Baldpate Mtn (3,780 ft) 9-29-19

Distance: 8.76 mi.
Elevation: 2,357 ft (overall) 3,579 ft (total)
Time: 1:56 (West Peak) 2:28 (Summit) 3:13 (West Peak) 4:45 (Total)
Trails: Appalachian Trail

New England Hundred Highest Finish!!!

A day after re-hiking Elephant Mountain I was back into Maine to hike my last peak in my quest for the New England Hundred Highest. I picked Baldpate Mountain as a finial peak after talking with other hikers in my travels when discussing what peaks I had left. Multiple other hikers suggested this peak. It would be a nice hike plus would have some of the best views of my final peaks. I'm glad I listened to the other hikers and finished on this peak as I was a great hike. I didn't want to finish when there weren't any leaves left on the trees, so trying to finish before foliage was done was a priority for me. I ended up hiking this peak just before peak foliage I think, but it wound up being a great day for foliage anyways.

Like most people, I hiked this peak using the Appalachian Trail from the parking lot in Grafton Notch. This is the same parking lot used for Old Speck as well. You just cross the street near the entrance to the parking lot. The trail starts off nice and gentle after using some elevated foot bridges over a brook. Being the Appalachian Trail, it's in great shape and clearly marked. Pretty quickly the trail starts to climb out of the notch, but there isn't really anything steep for quite a while. The trail is a gentle grade for quite a while until it levels out after passing Hedgehog Hill just north of the trail. Here the trail stays mostly level until the spur to the Baldpate Shelter.

An early section of trail

After the shelter spur the trail does get significantly steeper. While steeper, it still has some small switchbacks and is manageable without being to tiring for most hikers. And since this is the Appalachian Trail, there are also a number is good stone steps that are nice and stable to help you gain this elevation quicker. It felt like this climb up to the West Peak went by pretty quickly to me. Once you reach the West Peak, there is a nice view with a small open area just past this summit. This afforded some good views over to the main peak. Here I took a nice little break and had a conversation with an older couple who was just out for a hike to somewhere nice instead of to any particular peak.

Creative stone steps

From the West Peak I looked at the ledges heading up the main peak wondering where the trail went. I expected that at least some of the trail must go around that is it looked pretty steep. It turns out that the trail goes pretty much right up it on the left side of the open area as you are looking at it.

Dropping down off the West Peak is probably the steepest part of the hike. It even includes a ladder down over one steep, smooth, tall section of rock. There are also some other rocky scrambles on the way down into the col between the peaks. Once down into the col you will come out of the trees to cross a small bog on some foot bridges. This then leads you onto mostly open exposed rock until the main peak. Down in the col there were a few wet or muddy areas to navigate as well. This was probably partly due to yesterday's rain, but based on the tracks leading through the surrounding bushes they are frequently there. While I admit there could be some more bog bridges or stepping stones through here, please try to stay as close to the middle of the trail as possible so that you don't trample the vegetation through here like others have.

View from the west peak

Ladder along the trail

Climbing up to the main peak means starting up the open slabs. There was just a bit of water running down them in places today, but they seemed to have plenty of grip. I imagine that during more heavy rain or in winter this area could get slick though. While this section is very open, there were plenty of routes up the rocks that didn't require any scrambles or overly difficult spots. It's a pretty fun and quick climb up to the summit plateau. After the climb up the rocks the summit mostly levels off. This makes for a nice easy walk to the true high point. There are some small stone walls built along the sides of the trail to help keep people off the fragile vegetation through here.

Climbing the exposed rock of the main peak

Interesting layers of rock on the ascent

I'm not much for celebrations, so when I reached the summit, I didn't really have anything planned nor did I come up with anything special to do to celebrate. It was nice however to have the summit all to myself while I was there. After a nice break and plenty of pictures, I headed back down to the large cairn just before the climb down into the col. I think the views are better here so I took another long break and more pictures. I'm not really one for selfies, but I decided I should probably have at least one picture of myself on on peak number 100.

Baldpate summit

View from the summit

View west near the summit

On the summit of #100

I still had plenty of time so the hike back down was fun and casual. It was a great day and I was in a good mood. I made the short side trip to the Baldpate Shelter, but decided not to do the loop over Table Rock. Unfortunately though, near the upper junction with the Table Rock Trail my foot got snagged on a broken root and I fell to the ground. I tried to catch myself with my trekking poles, but one of them went into a small hole and bent. When I straightened it back out, it broke just as I expected. It was a bit of a bummer to break my pole since I think I have used the same ones for almost all of my hundred highest peaks as well as multiple other 4Ks, but they have had a lot of miles put on them and I think I got my monies worth.

Baldpate from the col between the peaks

Baldpate shelter

My broken trekking pole

Foot bridges just before reaching the road again

Once back to my truck I set down my gear and changed into some dry comfy clothes. The one thing I did have ready as a way to celebrate my finish though was a giant brownie that I bought before making the trip to Maine for the weekend. I didn't plan to eat the whole thing as it was pretty big, but I did make sure to eat a pretty good portion though. Before too long I put everything into the truck and started the drive home. It was still another 4 hours or more until I would be home.

A giant brownie to celebrate my finish

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go to my gallery on SmugMug

Elephant Mtn (3,772 ft) 9-28-19

Distance: 3.54 mi.
Elevation: 1,012 ft (overall) 1,103 ft (total)
Time: 1:30 (Summit) 2:52 (Total)
Trails: Bushwhack

Four years ago I tried to hike this mountain, but due to a lack of time to properly research it and looking at one incorrect map I made it to the wrong peak. I found out about a week after that hike that I went to the wrong peak and would have to come back. This peak isn't really near much else so I haven't had a chance to get back to the area to hike it yet. And since I didn't want to finish here, I needed to make it #99 on the New England Hundred Highest list.

Recent reports have said that the road leading into the start of the traditional bushwhack has gotten pretty washed out, but it sounds like some people have been able to make it through. Having a full-size pickup and a sense of adventure I was willing to try making it up the road. I didn't find it too bad, but there was one spot that I got out to make sure where I needed to go in order to avoid any potential sharp edges on the culvert I would be driving over. I would think at this time most any suv should be able to make it through with care, but I wouldn't try going all the way with a car.

Worst section of the road leading to the bushwhack.
The picture doesn't do it justice

Trip reports from this year also talked about the lower part of the bushwhack having been heavily cut with the trees left on the ground. This basically wiped out the old route. A few recent reports though mention a new route some have taken that follows a drainage for while before coming out near the top of the slash/cut. This route turns off the old logging road at the start of the bushwhack earlier and at the time was marked by a small cairn that was built.

The start of the new route I used on the way up

This route proved to be pretty easy to follow early on and is already showing signs of being a path. Although it does currently lead to one thick section of trees that was harder to push through before reaching the slash. Crossing the slash here was pretty short and I found it pretty easy. I found this route came out just below where I came to a brook that I crossed the last time here. This time I saw a more defined path that didn't cross the brook and I stayed on that.

Getting ready to cross the top of the slash

The path was easy to follow except for a couple marshy areas that were basically wet grassy areas. The path kind of disappears in these spots and you have to guess a little bit and pay close attention to where you are going to get back onto the path. Continuing up the path gets to a thicker patch of woods where care is needed just before coming to the high swampy area. I was expecting something like the marshy areas the path had already gone through, but it had more short trees, debris, and running water and mud than I thought. Following what looked like a bit of a path from logging though lead me to the herd path where it enters back into the trees.

The boggy area high up

From here to the summit the path was easy to follow and it didn't take too long to make it to the summit. I spent some time at the summit, but with no views and the chance of a late day shower I didn't stay too long. On the way down I saw what looked like another herd path turning off to the right. I didn't explore this, but I wonder if it is something of a more direct route or if maybe it could be used to avoid the slash all together or the high level swampy area at least. I'd like to go back and explore more, but it isn't likely to happen soon.

The summit with canister and sign on the right

A marshy area along the route

On the way down I followed the path back to the brook near where I crossed the slash. I decided that I wanted to see how bad the slash was to see if other hikers might have been exaggerating. They haven't been. I followed the old path until it reached the slash where it was apparent a straight route wouldn't be easy. I decided to explore some and see if by following the edge I might be able to find better walking and possibly an easier route for others. While I was able to go easily to start, it didn't stay that way. Following the edge came to thick enough trees that you still had to walk over the slash because you couldn't go around it. I then tried to pick easier routes or head for thinner areas of the slash, this helped some but also angled me so that I would spend more time in the slash which wouldn't really save much effort. Finally I decided to just straight line it to the old logging road/path that the traditional route followed. Once on that I made the easy walk back to the truck.

I wonder if with the new changes a more direct route might emerge that would avoid the wet areas and the slash altogether, possibly linking up with whatever that herd path I saw was. I'd like to do more research and looking to see if this might be a new option. This hike is relatively short in distance and time, but the route might still be able to be improved.

I crossed this brook the last time here, you shouldn't

Coming down through the slash near the old route

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go to my gallery on SmugMug

Old Speck Mtn (4,170 ft) 2-11-19

Distance: 7.13 mi.
Elevation: 2,773 ft (overall) 3,502 ft (total)
Time: 2:40 (Summit) 4:36 (Total)
Trails: Old Speck Trail

With a weekend in northern NH and Mondays off from work right now, it seemed like a great time to bag a winter peak. The closest 4K peak to where I was staying was Old Speck Mountain, so I decided to bring my gear with me and hike up. The last forecast I saw before heading up north was for temps on the summit around 0, but not a lot of wind and only some clouds. That turned out to be partly correct in the end.

I got to the trail head around 9am and found it plowed well, but narrower than in summer. Still room for a number of cars, but not as many as normal. There were also a couple other vehicles with hikers, but they all hiked across the street as I didn't see anyone else after leaving the parking lot. So after picking out my gear and putting it all together I headed up the trail.

The trail was smooth and hard at the start which also made it easy to follow. I started off with my microspikes and ended up leaving them on until I got back to my truck. After a short flat section, the trail starts the steady climb to the summit. The lower section includes one well frozen over brook crossing followed by a series of switchbacks before leaving the lower hardwoods near the upper junction of the Eyebrow Trail.

The only real water crossing, frozen over

Around this same part of the trail you will also come past your first view point with has a nice view down through Grafton Notch. You can also see up towards the summit as well. After this the trail stayed mostly in the spruce which was a bit thicker, but had some more open sections of forest. These open sections could be tricky to navigate after a fresh snow as I didn't notice lots of blazes and they are also getting closer to knee and hip level instead of head height. During the summer there are also some nice sections of exposed ledge that they trail follows through here. I love sections like that, but today the rocks was deeply covered in snow. There still were some views from these sections of trail though.

From the first view point

A brief open section of trail

As the trail got closer to the summit, it also got a bit rougher and was no longer the smooth trench in the snow. The trail at times turned into some spots of less consolidated snowshoe prints/holes. It also appeared to deviate from the summer route as there was at least one feature I remember from the summer that the trail didn't go by today. At a couple points the tracks in the snow would split as previous hikers appeared unsure about the trail. The tracks either stopped quickly, or shortly met back up with the main path. In all instances today, the path to the left was the correct one to follow.

Those blazes are getting a bit low

Where the AT turns off and the trail continues to the summit it was easy to follow through the trees. The snow wasn't deep enough that branches were in your face and this section doesn't gain much elevation so it was pretty easy going. There was only one fallen tree that was easy to walk right around. Once at the summit I added on my outer layer now that I wasn't hiking. I then headed up the tower with my camera and weather meter. At the top I first checked out the 360 degrees views, then checked the wind speeds and temperature. While I knew it was supposed to be cold today, I was surprised when my weather meter claimed it was -17 degrees. I checked the other temperature reading and saw the same thing, guess it was right. No wonder I didn't stop as much to take pictures, I needed to stay warm. The wind was also blowing pretty well which made it feel like a balmy -34 degrees. My coldest summit yet, beating Mt. Hale 7 years ago which was -13.

I stayed up on the tower as long as I could taking pictures and enjoying the views, but dang it was cold and I eventually needed to head back down the tower so I at least had the trees to block the wind. So after a bit longer at the summit, I grabbed my gear and headed back down. I could feel my feet getting a bit cold and thought it best to get moving and warm them back up. Had I known it was going to be this cold, I would have had on a different pair of socks.

The tower at the summit

View northeast over the notch

Looking southwest over the Mahoosuc Notch

Summit view to the southeast

Gray Jay waiting for a snack

The hike back down went smoothly. I knew which tracks to follow and knew that the trail would be in good shape. I moved quick enough to stay warm and only stopped a few more times for pictures or to adjust my gear. The hardest part of the trail today was one ice flow over some exposed rock which had a nice path around it just into the trees. In what seemed like little time, I was back to the parking lot and my truck. I took off my spikes and got my gear ready to go into the truck. Normally I would change some of my layers into dry clothing, but today I wanted to just get in the truck and run the heater. I'd change into another set of clothes later after I was warm.

The trickiest part of the trail today

All in all the hike went very well today with making good time and having great views. It was a bit colder and windier than expected, but I had limited access to forecasts leading up to the hike, which is why I brought lots of options to put into my pack. It was nice to get back to this peak and also check off another 4K in the winter.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go to my gallery on SmugMug

South Turner Mtn (3,110 ft) 7-31-17

Distance: 4.51 mi.
Elevation: 1,633 ft (overall) 1,699 ft (total)
Time: 2:09 (Summit) 3:22 (Total)
Trails: Sandy Stream Pond Trail, South Turner Mtn Trail, Sandy Stream Pond Trail

For the last day of this Baxter State Park trip I wanted to hike South Turner Mountain so that I could get some good views of Katahdin. Since I was starting from the Roaring Brook trail head, I still had to get an early start to guarantee a parking space. With that accomplished, I think I was on the trail around 7am. I also hoped the early start would help my chances of seeing a moose at Sandy Stream Pond.

The mostly flat 0.3 miles to Sandy Stream Pond went quick and easy. When I got to the first lookout on the pond, I was greeted by....... ducks. Some of the ducks were swimming, some were still sleeping. Oh well, time to keep hiking. After the pond, the trail stays flat for a little while before coming to some large rocks that make up the trail. After these rocks, there are more small ones that make up the trail.

Oh boy, ducks

Soon, the trail starts to climb. The climbing doesn't stop until you reach the top. For what seems like a small peak, it's still a bit of a strenuous hike to get to the top. There really isn't anything overly difficult about the trail, no scrambles or anything like that until the top. It's just a steady uphill climb with smaller rocks making up much of the route. There is a spring closer to treeline, but I didn't head down to it. It sounded like the brook in that area was running today though.

Rocky section of trail

Steady climbing

As soon as you come out of the trees shortly before the summit, you can see that the last bit of trail to the summit is the hardest. It starts off with lose rocks and gravel and gradually turns into larger and larger rocks to climb over. It's also a bit steeper than the rest of the climb. Once you are on top though, the views make it all worth it.

Last stretch to the summit

Katahdin from the summit

I had very few clouds (even with a chance or rain for the afternoon) and just a little bit of breeze. I also got the summit to myself for quite a while before a family of hikers made their way to the top. We sat and talked for quite a while, all enjoying the great views in all directions.

View to the north

Sandy Stream Pond

On the way down, I made good time down to the pond. I headed out onto the platform at the third lookout to see if there was any wildlife out near the other lookouts. I was surprised to see a cow moose looking at me from about 30-40 feet away. I tried to duck behind the bushes and get my camera out, but about the time I pulled the camera bag out of my hiking pack, she decided she had had enough and started walking away. I made my way quickly to the big rock lookout, but the couple there said the moose headed off into the woods rather than up the shoreline. Oh well, no pictures of her, but at least I got to see her. I spent a fair amount of time sitting on the rock before heading back to my truck and then Togue Pond for a nice swim.br>

View from the big rock

South Turner from Sandy Stream Pond

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Doubletop Mtn (3,489 ft) 7-30-17

Distance: 7.83 mi.
Elevation: 2,204 ft (overall) 2,738 ft (total)
Time: 2:44 (North Peak) 2:52 (South Peak) 3:07 (North Peak) 4:57 (Total)
Trails: Doubletop Mtn Trail

On my last visit to Baxter State Park, I had asked rangers what their favorite hikes in the park were. Multiple rangers said Doubletop was their favorite. Adding that to the fact that I liked the look of the mountain as soon as I saw it, and this hike become the second hike that I really wanted to get done during this trip to the park. After resting yesterday, I was ready to tackle the hike on a day that looked like it was going to have perfect weather.

The trail starts at Nesowadnehunk Campground and is easy to find past the ranger station. It turns left heading past some campsites and then further into the woods. It good footing (except a couple muddy spots) with a gradual incline almost all the way until it nears Doubletop Brook. As you near the brook, the trail starts downhill gradually, then steeply just before the brook.

Early section of trail

Doubletop Brook

After the brook is where the real climb begins. For most of the remaining distance to the summit, the trail heads steeply uphill. It's a mix of good footing, eroded sections with small rocks and roots exposed, and big rocks that you must climb up and over. The only real break comes about a mile before the summit where there is a nice section of nearly level trail. In this section, you'll even see a sign next to the trail letting you know there is a mile to go. My only real guess as to why this sign is here is because some people might think they are at the high spot and turn around without actually reaching the summit. It's the only time I can think of seeing a sign giving distance that wasn't at an intersection or trail head.

Steep rocky section of trail

One mile before the summit

On the map, this trail doesn't look as steep as it actually seems. But since I had all day to get this hike done, I kept hiking along and in the end it didn't seem that bad. The trail is certainly more rugged than I expected, but it was still an enjoyable hike going up.

The north peak (highest of the two) has nice views, especially of the bigger peaks in the park. But after a short rest here, I wanted to head across the ridge to the south peak. It's only 0.2 miles with very little elevation change. It's an interesting piece of trail as it mostly follows the ridge. It goes around some very large rocks and over some others. It's both in the trees and exposed in some places. There is one spot just before the south peak though where the trail is a bit narrow and goes over the rocks at the top of the ridge with no protection from the steep drop and hillside next to it. If you are bothered by heights, this spot could be a bit unnerving.

View from the north peak

South peak from the north peak

The south peak however has tremendous views in all directions. There was lots to look at today since there were very view clouds. Plenty of mountains and lakes around. The view back up the ridge is interesting as well. After a nice long break here, I headed back to the north peak where I took another break and some more pictures. On the way back to the north peak I also noticed a plaque that I had missed in the other direction. The rest of the hike down went as expected. More hikers were starting to make their way up the mountain. Doubletop Brook made for a good place to splash water on my face and head to cool down, but I was really looking forward to swimming in the river at Ledge Falls instead.

View west from the south peak

Looking at the north peak through a crystal ball

Plaque on one of the large rocks along the ridge

Looking over towards the Brothers

Route for the day

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE