Northeast Cannon Ball (3,769 ft) 5-28-16

Distance: 9.40 mi.
Elevation: 1,909 ft (overall) 3,152 ft (total)
Time: 2:48 (NE Cannon Ball) 7:13 (Total)
Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail

With the forecast being for hazy skies and possible rain showers, it was a good day to grab another NEHH peak that wouldn't have much for views. Unfortunately, the forecast was also for hot temperatures and higher humidity. This made the hike go a bit slower than normal with more and longer stops. Also, plenty of fluids to carry in my pack while traversing the ridge.

The hike from the parking lot to Lonesome Lake isn't all that bad normally, but today it was a bit uncomfortable. You could just tell the humidity was high this morning and I was sweating significantly early on. The trail itself is somewhat gradual with a long switchback built into it. A bit rocky in places due to the traffic it sees, but leveling off nicely before the lake. Only a few others were out this early with a couple just going up to the lake and then back down. Getting to the lake, it appears that materials have been dropped off for some new bog bridges.

Supplies at the lake

View at the lake with overcast skies

Continuing around the lake, the trail is mostly on bog bridges. These ones are still good, so they aren't likely the ones being replaced. As the trail leaves the lake though, that is when you find the bog bridges I expect are going to be replaced. Many of them in this section are getting pretty bad. As you get further from the lake though, the trail gets steeper and you lose the bog bridges all together. However, it gets pretty rocky and stays kind of steep for a while. Today there was also water in many places and damp rocks from the morning and the humidity. The trail does level out some again shortly before its end at the Kinsman Ridge Trail

A bit steep and rocky

Heading south on the Kinsman Ridge Trail (KRT), you head steeply up the NE Cannon Ball. It stays like this most of the way up, helping you gain elevation quickly. Once up near the summit, the trail levels out. I walked back and forth here a bit while looking at my GPS to help me decide which rock or opening was the actual high point. I didn't notice any cairns and didn't expect there to be a sign. With limited views over the trees and hazy skies in all direction, I didn't spend much time here. I changed into a dry shirt, had a snack, and took a few pictures.

View from the summit

Heading south along the KRT goes pretty well for a while. It isn't as steep as coming up the NE Cannon Ball and appears to see less traffic, so it isn't as worn. There are a few wooden steps/ladders in a couple steep spots to help out as well. Since you go behind the second Cannon Ball, the trail is a pretty steady decline over some rocky patches and some wet patches. I took a short break at a nice spot that had a bit of an opening to the north.

Limited view from the trail

Eventually you hit a small brook crossing and the start of the steep climb up the third Cannon Ball. This starts off rocky, but gets better as you get higher. The map makes it look like you might not go all the way up and over the summit here, but it seems in reality that you do. I was hoping for a bit less gain here, but didn't get it. After the high point, the trail has a couple more ups and down with the ups being a bit longer as you work your way up to the next intersection. Once there, it's mostly downhill back to the parking lot.

Climbing the 3rd Cannon Ball

Of course this means going down the Fishin' Jimmy Trial, which many consider rough and difficult. If nothing else, a little less enjoyable than most trails. The trail is steep and rocky for the first half as you descend. There has been some nice stone work since I was last here and the existing wooden steps added to the smooth rocks help. I didn't find it too bad going down today, but heard from another going up that he fell multiple times on the slick rocks. The second half of the trail is much smoother and more gradual. It does have some short climbs up though before you reach the lake. Today, this was the section that I seemed the slowest on. I think I was just getting too hot coming back down into the lower elevations and not drinking quite enough fluid.

Wooden steps on the Fishin' Jimmy Trail

I stopped at the hut to have some nice cold water and take a break. I also filled my bottles in case my water bladder ran out on the descent. Any extra could also be used to wash off at the car or just dump over my head to refresh myself. Heading from the hut to the car went pretty quick, even though there was much more traffic now than this morning. I've done this descent a few times and it's easy to carry a bit faster pace after resting at the hut. It also seemed to go quicker as I caught up to a few people that were good to talk too as we all headed down.

View from the porch on the hut

In the end, the hike went well considering the hot temps. I've bonked hard in similar weather before near the end of the hike, but today I kept a more casual pace with more breaks and drank plenty of water. In the end, I probably drank about 4.5-5 quarts of water while hiking and stopped at the hut.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Map of the hike

Dorset Peak (3,770 ft) 11-27-15

Distance: 7.48 mi.
Elevation: 2,273 ft (overall) 2,568 ft (total)
Time: 2:19 (Dorset Peak) 2:35 (South Peak) 3:52 (Total)
Trails: Woods Roads, Snowmobile Trails, Herd Path

Dorset Peak has no official hiking trail to the summit, but luckily does have old woods roads and snowmobile trails that can lead you over the summit. I started off by trying to drive up Tower Road past the last house and driveway. Being in my Corolla, I didn't venture too far up before I found a place I could park on the side out of the way of any hunters or other people with a more proper vehicle. I should have just parked at a nice spot on the side just after the last house. While I didn't want to take my car any further up, the walking on the road was very easy. A slight incline with solid footing. Eventually you do reach a section of road that has washed out in the past. Some of the trail reports I found mentioned a herd path going around this, but it has been fixed up enough that equipment or a jeep could probably drive up it again. Being dry, I just walked up this section of road. There is one small brook to cross on this road, but it was easy to hop over using a couple rocks. This brook was just before the old hunting cabin many other hikers mention in their reports. At the crossing I thought I could see some debris that would be around the cabin, but it turned out to be the cabin. It appears that the cabin has fallen over to one side.

Washed out section of road

The hunting cabin has now fallen over

After the remains of the cabin, the climb really starts. It's still on an old woods road, but it gets steeper. There are a number of nice water bars in the road, but I found out that some of them were almost knee deep with fallen leaves on the back side. This made for some unsure footing as you couldn't really tell how far down you needed to step. The road continued in this manor until shortly before the height of land. It levels out a bit before the intersection and starts to get narrower. It's still very easy to follow though.

The climb to the height of land

Turn right at the "T" intersection here (marked by cairn)

At the "T" intersection at the height of land, there are two cairns to help you know you need to turn to the right. This route heads uphill from the intersection (the other direction heads downhill) at a more gentle incline. After about 1/4 mile, there is an ATV/snowmobile trail that heads uphill to the right. There is also a small cairn marking this turn. I headed up this trail, even though some trip reports indicate you can also go straight here.

Head right up to the ridge here

This trail starts off steep, but gets you closer to the ridge quickly. As it levels out some, you pass the herd path to the south peak and the old tower. This is also clearly marked with a cairn. Wanting to hit the main summit first, I skipped the herd path. Soon I was at the well know door knob junction. To the right is the tower, straight was a trail I didn't explore, and left is the route leading to the summit and then the north peak. The door knobs are on a tree here at the intersection on the left.

The doorknobs

I headed to the main summit following a bit narrower trail now. The grade was gentle though as there isn't anything steep left to climb. The trail did have some mud on it, but it was mostly frozen over and firm. You could easily go around it too. Along the ridge is another intersection with a couple signs and a cairn. You'll want to head straight through this. In 2/10 of a mile (according to a sign here), you'll be at the summit. The canister is on a tree right in the trail, and the old cabin remains are right next to the trail. This makes it easier to know you have reached the right spot.

Dorset Summit

Miles the Mountain Monkey on the old cabin remains

After some time at the summit, I headed back to the door knob junction. I went straight through it up to the south peak. It was a short and easy hike to tower from the junction. There isn't much to see here other than the remains of the tower. It isn't very tall, but easily would have seen over the trees. The ATV trail seems to loop around the tower and turn back here, not continuing any further. As you enter the open area though, there is a herd path leading downhill to your right.

South Peak

After a quick break at the tower, I headed down the herd path. It was easy to follow and it is easy to get around the two blow downs along it. About the time I was wondering if it wasn't any quicker to actually take this path down, I popped out onto the ATV trail at the cairn. The herd path was a short steep decent that did end up saving a bit of time.

The bottom of the herd path

From the herd path down, it was easy hiking. I was actually surprised when I got back to the "T" intersection and found a couple hikers there. I didn't expect to see anyone at all today. I was even more surprised when the rest of their group showed up. We all chatted briefly as I reassured them of how to get to the summit since I had just come from there. All the way back to the car though, I didn't see anyone else.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Bread Loaf Mtn. (3,835 ft) & Mt. Wilson (3,745 ft) 10-24-15

Distance: 10.4 mi.
Elevation: 1,915 ft (overall) 3,053 ft (total)
Time: 1:27 (Skyline Lodge) 2:26 (Bread Loaf Mtn.) 3:10 (Mt. Wilson) 5:29 (Total)
Trails: Skylight Pond Trail, Long Trail, Bread Loaf summit spur

Signs at the end of Forest Road 59 make it pretty easy to tell you are going in the right direction to get to this trail head. The road is unpaved, but was in good shape this day. the lot at the trail head has room for around 10 cars, but there is plenty of room on the road for over flow. There was however a warning sign in the lot saying they have been experiencing vehicle break ins and that you shouldn't leave anything of value visible in your car/truck.

The trail starts off very easy with just a gentle incline. It didn't take too long and I was at the first small brook crossing. There was no bridge, but I was able to use rocks to keep my feet dry. There was also a small log I could have used, but the below freezing temps overnight left a layer of ice on that which wasn't on the rocks. A little later is the biggest brook crossing of the day. This one has a nice bridge going over it though.

The only bridge on the route

As the trail starts to climb more steadily up the side of the mountain, it begins a long series of switchbacks. The hillside didn't seem steep enough to require this many low angle inclines, but they did make for easy hiking. The trail never really seemed to get steep except maybe for the occasional small obstacle. There was also only one other brook crossing on the route up, and this was easily stepped over and doesn't look like it ever gets that big.

As I climbed up towards the Long Trail, I kept thinking I was about to be in the sun. This wasn't the case though as it seemed that the location of the sun and contour of the mountain constantly kept the sun just barely blocked. For quite a while the sun was shinning on the trees just above me, but I wasn't quite in it. At the intersection with the Long Trail I headed directly across and made my way down to Skyline Lodge. Here I saw my first signs of ice on the trail, but it was all easily avoided. The lodge is nice and in a great spot. I expected it to be a bit more open between it and the pond, but that wasn't a big detractor. The pond had a thin layer of ice on it, and the thermometer on the lodge said it was still only 32 degrees. It had just gotten that warm when I started my hike, and it seems I was climbing at the same speed as the warm air was this morning.

Skyline Lodge

Skylight Pond

Back at the Long Trail, I headed north. The trail has a few ups and downs in this section, but it was pretty easy going. Eventually you come to the one steep section between the lodge and Bread Loaf Mountain. The trail maintainers have done a real nice job here with stone work and I can only guess how many hours it took them. After the climb up to the ridge, the trail gradually go down just a bit before coming back up. You'll come to a sharp right hand turn in the Long Trail where there is an old sign while headed north letting you know it turns right. Straight ahead though is a spur trail over the summit with blue blazes. There is no sign on this trail, but with the blazes it does seem like an official trail. The trail goes the short distance to the summit, then turns left around it and brings you to a small lookout at the top of a short ledge. There are nice but limited views to the west here. After taking some pictures, I headed back to the summit which is marked with a small cairn next to the high spot.

View west from Bread Loaf Mtn

Heading north on the Long Trail again, it's a steady decent down Bread Loaf Mountain until the Emily Proctor Shelter and Trail. The shelter is simple, but nice and the Long Trail continues past it on the right hand side. If not for the sign and arrow, you wouldn't really know. You'll pass the path for the bathroom on your left and the tent area on your right. From here it was a pretty steady climb up to the summit of Mt. Wilson. This summit also has a small stone cairn on the (right) side of the trail. There wasn't much here to look at though, other than trees. After a break, snack, and pictures, I got out my portable weather meter and checked the conditions. The wind was only blowing 5 mph down here in the trees and the temperature was still only hovering around 32 degrees. For warmer temperatures than that predicted, it sure wasn't warming up fast.

Emily Proctor Shelter

Mt. Wilson summit

I had read some trip reports that said there were some views from Mt. Wilson at some ledges near the ridge. I looked as I hiked back, but only found a couple limited views, even with venturing off trail some. Maybe they were further up the trail or just exaggerated a bit. I made good time down to the shelter where a group of hikers were taking a break. I quickly said "hi" and continued on my way. The damp rocks on the climb back up Bread Loaf Mountain weren't as slick as when coming down it seemed, and before I knew it I was back at the sharp turn in the trail.

From here it was smooth sailing. The hike back to the Skylight Pond Trail passed quick and it was finally starting to warm up some even as it was getting a bit more cloudy. I had already forgotten how many PUDs there were before the intersection and the last bit seemed to take a bit longer than I expected.

The switchbacks on the Skylight Pond Trail made for an easy descent as well. I saw a few others hiking up as I worked my way down. The sun was finally out a bit on this trail, and that made it that much nicer. Dropping down into the hardwoods, a layer of leaves also started to develop on the trail. I was cruising along nicely near the end of the trail when I came around a corner onto a straight section only to see a black bear standing in the trail up ahead of me about 75 feet. I stopped to watch and see what it did. Pretty quickly it made a bit of a bound off of the trail and crashed through some vegetation off into the woods. Initially I thought the bear was easily over 300 lbs, but the more I thought about it later, the more adjusted my estimate to around 300-350 lbs, probably on the lower end of that range.

I suspected based on size this bear was male, but I still waited to see if any young ones were trailing behind. After a short wait and not seeing anything else, I started walking slowly down the trail again looking for it in the trees in case it didn't go very far. I didn't see it again, but you'd be surprised how many dark objects off in the trees get your attention after seeing a bear on the trail. Soon I was at the bridge and then back to my car. All in all this was a pretty nice hike with a good bear sighting thrown in. I was surprised at the pace I was able to keep during this hike, but the terrain was good for it.

Descending the Skylight Pond Trail

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Jay Peak (3,858 ft) & Big Jay (3,786 ft) 8-16-15

Distance: 6.92 mi.
Elevation: 1,595 ft (overall) 2,520 ft (total)
Time: 1:47 (Jay Peak) 2:49 (Big Jay) 3:58 (Jay Peak) 5:04 (Jay Camp) 5:15 (Total)
Trails: Long Trail, Bushwhack, Ski Trail, Jay Loop Trail

Starting up the trail from VT Route 242, you immediately go past a lean to shelter that is within sight of the road. Continuing on, the trail stays relatively gentle in the beginning and isn't too rocky. You'll get steeper inclines, but then short easy sections too. Footing is good and the trail is very easy to follow. After a while, the trail becomes a more steady climb. There are no real difficult obstacles until you start to get near the ski trails at around 3,100 feet. Once you get here, the trail gets a bit more rocky and you will start to encounter some short mostly easy scrambles. A few of these will require long legs or some planning with your footing, but they aren't bad.

Start of rocky sections

Where you come out onto the ski trail, there is a nice wooden set of stairs to get you over the ski area's pipes for snow making. The Long Trail actually crosses the ski trail and a painted blaze can be seen on the rocks at the other side of the ski trail. If you don't want to stay on the trail, you can just walk up the ski trail as well. Once back into the trees (or bushes even), the Long Trail turns left and heads straight for the summit never getting more than about 50 feet from the ski trail you just crossed. This is a fun section of above treeline like conditions over more interesting terrain. It's short lived though as you are already close to the summit.

Stairs over ski area equipment

Jay Peak summit in sight

With tourists milling around the summit area after coming up the tram, I didn't spend too much time on the summit. There are nice views, but it was hazy today due to the humidity and it was already hot in the sun. I headed down the stairs and took the ski trail heading away to the right. This is a short steep trail over grassy terrain. At the bottom of it is the snow fence the Long Trail crosses through. There are some blazes to your left, but the opening is on the right. After heading back into the trees, there is a narrow section of a rock slab that could be a bit slippery when wet. Just after this though, is the start of the herd path on your left. It's pretty easy to spot and I wouldn't be surprised if from time to time people hiking the Long Trail start down it on accident.

View from Jay Peak

Just after starting the bushwhack, you need to climb over the bottom of a blow down and head a bit to the left. Once over this though, the path was pretty easy to follow. Early on there were a couple places where you might have an option on routes, but just pick the more well traveled one and you will be all set. On the way back, I didn't even notice these options to be honest. The path goes gradually downhill for a while with just some minor mud. Eventually I started wondering what all the trip reports were talking about with them mentioning deep mud. On the second half of the route you will come to find these mud holes. On the way up to Big Jay I tried to stay on the main path the entire time. Finding hard spots in the mud or debris in it to step on that would hold me up better. On the way back, I took many of the herd paths that are developing around the mud. Eventually I found an unassuming mud hole that ended up being at least 10-12 inches deep (based on how far my poles went in) that didn't have anything to stand on. I got lucky and the mud only covered my boots without actually going into them.

Easy to follow herd path

The majority of the mud pits end shortly before the summit, just as the path gets steeper. There were a couple rock scrambles through here that could be tricky, but I managed them well by just planning my route up before starting over them. Once up the steeper section, it seems like you should be at the summit, but the path kept going on slowly gaining elevation. This bit seemed longer than I expected it to. Soon you get to the summit area where there is a sign and a red ski sled hanging in a tree. With a quick look, I found the summit jar (no canister) just behind and to the left of the sled.

Rock ledge to climb over

Red sled at the summit of Big Jay

The hike back out the herd path was straight forward. The route really is easy to follow and is like a trail in places. If you were to loose it, it stays pretty much on top of the ridge anyways. It took about as long to hike back as it did to come out. And soon I was back to the Long Trail and then the ski slopes. It was hot and humid today, but as soon as I got back into the sun on the slopes, it really hit me. I started to slow right down. It isn't really that far to the high point on the slope, but it seemed to be taking me forever. At the high spot is a small building and I decided I needed to sit in the shade here for a while. I tried to cool down, but with almost no wind, it took a while. I decided to change out of my now muddy socks while here and take advantage of the objects I was using as a seat. Eventually I felt like I had cooled down some and I started heading down the mountain.

View back to Jay Peak

Back into the woods I was taking it easy and making sure I was placing my feet correctly. The heat really had an affect on me. Gradually I started to feel better and kept picking up pace. I only wished there were some sort of brook along this trail so that I could splash some cold water on myself. Unfortunately, there were only a few very small puddles. As I neared the bottom of the mountain, I decided I would still do the Jay Camp Loop Trail as I had planned. I figured if there was a camp, there had to be a water source where I could fill a now empty bottle and dump it over my head. This trail was much less used, but still easy to follow. And sure enough, right next to the camp was a nice cold refreshing brook. This helped me feel even better. From here the walk out was almost completely flat and went quickly. Before long I was in dry clothes and headed home with the AC cranked right up.

Jay Camp

Google Earth map of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Willard (2,865 ft) 11-10-12

Distance: 3.096 mi.
Elevation: 984 ft.
Time: 1:57
Trails: Avalon Trail, Mt. Willard Trail

The second hike for today would be another from the 52 With a View list, Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch. While coming down from the Sugarloafs earlier, the morning clouds had started to clear. While driving down route 302, I was able to get some good views of the Presidential Range. Once into the notch, I parked at the Crawford Depot in one of the few open spots. Then I put some of my gear back on and headed out.

View on Route 302

You start out on the Avalon Trail, but quickly come to the intersection with the Mt. Willard Trail. To start there were a few wet sections with small brooks that seem to be flowing by.. Soon you start to gain elevation and get away from this. The trail passes by Centennial Pool, a small cascade and pool in the brook next to the trail.

Centennial Pool

The trail heading up

The trail keeps a pretty constant incline which isn't to hard and seems to follow an old woods road or horse path. As you near the summit though, the trail levels out for the most part. Before too much longer you come out of the trees to the viewpoint that overlooks almost the entire notch below.

Crawford Notch

Southern Presidential Range

Willey Brook Bridge down below

There were quite a few people out on the mountain today, but there was still plenty of space. As I explored the open rocks, I found out some of them can be slippery when my feet slipped out from under me and I slid down them. Luckily it was to some trees on the side rather than off the edge of the large cliff face.

On the way back down I found the Hitchcock Flume Spur that was on the map I have and started to follow it. It doesn't seem to be maintained, and with the snow on the trees, I was getting a lot on me. Not wanting to get soaked from melting snow, I turned around and decided I might come back some other time to explore this route.

The trail leaving the summit

For more pictures of the hike, click HERE

Middle Sugarloaf (2,539 ft) & North Sugarloaf (2,310 ft) 11-10-12

Distance: 3.669 mi.
Elevation: 1,010 ft. (overall) 1,289 ft. (total)
Time: 2:50
Trails: Sugarloaf Trail, Trestle Trail

This hike would be part one of my hikes for the day. I had decided on doing two shorter hikes from the 52 With A View list. This would get me to some new places and allow for some easier hikes and a later start than if I were doing a 4K.

I was the first car in the parking lot this morning, but not by much. After quickly getting on my needed gear, I was off on the trail. The trail starts off following the Zealand River before turning left away from it. Everything is pretty gentle and easy to start, even with today's coating of snow.

Early section of trail

Before too long, the trail gets to it's steepest part. Nothing too bad though considering this is the Whites. With a couple small switchbacks, it works up onto the ridge between the two peaks where the trail splits to go to each. I went left to Middle Sugarloaf first. The trail is pretty nice through here, and after a shorter descent it heads up to the summit. There are a couple spots where you climb up over some rocks and then just before the summit you come to a set of wooden stairs. The summit has some nice open spots and good views.

Wooden stairs

One of the views from the summit

Eventually I headed back down the trail to North Sugarloaf. This portion of trail also has a short descent before it works up around the back side of the summit to avoid being too steep and difficult. The views here are nice, but not quite as encompassing as Middle Sugarloaf.

Trail between the peaks

View towards Mt. Washington

After heading back down the trail and getting back to the Zealand River, I took a left onto the Trestle Trail so that I could check it out. It works away from the river a bit while passing a few large and interesting boulders. Soon you come to a crossing of the river where a bridge once was. The rocks had a nice layer of ice on them this morning, so I decided to put on my microspikes just for this crossing. That was a good idea and got me across safely. The trail then works back towards Zealand Road while passing through part of Sugarloaf Campground #2.

Boulder along the trail

Zealand River crossing

For more pictures from the hike, click HERE