!)
- Snacks and food
- First aid kit including band aids, moleskin for blisters, sunscreen, and bug spray
- AMC Maps

5 Best Hikes for Families in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

All hikes are Easy to Moderate trails.

1. Mt Willard - This is a THE BEST view for a short hike in the whites.  You can access the trail from the US 302 at the Crawford Depot.  I park at the AMC Highland Center that provides access to bathroom facilities, knowledge adventure guides, and lodging.  The hike is 3.2 miles round trip with a 900 ft elevation gain.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the view of Crawford Notch from the "summit".  The trip will take 3-4 hours.

View from Mt. Willard, Crawford Notch

2. Arethusa Falls - Arethusa falls is a wonderful hike and a chance to see the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire!  You can make this a loop hike if you take the Bemis Brook trail to the falls and return on the Arethusa Falls Trail.  Round trip it's about 2.6 miles and includes some steep parts along the Bemis brook section. There is no mountain view on this hike, but you get multiple views of serveral small waterfalls.  Parking can be found off US 302 about 6 miles south of Crawford Depot/AMC Highland Center.  There is usually a small cash fee to park in the lot.  There is no bathroom along this hike.

Arethusa Falls, Crawford Notch

3. Lonesome Lake - This is a great hike for kids because the terrain (although uphill) is graded and includes some switchbacks.  The view from Lonesome lake of far off mountains and the pristine mountain lake is a great spot for a picnic.  Kids (and parents) can use the restrooms at the AMC Lonesome Lake hut before returning to the parking lot.  This hike is 3.5 miles round trip has a 1,000 ft elevation gain.  You can access this hike from the Lafayette Campground on I-93 in Franconia Notch State Park. Take the Lonesome Lake Trail.

Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch

4. Zealand Falls - Zealand Falls is a fantastic family friendly hike because it gives views of ponds, waterfalls, and mountains, and all with limited elevation gain although is a little longer then the previous hikes.  This trail is accessed from Zealand Road which is off US 302, about 2.3 miles east of the Twin Mountain intersection. This there-and-back hike is generally "flat" until the last .2 miles when you have a steep assent up to the hut.  Although it's more milage than I recommend for most family hikes, the gentle terrain allows this 5.6 round trip adventure to be the perfect fit for families.  Pit toilets are available at the parking lot and full amenities at the AMC Zealand Hut.

View from Zealand Falls Hut

5.  Square Ledge and Lost Pond - Square Ledge is a short and steep hike across from the popular Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and AMC Joe Dodge Lodge.  This trail is accessed along Rt 16 directly across from the visitor center.  Follow the Lost Pond Trail to the Square Ledge Trail.  Take your time on the rocks and boulders.  The hike is a steep uphill for 0.5 miles to a lookout called "Square Ledge".  Hikers enjoy a view of the notch including a clear view of Mt. Washington.  It's a great "short but sweet" hike if you are short on time or want a view of the "rockpile".  Full amenities are availble at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.  If you come down and still want more, try a quiet stroll around "Lost Pond".  This is a 1 mile loop around the pond with views of beaver damns and Mt. Washington.

View from Square Ledge, Pinkham Notch

The White Mountain Nation Forest is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy.  I hope you take a few of these hikes this summer.  They are great for families, but there are also enjoyed by experienced hikers like myself.

Please feel free to add comments or questions.  

You might also like the following posts...

3 Great Spring Hikes in Northern New England!
Mt. Major is a Major Treat
Mt. Manadnock, NH

Mt. Pierce in Late Spring

View from Mt. Pierce summit.

Hiking for a view and a hut visit in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

Last fall, my friend Jenny and I hiked up the Crawford Path to camp near Mizpah Hut in the White Mountains.  We slept outside as snow fell around our tent and experienced amazing views.  The blog post of the trip was one of my first on this website (HERE).  At the time, my friend, Anne, was cartaking at the AMC hut.  Anne is back at Mizpah - this time as the spring caretaker.  I decided to solo hike up to Mizpah to see Anne and visit the summit of Mt. Pierce.  Even in late May, much of the trail had snow/ice.  It was do-able without traction for a fit and skilled hiker.  The views on the summit of the 4,310 ft Mt. Pierce.

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Steep ascent up Webster Cliff Trail to Pierce from Mizpah

Hiking Challenge Level: Moderately challenging - experienced.  The first section to the hut is a stead uphill climb over rocks.  The hardest part of the trail is the Webster-Cliff trail from Mizpah to the summit of Pierce which has a very steep ascent at the beginning including ladders.

Distance: 
- Rt 302 to Mizpah Hut (Crawford Path and Mizpah Cutoff) = 2.5 miles
- Mizpah Hut to Mt. Pierce Summit (Webster Cliff Trail) = 0.8 miles
= 3.3 one way
= 6.6 round trip
*This took me total about 4 hours with stops.

Gear:  AMC White Mountain Map #3 (Crawford Notch-Sandwich Range), Daypack with spring hiking gear (1 L of water, snack, rain gear, warm hat, warm layer, first aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, visor)

Summit Trail

* It was 70˚F in the Mt. Washington Valley and 38˚F on the summit.  I wore running shorts, hiking boots, t-shirt and carried a fleece, wind/rain paints, and warm hat.  All were necessary. 

Directions to Trail Head:  Drive to North Conway, New Hampshire.  Take Rt 302 West into Crawford Notch State Park.  Park at AMC Highland Center.

Trail:  I took the Crawford Path from across the road from AMC Highland Center to the Mizpah Cutoff, then summited Mt. Pierce and back down the same way, but there are multiple approaches.  Use the AMC White Mountain Map #3.

I had a great day hiking and the beautiful views of the whites.  This is one of the best and easily accessible 4,000 footers in the Whites and provides views of the Presidential Range including Mt. Washington.

Hiked this one solo.  Selfy shot.

To learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Club's Hut System visit their website: http://www.outdoors.org/

Skiing the Sherbie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trail Up: Hike up Tuckerman's Ravine Trail.

Winter View from Hermit Lake Shelter

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

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

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

Wear:

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

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

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

Tyler uses a split board and skis to ascend.

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

Planning Guide for a Maine (and NH) Vacation

Covered Bridges found all over New England

I got an email from a friend of my mom's who is thinking of spending two weeks in Maine this upcoming summer.  She had a list of questions and after answering them, I thought I'd repost them for others to peruse.  Please leave comments if you have other suggestions!

1.  Where are the best hikes?

Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park

It depends on your hiking ability and how far you want to drive.  In Maine, you'll have two main choices for hiking... either Coastal hiking or Mountains. If you are really into hiking, I'd say Acadia National Park or White Mountain National Forest in Northern New Hampshire (2 hours from Portland) are the places to go.  

Here are my recommendations for specific hikes:

Southern Coastal Maine

- Marginal Way, Ogunquit - Beach/Coastal Walk in Ogunquit, Maine (Easy)

Mid-Coast, Maine

- Bald Mountain or Mt. Battie, Camden - Small Mountain near quaint town of Camden (Easy-Moderate)

- Acadia National Park - Fav hikes are Gorham Mountain (Moderate - Challenging), Bubble Rock (Moderate), Jordan Pond (Easy), Acadia Mountain (Moderate - Challenging)

Cog Railroad can take you to the top of Mt. Washington

White Mountains, NH

- Mt. Willard (Easy - Moderate) access from Highland Center, Crawford Notch - 3 hrs

- South Moat Mountain - (Moderate - Difficult) - all day hike  accessed from the Kancamangus Hwy

- Mt. Chocura - (Moderate - Difficult) - all day hike access from the Kancamangus Highway

- Mt. Pierce - (Moderate - Difficult) - all day hike access from Highland Center, Rt 302

- Mt. Washington (Very Difficult) - all day access from AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center

- Mt. Lafayette/Mt. Lincoln (Very Difficult) - all day

2.  Where are the most quaint charming villages?

Many of the coastal Maine towns are very quaint and charming...Here are my recommendations...

Southern Maine:

- Ogunquit, Maine - Beaches, shopping, restaurants.  It is very touristy but fun and beautiful.

Bar Harbor, Maine

- Kennebunkport, Maine - This is where I live.  It is very charming and has great beaches, shopping and dining.

- Portland, Maine - Charming small city.  Excellent night life and unique dining.  Check out Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth.

Mid Coast Maine:

- Camden, Maine - Small and regal fishing town.  Tourist friendly.

- Boothbay Harbor, Maine - Small Fishing town.  Cute shops, and places to eat.

- Bar Harbor - town near Acadia National Park.  Artistic, shopping, and nature

3.  Where should we stay (maybe 3 different places)?

If I were you and I had 2 weeks I'd do something like this...

Kennebunkport, Maine

- Southen Maine 3-4 nights (see Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Portland)

- Small Fishing town Camden or Boothbay Harbor - 1 night

- Acadia/Bar Harbor 2-3 nights

- White Mountain National Forest - Stay in North Conway area for 3-4 nights

- Return to Portland/Boston or whereever you are flying out of.

4.  Are there any inn to inn hikes available?

- There are well established "hut to hut" hiking systems.  These don't provide private rooms but in the summer would provide a hearty dinner and breakfast and bathrooms/ shared bunkroom.  The one I'm familiar with is run by the AMC and can be found out about at www.outdoors.org.  There is also a hut system called Maine Huts and Trails but I've never used them.  You should know that the hiking is generally moderate-very difficult.

5.  Which part of the coast is the prettiest and most interesting?

- Southern Coast has sandy beaches and is more tourist friendly with a wide variety of restaurants, accommodations, and things to do.  

- Mid Coast is more rocky/rugged and a fisherman's land (less tourism).  I think one of the small towns like Camden or Boothbay Harbor would be a charming one night stop.

Boats in Kennebunkport, Maine 

- Acadia is gorgeous because it has mountains up against the ocean which provides many places for beautiful views.  Plus, Bar Harbor has a thriving scene for tourist looking for good food and shopping.  

6.  Any ferries to take us to Nova Scotia or outer islands?

- Nope.  Last year they ended ferry service to Nova Scotia.  

- If you want a short ferry trip - try the 20 min ferry from Portland to Peaks Island.  Check out my blog entry here for info on what do do on the island:  HERE.

7.  Any other tidbits you’d like to share?

Lobster Roll 

- Bring Bug Spray

- Use a map and bring appropriate gear if hiking in the White Mountains.

- Use Trip Advisor Forums for quick questions.  There are some really knowledgeable people on there who love to answer questions.

- See the Portland Head Lighthouse in Portland, Try a Lobster Roll, Whoopie Pie, and Maine Maple Syrup, and get into nature.

Southern Coast on Dwellable

Cold Night on the Mountain

A night on Mt. Pierce, New Hampshire

View of Mt. Washington from Mt. Pierce 

This is the perfect adventure for the experienced hiker looking for a one night backpack with great views and cool weather.  

My friend Jenny and I decided to try our first overnight in early fall snow.  We went up Saturday, Oct. 13 and returned Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.  We experienced amazing views, some icy trail, and uncrowded summits.

Saturday morning we drove up to the AMC Highland Center in Bartlett, NH and took the Crawford Path up to Mizpah Hut/Nauman Campsite.  The hike took us about 2 hours to get to the hut.  I was glad I had my trekking poles as the trail had some slick parts.  It would have been helpful to have traction in the form of microspikes or yak traks, but it wasn't absolutely necessary.

We set up camp at Nauman tentsite in a dusting of snow and summited Mt. Pierce at 5 pm and were back down at 6 pm as it was getting dark.  We got water and used the restroom in the hut (their last weekend open), then cooked dinner at our campsite.  Since the summer season had ended, camping was free.

Jenny and I at the summit of Mt. Pierce

Jenny and I agreed that the trip was overall wonderful, but it could easily have been catastrophic had we not prepared with 35 below sleeping bags, lots of warm clothing, and proper hiking gear.  Only hikers with experience and proper gear should try this weekend adventure.





Details:

Prepare for Cold

Hiking Challenge Level: Experienced
Camping Challenge: Experienced/Challenging

Gear: AMC White Mountain Map #3 (Crawford Notch-Sandwich Range), Overnight Backpack, Pants (3 layers, non cotton - shell, fleece, long underwear), Tops (5 layers, non cotton - long underwear, fleece, puffy, shell), gloves, hat, scarf, hiking boots, wool socks, 35 below sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, 2 L of water bottles, camp stove (whisperlite), fuel, food/hot drink mix, camera.

Directions to Trail Head:  Drive to North Conway, New Hampshire.  Take Rt 302 West into Crawford Notch State Park.  Park at AMC Highland Center.

Trail:  We took the Crawford Path from across the road from AMC Highland Center to the Mizpah Cutoff, stayed at Nauman Campsite.  Slackpacked up to the summit of Mt. Pierce and back down.  In the morning, we hiked out.

AMC Mizpah Hut is 1 min walk from our campsite