Mt. Monadnock (3,165 ft) 12-27-16

Distance: 5.73 mi.
Elevation: 1,660 ft (overall) 2,438 ft (total)
Time: 2:05 (Bald Rock) 4:07 (Summit) 5:26 (Total)
Trails: Old Toll Road, Parker Trail, Cliff Walk Trail, Smith Connecting Link, Amphitheatre Trail, White Arrow Trail, Sidefoot Trail

After a hiking slump and not getting out much, it was time to take advantage of my job giving us all a week off and get back onto the trails. I had been hoping to do something bigger this week, but other plans made that harder to accomplish, so I planned for Mt. Monadnock after a morning appointment. This hike would get me to a nice round 5 summits of the mountain for the year and check off one more day of the year in which I have hiked the mountain. I'd also take a route that would get me onto some trails I want to remap with my newer GPS and red line in winter conditions. Two other sub-goals I have for myself on the mountain.

Normally I prefer not to hike up the Old Toll Road, but today I wanted to hike the entire length of the Cliff Walk Trail, so I needed to use the road to get to the Parker Trail part way up it. The road was a little icy, but walkable without traction. At the start of the Parker Trail there were only a few inches of snow, so I decided to keep going without my microspikes. This trail has pretty gradual grades and from this end only goes up slightly before heading downhill to the other end. Once going downhill, there was some running and standing water in the trail. This section is damp in the summer, and recent warm temps were melting snow. With careful foot placement (and waterproof boots), I was able to stay dry just fine.

Parker Trail

After taking a short break at the base of the cliff Walk Trail, I decided to continue up without traction. The actual climbing started now, but the snow still wasn't that deep and I hadn't been slipping around yet. It doesn't take too long to come upon the only trail ladder on the mountain. This ladder was redone earlier in the year since at least one wooden rung had broken. After this the trail levels out some and becomes more of a walk in the woods for a little bit. The trail then dips down into a bit of a ravine before climbing right back up the other side. It was here that I put on my microspikes. The snow still wasn't deep, but the leaves underneath were making things slippery.

Wooden ladder/stairs on the Cliff Walk Trail

Further up the trail, there were more exposed rocks and the snow became more patchy in places. I left on the spikes because there was ice and slush mixed in that could have easily made things slippery. As the trail continued up the ridge past the many lookouts, the wind stayed mostly off of me. It was windy today, but the trees and other terrain do a surprisingly good job of protecting you on this route. It wasn't until shortly before Bald Rock that I actually put on a layer other than a short sleeve shirt under my windbreaker. Once I was up onto Bald Rock though, I was glad I had the extra layer on my upper body and was wondering if I was going to be wishing I had put one on under my pants by the time I reached the summit.

Cliff Walk Trail near the Noble Trail junction

The summit from Bald Rock

The hike from Bald Rock back to the White Arrow trail is pretty easy except for the immediate descent down off Bald Rock over what can become icy terrain and one small scramble where you will probably have to use your hands to pull yourself up over a large rock. Both of these obstacles were pretty easy to avoid today.

Just after coming onto the White Arrow Trail, there is a normally wet area that wasn't froze up with the warm temperature today. Many people have been going around it, but with waterproof boots I was willing to hop across the stepping stones. This didn't work out that bad today as the rocks were easy to pick out with them forming humps in the snow. Even in winter, I prefer not to go off trail making side paths that damage vegetation on the mountain. There was also an icy section just past this that wasn't bad to negotiate with some care and while wearing Microspikes. It looked like some people had been slipping around here a lot though.

Once above treeline, the trail was largely exposed rock with some patches of snow and ice in places and between rocks. I was able to pick and choose a way through that was easy enough to do plus keep me from walking over too much bare rock and dulling up my spikes. But eventually, just before the last climb up to the summit, I decided it was better to take off my spikes and just stick to the rocks. While the spikes provide great traction on ice, they can be a bit awkward on bare rock when it gets steeper. With bare boots again, the final climb to the summit went quick and easy.

Very little snow above treeline

While it was sunny at the summit, the higher than normal winds meant most people didn't stay long. Sneakers and sweatpants seemed to be the outfit of the day for most people, so they weren't well prepared for the conditions and they didn't hang out long. Some just long enough to tag the summit and turn around. Being well prepared, I actually spent a while at the summit taking pictures, leaning into the wind, and looking at the views I already know so well.

View west from the summit

View southeast from the summit

View northeast from the summit

For the decent, I keep the Microspikes off until just about treeline. I had to be careful in my foot placement at times, but for the most part it was easy going and I even passed other who were struggling with some sort of spikes on their feet. Once near treeline I knew it would be icy and snowy enough to need spikes until I got back to the Old Toll Road.

The descent went smoothly and I decided to take the Sidefoot Trail to avoid what I suspect was a mess of a trail along the White Arrow Trail as it sees so much traffic with much of that traffic not being prepared for the usual conditions of the trail. The Sidefoot Trail had seen some recent activity, but it's also developing some good sized ice bulges. Without any snow built up on top of them for added traction, they could be slick and difficult for some. Careful foot placement for a good trip down though without any falls.

Ice bulge on Sidefoot Trail

All in all the hike went well today and it was nice to be back out after a couple months not hiking much of anything. Also fun to get back to this mountain when the sun is shinning. Add in the extra wind for fun and it's even better. Having been to the summit 84 times now, I enjoy the quiet days and the days where the weather adds a little something to the hike.

Route for the day

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Thoreau Falls, Thoreau Falls Bridge, Shoal Pond 10-8-16

Distance: 22.2 mi.
Elevation: 1,537 ft (overall) 3,288 ft (total)
Time: 2:39 (Thoreau Falls) 4:33 (Bridge) 7:51 (Shoal Pond) 10:21 (Total)
Trails: Ethan Pond Trail, Thoreau Falls Trail, Wilderness Trail, Shoal Pond Trail, Ethan Pond Trail

The primary goal for this hike was to go see the bridge along the Thoreau Falls Trail. The bridge is in danger of being torn down with the possibility of replacement or complete removal. Knowing there were other unbridged water crossings on this route, I had planned to do this during the summer when water was low and the daylight hours were long. The summer got away from me, so I was already losing out on long days, but due to a dry summer and early fall, I still had lower water levels for the crossings.

I needed the longer days because I didn't want to just take the shortest route to the bridge, turn around, and then walk back. I planned a loop that would get me onto a bunch of new trails (13 miles of them) and create a nice loop past some interesting places. This plan would have me hiking over the bridge rather than just to the bridge.

I showed up at the Ethan Pond trail head just after 7am. With a 12 hr 39 min book time, this wasn't quite as early as I wanted, but I also didn't want to hike on less than 5 hours of sleep. After getting all my gear ready, I headed up the trail where you almost immediately cross the railroad tracks. The start of the trail is a bit eroded and worn down. But once the trail to Ripley Falls turns off to the left, conditions improve. You'll head up the steepest section of trail for the route from here before things level off and more gradually gain elevation before the start of the Willey Ridge Trail.

Tunnel of color along the trail

After the Willey Range Trail junction, it's just a bit more ascending until the high point for the loop. It start a bit steep and rocky, but gets better as you go. Soon you you are at the highest elevation of the day and begin the long gradual descent to the low point somewhere near the bridge basically. The Ethan Pond Trail has plenty of bog bridges along it's length, but most of them are at the higher elevations. Since I've stopped there before and had a long trip today, I didn't stop at Ethan Pond. There was some moose tracks in the trail near the pond and I got word that last night people staying at the shelter and campsite were kept up by a bear wandering the area and looking for food.

Leaves on the ground

From Ethan Pond down to the Thoreau Falls Trail seemed to go by quick. It's all downhill, there weren't many people out, and I've done this section before. So before I knew it I was at the junction and headed toward the falls. It's just a short distance to the top of the fall from the junction. Once I got to the falls, I was impressed with the whole area. I knew the area was nice, but I don't think I've ever looked at any photos of it before. The falls gradually drop down quite a bit of height while arcing around in a nice curve. And the view from the top of the falls out over the Pemigewasset Wilderness is much better than I expected.

The view from Thoreau Falls

Just after the falls, the trail drops off kind of steeply for a little bit. Here I started playing leap frog with a another hiker and his dog who had been camping in the wilderness all week. Eventually we both ended up about the same speed and spent quite a bit of time talking while hiking. I liked talking with him as he had some good stories about working in Shenandoah National Park. I also was able to tell him about some of the history the White Mountains and the logging that happened here in the past.

Once you make the quick drop at the start of the trail, it stays quite gradual with good footing. Before too long the trail comes onto the old railroad grade. There are a few places where the trail leaves the old grade, but it's mostly where the grade is too close to the river or has been washed out. For how this trail is, it actually went by pretty quickly. Perhaps it was having someone to talk to or having a river nearby (I always like trails that parallel rivers/streams), but it didn't seem to take very long before we were walking past the old site of camp 22 and then the bridge.

Looking upstream on the Thoreau Falls Trail

I had already determined that the bridge would be where I was going to have lunch. I was already planning a long stop here to explore the bridge, and it is just shy of the halfway point (mileage) for the day. I explored the area some looking for good views of the bridge for pictures. Then I walked under the bridge to get a closer look at the damaged areas. Once I had checked it out sufficiently, I opted to eat my PB&J sandwich and filter some water. I had brought along my Sawyer Mini today knowing I would be near or crossing plenty of water sources. I also didn't want to try and carry enough fluids for the entire hike right from the beginning. I've only used it a few times, but so far I like the filter. I think the full size version would probably be a bit quicker, but the mini still works fine I think. I don't think you would gain that much time with the bigger filter. The only issue I have found so far is filling the bag and finding a way to put it in the water without having the bag just close back up without taking in water. A small cascade in the stream helps with this though.

I know some hikers opt to cross the river using the rocks instead of the bridge since it has been deemed unsafe (to a degree). I was willing to still cross it myself, as was everyone else I saw here today. The bridge does lean a bit on the southern half of it and it gets a bit bouncy on that end too. All in all though, it didn't seem too bad crossing it. The underside is where it took most of the beating though from passing debris. While it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be, it's definitely seen better days. I hope they can come up with some sort of replacement for this bridge when they do make the final decision as to its fate. It would be nice to see something just like it be put back in. It's an interesting bridge and I can see how the crossing would be difficult to near impossible for a significant portion of the year without it. But, it's in a Wilderness Area and finding a way to follow the rules that go along with that and find a way to pay for it could seal its fate.

Looking across Thoreau Falls Bridge

Thoreau Falls Bridge

Underside of the bridge

After heading out from the bridge, I found the first of a few spots today where it looked like even the evergreen trees had foliage on them. So many leaves had fallen in the area that there were a bunch of them on the branches of the trees. The wind hadn't knocked them off yet. I guess having brightly colored leaves this time of year is so popular that even the trees without leaves want to get in on it.

Evergreen foliage

Being another old section of RR grade, the Wilderness Trail is pretty easy going. It starts off away from the river, but eventually gets right next to it. Enough erosion has happened over the years that the trail is a bit narrow in a couple places and sometimes leaves the RR grade for a bit to get around harder spots. Shortly before Stillwater Junction, the trail crosses the Carrigain Branch of the Pemigewasset River. Today the water was very low, but it looks like it can get pretty high here at times. An arrow made from rocks points the way across the river and a cairn has also been built in the river. The trail re-enters the woods a bit to the left of the cairn though going in this direction. Soon the trail will narrow up and get a bit tight feeling with the branches around you. This is short lived though as you then pop out at Stillwater Junction, a nice secluded spot in the woods.

Right off from Stillwater Junction the Shoal Pond Trail crosses the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River which was pretty low today but beautiful to look at with all the maple leaves on the ground and in the water. The trail also started off a little tight with branches encroaching on the trail. I think hikers taller than 6 ft would have to duck coming through here right now. I'm sure this trail doesn't see a lot of traffic in winter, but it would be even tighter then. The tight branches only last for a short while though.

Near Stillwater Junction

What didn't last for a short while though was the step over blow downs along the trail. Early on I thought to myself "I hope the whole trail isn't like this" while I was hiking over and under small blow downs. The trail isn't covered for the whole length with them, but it does have quite a few over the length of it in some areas there are a number of them close together. They were all easy to step over though, they just slow you down as you have to pay more attention to what your feet are doing.

Shoal Pond Trail

The Shoal Pond Trail crosses a couple small streams. At the second one I filtered more water as I was getting a bit low again and I figured flowing water would be better than still water from the pond. I also figured that once back on the Ethan Pond Trail I'd want to just keep moving and not make many stops. The trail also goes through some nice pieces of forest where the undergrowth is all moss or very short evergreens. The trail did start to get a bit rougher shortly before the pond though. This also added to the feeling that this is a bit slower trail to hike than the others I had been on today. Once at the pond, I took a little break and sat next to the water before hiking the remaining flat section back to the Ethan Pond Trail.

Shoal Pond

Once back on the Ethan Pond Trail, I tried to make up some time. I was ahead of schedule, but wasn't sure I could get the remaining 5-ish miles done before darkness set in. I started off doing well, but the distance covered today was getting me tired out a bit more than normal. Eventually I slowed back down to a more normal pace and just accepted I might need to use my headlamp. At the spur for the shelter I decided to take a break and have a seat on a rock. This proved to be a bad idea in the end as once I got started again, I was moving much slower. I think my muscles tightened up a bit and my feet got used to me not using them. After a while though, I was able to loosen up a bit again, but my pace only picked back up a little and my feet were still sore. After 20 miles of hiking, the last 2 miles took a while and it sure felt like I was going slow. I was certainly dragging a bit, but I was able to make it to my car without needing my headlamp, barely.

In the end, this was a nice long enjoyable hike. Even with sore feet and being tired afterwards, I had finished just over 2 hours under book time which surprised me. The hike did get me out into some nice foliage for an entire day though and got me to some beautiful areas in a secluded section of the White Mountains. I'd do this hike (or a similar one) again, but I think it would have been better if it were only 18-19 miles long. That was the point where I really started to get tired and slowing down. I would have been fine with the hike ending at that point.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Wildcat D (4,062 ft) 9-11-16

Distance: 5.62 mi.
Elevation: 2,083 ft (overall) 2,311 ft (total)
Time: 2:23 (Summit) 3:36 (Total - Ski Area Parking Lot)
Trails: Wildcat Ridge Trail, Ski Slopes

"A pole dancing unicorn, now I've seen everything."

For Flags on the 48 2016, our group decided to hike Wildcat D and fly our flag from the summit there. Our plan was to meet at the Glen Ellis Falls parking lot at 8am, gather our things and group, then head up the steep Wildcat Ridge Trail to the summit. While things to the north looked like they might already be clearing, the forecast for this morning was for a band of rain (with possible thunder and lightning) to come through around 10am. We discussed the weather and changed up our plan and supplies based on that. We collectively decided we would be going up, but paying attention to the weather while climbing. Knowing that the storm was coming and we might get turned back.

About 8:30am we headed out for the hike. Crossing the river was too difficult today, but with some slick rocks, Greg still managed to step in deeper than his boot. Almost immediately this trail heads straight up the mountain. It's steep and rocky and stays that way for quite a while. It's not a trail to underestimate when planning your hike. We weren't very far up the mountain when the morning rain started to come down. It was light to start (at least in the trees) so I put on my pack cover, but not my rain jacket. I didn't want to keep the rain off me just to end up sweating a bunch instead. Steadily the rain picked up and I eventually had to put my rain jacket on. By now the trail was starting to have a small stream of water coming down it.

Than rain picked up more and we started to see some flashes from lighting. We could tell from the delayed thunder that they were still a safe distance away though. As we started to get to some of the open rocky sections though, the storm was getting closer. We briefly discussed the storm and decided to keep going for now. A little further up the trail, we stopped at an open area to get a view of the storm. While here, the lightning struck much closer. We decided to venture into the trees and wait things out a bit. While we waited, we would see if the storm was bad enough to turn around. We were all fine with turning around, but none of us wanted to be the person to say we should yet. After about 30 minutes of standing around telling stories, we decided it was time to get moving either up or down the trail so we didn't get too cold. We decided the storm had died down enough that we could continue up.

We kept heading up the mountain and the rain progressively got better and better. By the time the trail finally started to level out some as it neared Wildcat E peak, we were actually starting to see some patches of sun coming through. We traversed over E peak and down to the top of the ski area. We took a short break hear with the sun coming out before pushing up the last short climb to the summit. As soon as we arrived, we dropped our packs and started getting out the flag setup.

Jim brought a pair of C-clamps with a plan to clamp the pole to the posts on the platform at the summit. We put the pole together, attached the flag, and raised the whole thing up. The wind was blowing pretty fast today and the flag was whipping around quite a bit. It took multiple people to hold the pole still so we could get the clamps on. Unfortunately, the clamps weren't working well. We couldn't get them on tight enough or the placement made it hard to turn the handle. We tried various different setups with wood shims and bungee cords before we finally got the pole nearly tight. At this point though, we looked up and noticed that the wind had actually bent the metal conduit upper section of the pole significantly. We wouldn't be able to leave the setup this way, so we had to come up with another plan.

Getting the flag ready

Setting up the flag

Still trying to attach the pole to the platform

We discussed various ways of using part of the pole to fly the flag out to the side of the platform. In the end though, we decided to just drape the flag down over the side. Of course immediately the wind blew the flag back up onto the deck. So I got out the few few of para cord I carry in pack to tie the end down. This ended up being the only rope we had with us today. Knowing we had clamps, no one brought any extra rope. This setup worked well and was what we used for the 2 hours of flying the flag.

Coming up with option #2

After getting the flag setup, Brian and Greg got to work cooking hot dogs for lunch. The plan was to bring a bunch and offer them to hikers that came by. Based on the weather though, we cut back to just one package of (of 24) and that was more than enough. After we ate, we sat in the sun that was now fully out and just relaxed. Eventually Brian got restless and started acting goofy in his new unicorn hat. He pretended to be a pull and Jay tried to tame him with a makeshift cape. He posed and pranced in front of the flag some. And while taking down our flag setup, he even used the pole for some dancing. The man just isn't right in the head.

Time for hotdogs

Now flying from the deck

Cloud capped Presidential Range

We have unicorn approval

Prancing unicorn

Summit fun

Folding the flag

For the descent, we decided to take the easy route by going down the ski slopes. No one really wanted to carry the flag pole down the steep trail, especially if it was still wet from the rain. The hike down went well and soon we were at the base. Jim tried hitchhiking solo to go back and get a car for us, and he was quickly picked up. Soon we were all back at the parking lot and packing up.

In the end, the rain and storm made for an interesting and slightly slower ascent, but the day turned out quite nice. A fun time was had even though not many hikers were out today. A few other groups had to changed plans for some of the higher and more exposed peaks, but confirmation was had for all 48 peak groups again this year. A truly remarkable feat given the weather and conditions. All the hikers that volunteer to do this event get another big round of applause again this year.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Goose Eye Mountain (3,870 ft) 9-10-16

Distance: 7.84 mi.
Elevation: 2,254 ft (overall) 2,834 ft (total)
Time: 1:27 (Carlo Col Campsite) 3:25 (Summit) 4:59 (Total)
Trails: Carlo Col Trail, Mahoosuc Trail, Goose Eye Trail

Having a group hike planned for Sunday's Flags on the 48 event, I made the most of a trip north by adding another day and another hike before hand. Goose Eye Mountain is on the short list of remaining peaks I have for the New England Hundred Highest (NEHH) list. It's also a far enough drive from home, I didn't really want to do it without adding another day/peak to the trip.

I headed north early in the morning and eventually made my way to Success Pond Rd in Berlin, NH. The start of the road was a bit rough, but soon it smoothed out some. With my car I think I only ever got up to 20 mph, but with a bigger vehicle you could have gone faster. I was impressed with how well trails and other items were marked on this road. That made it easy to find where I would be starting from today. There was a nice big trail sign right next to the road. There isn't much room for parking (about 4 vehicles easily), but I suspect this isn't that popular of a hiking spot most days.

The Carlo Col and Goose Eye Trails start out together heading up a narrow dirt road before the Goose Eye Trail turns off into the woods on the left. Wanting to save my legs for tomorrow's steep climb, I planned to descend the steeper Goose Eye Trail and head up the Carlo Col Trail. I followed the road up further until it's forks. Here there is a sign indicating that you take the left fork. Shortly after that, there is another sign on the left indicating where the trail turns into the woods.

Early section of Carlo Col Trail

There is a brook crossing just into the trees, but with the dry summer, it was very easy to cross. The trail stays gradual and easy to follow. It stays near the brook and doesn't have any real obstacles. You can see through the trees that the area just to the left was logged a while back and now is growing in with lots of new saplings. Soon you'll cross the brook again just below a nice pool. On the other side of the brook was the first set up wooden steps along the trail.

Log stairs

The trail crosses the brook a couple more times with each crossing getting smaller. It also continues to gain elevation, getting steeper near the New Hampshire and Maine border. The trail didn't get as steep as I was expecting though. In a few more places, there are more wooden stairs built. In one spot it appeared that they used trees that had been blown down to do this. The surrounding area looked nice and cleaned up. These conditions continued until the Carlo Col Campsite. At the campsite there is a nice simple shelter, a few tent platforms, and regular tent spots.

Carlo Col Campsite shelter

From the campsite, it's a short distance up to the Mahoosuc Trail (AT). The trail is a bit rockier through here as it sees more traffic, but it's not bad. At the intersection I turned left and headed north. Still climbing on the way up Mt. Carlo. The climb to the summit here seemed to take longer than I was expecting. Perhaps I was just off in my estimation of how far had been up the trail. The fact that the trail gradually levels out so you can't see a peak in front of you probably helped. The summit of Mt. Carlo has some views as it's partially open. There is an open area at the high point, but short trees are all around you and block the view a little bit in some directions.

The trail descends down Mt. Carlo with some steeper rocky spots. In a few places footing was tricky to find. In a couple though, small footsteps have been drilled/carved into the rocks. These were hard to descend facing forward as it was tricky to get just your heels into them. Eventually I just turned around and came down them backwards. After reaching the low spot between the peaks, the trail starts climbing again. It starts with some switchbacks to keep it from being too steep, but does go straight up some steeper sections of trail. After one of these sections, you'll come to a nice open spot shortly before the summit. After that, the trail will get steep again and soon go up some metal rungs attached into the rocks. After those, your climb over one rock, turn, and then see a tall ladder as well. Just past this you'll come to the junction with the Goose Eye Trail and the last few hundred feet to the summit.

View of Goose Eye from Mahoosuc Trail

Steel rungs for a ladder

Goose Eye summit

View from the summit

View north from the summit

A sign at the summit helps show what direction the trail leads down off the mountain, but blazing was pretty faded at this time. I was only able to find one or two faded blazes and had to look for the more worn path to help. Once you make your way into the trees though, the path is much easier to follow. It narrow, steep, and rocky, but easy to follow. Gradually the rocks go away, but the trail stays pretty steep for a while with a few flat sections. Gradually the trail does get less steep, but I was glad to have done the loop the direction I did. My knees are still good enough that I don't mind descending steep trails and I know that going up them will wear out my legs quicker than a longer more gradual route. Having a steep climb ahead of me tomorrow, I didn't need that today.

Descending the Goose Eye Trail

Once lower down on the mountain, you'll start to come near areas that have been logged semi-recently. Trees have grown up quite a bit, but they are much smaller than the older trees around. Coming down through here, at times I got the feeling that the trail has been moved to accommodate the logging operations. The tread way shows less wear than I would have expected, and at the crossing of a skidder trail there was an arrow made out of sticks pointing down it. Perhaps this is just a shortcut, or maybe it leads to an old trail.

Down near the bottom, the trail pretty much flattens out for a significant distance at the end. It turns to the left and then nears some logging roads. After following one briefly, the trail comes out onto it for a short distance. At a clearly marked turn, the trail ducks back into the woods on the right. From here back to the Carlo Col Trail there are two water crossings that were very easy today, but could be tricky in the spring or after a hard rain. In this section there were also a couple spot where it looked like an old trail had been blocked off. Further making me think the trail might have been moved at some point.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Monadnock (3,165 ft) 9-1-16

Distance: 4.39 mi.
Elevation: 1,780 ft (overall) 1,825 ft (total)
Time: 1:58 (Summit) 3:24 (Total)
Trails: Marlboro Trail

Looking to check another day off the calendar on Mt. Monadnock, I decided to hike the Marlboro Trail so I could revisit the entire length of it and re-log the sections with my GPS. This ended up not working out quite as well as intended though as my GPS had a hard time to start with calculating elevation and distance traveled. It had the route correct, but the elevation was wrong and the tiles keeping track of the totals quickly became inaccurate. That's fine though as it just gives me yet another reason to come back to this trail.

It was cloudy and humid to start, but the trail is pretty gradual in the beginning. About 1/4 of a mile up the trail I spotted a large beehive or hornet nest. It was just off the trail, so I looked to see if it was still active. After seeing some activity, I left the area since I recently had 3 stings that swelled up for almost a week before going away. The trail soon gets a bit steeper, but does so in sections for the most part. You'll find an incline that has a short flat section after it.

Soon though, the real climb starts. The first steep climb on the trail is also the longest. You'll quickly gain elevation over some rocky terrain with nice stone work in places to help out. There appear to be paths through here around sections, but please stay on the trail and use the route that is well marked out. It's really not that tough, you are climbing a mountain after all. At the top of this climb you'll come to a small rocky opening with a bit of a view. Keep going just a bit further and the trails opens up to a much better viewpoint. From here up to the junction with the Marian Trail it's an enjoyable hike over mostly open rock with some sections in the trees.

Start of the steep climb

View from Marlboro and Marian Trail junction

After the junction, you'll be mostly back into the trees, but through some small open areas as well. The trail varies between steep sections and shorter gradual sections. Footing will also start to include more roots and large rocks as well. It can be a good test of your legs at times, but still be enjoyable too. Eventually you'll start to come out of the trees a bit with one last scramble to get above treeline. From here, it's a relatively short distance to the summit without much elevation gain. You'll just have some large and potentially steep sections of rock to get up and around at times.

Above treeline

Today, the clouds were pretty low in the sky and just a bit overhead on the summit. A few clouds at times appeared to be coming in right at summit height until they went over or around the mountain. While not the best day for great views from the top, it was still nice with some interesting cloud formations. It was also pretty quiet with very few hikers out yet. I almost had the summit to myself while I was up there.

View south from the summit

Clouds coming towards the summit

Clearing skies on the descent

The climb down went by pretty quickly and easily today. The clouds were starting to clear up as I ducked back into the trees, but didn't fully clear up until I was done with the hike. I saw only one pair of hikers while I was descending. These were the only other hikers I saw on this trail today. It was quiet enough near the bottom that I could hear lots of small noises off in the woods. For one of those noises, I stopped to look and see if I could see what caused it. While I didn't see the cause, I was able to spot a Barred Owl in a different direction. I wasn't able to get the best pictures of it with the low light and short camera lens, but it was nice to see it none the less. A short time later, I was back at the truck making a plan to go for a quick swim in front of my uncle's camp as a way to clean off and cool down before doing my other activities for the day.

Barred Owl

Active hive along the trail

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE