Mt. Liberty (4,459 ft) 9-9-17

Distance: 8.14 mi.
Elevation: 3,066 ft (overall) 3,323 ft (total)
Time: 2:53 (Summit) 5:10 (Total)
Trails: Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Spring Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Bike Path

Along with our normal crew for the Flags on the 48 event, today we had a few additional member including some currently active in the military. We all trickled in at our own rate and were all gathered with gear ready to go by our intended start time. We started with the short mostly flat walk along the Whitehouse Trail to the bike path and then the Liberty Spring Trail.

Once on the Liberty Spring Trail, our group started to spread out some with all of us going at our own pace. We planned our start time to give us plenty of time to get to the summit, so if we all went at different paces we still had plenty of time to get the flag up by noon. The trail was easy going to start with gradual grades and good footing. There was one brook crossing lower down, but it was easy to negotiate with plenty of stones to step across.

Stream crossing

After the crossing, the trail starts to get steeper. Not quite as bad as I was expecting though. The only other time I have been on this trail was 6 years ago and I came down it, so I didn't remember well how steep it would be. The map made it look like it would be a bit steeper than it seemed though. Around Liberty Spring tent site many of our group took another break and we grouped back up some here. Then we spread out a bit again as we neared the ridge. The last bit to the summit along the ridge is nice, with some easy grades and just a bit of elevation left to gain. It went by quickly and soon we were starting to gather back together at the summit.

Putting together the new pole

With last year's wind bending the old flagpole, Jim had come up with a new setup for this year that included a few improvements. Being new though, we wanted to start getting it up early so that we could figure out all of the tricks for getting it secured and the flag up it. By the time our team member with the flag made it to the summit, we had the pole up and were ready to raise the flag. The military members of this year's group helped us with the process of getting the flag out, up, and secured. Once everything was secured, one of our other group members sang the National Anthem for everyone that was now on the summit.

Bringing the flag to the pole

Raising the flag

During the National Anthem

During the National Anthem

For a little over 2 hours, most of us just relaxed around the summit. A few made the trek over to Mt. Flume though to bag another peak while in the area. We had good weather on the summit, but many of the nearby or higher peaks were at least a little bit in the clouds. This made it a bit hard to make out many other flags, but we were able to spot some, including the one on the wooded summit of Owls Head just sticking out of the trees. Before it was time to take the flag down, we have had a flyby from the NH National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.

Looking up Franconia Ridge

Black Hawk flyby

Flying on the summit

After taking down the flag just after 2pm, we packed up our gear again and headed down the mountain. Again, we spread out a little bit breaking into smaller groups as we settled into our own paces. The decent was pretty easy with no issues. There was one very brief sprinkle of rain, but it didn't even make the rocks wet it was so quick. Before too long, we were hitting the bike path where most of us skipped the Whitehouse Trail and took the shortcut through the trees instead. Soon everyone else was down as well and we said our goodbyes before some went home and a few of us went back to Jim's cabin for a quick meal.

A rainbow below us in the Pemi

Route for the day

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

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

Abol Falls 7-29-17

Distance: 1.61 mi.
Elevation: 247 ft (overall) 299 ft (total)
Time: 0:20 (Falls) 0:40 (Total)
Trails: Little Abol Falls Trail

After yesterday's long hike,I decided today should be a bit of a rest day, hiking something shorter so my legs could recover a bit. Since I'm camping in a lean-to at the Abol Campground, a hike out to Abol Falls seemed like a perfect choice.

The trail starts in the campground just past a couple lean-tos. There is one brook crossing and it is at the start of the trail. The trail then turns left and gradually gains a little bit of elevation over easy terrain. There are a couple turns in the trail with one left turn in a bit of an open spot where someone might go straight if they aren't paying attention. There was one muddy spot just before the falls as well. All in all, this is a pretty easy hike and would be great for people just getting into hiking or families with younger children.

The falls themselves are about 12-15 feet high in a single cascade. There are rocks you can sit on at the top, or a path leads down towards the base so you can see the whole falls. It's a nice little spot for some relaxation. My only complaint was that I went at the wrong time of day for my photos to come out how I wanted them. The sun was shining directly on the falls and everything around them was in the shade.

Abol Falls from the side

Abol Falls from a rock in the stream

Base of the falls

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

North Brother (4,151 ft), Fort Mtn (3,867 ft), South Brother (3,970 ft) & Mt. Coe (3,795 ft) 7-28-17

Distance: 13.0 mi.
Elevation: 2,965 ft (overall) 5,029 ft (total)
Time: 3:28 (North Brother) 4:16 (Fort Mtn) 5:17 (North Brother) 6:35 (South Brother) 7:50 (Mt. Coe) 9:28 (Total)
Trails: Marston Trail, Bushwhack, Marston Trail, Mt Coe Trail, Marston Trail

Having hiked North Brother before, I needed the other three peaks today for my New England Hundred Highest list. Until Last night, I was thinking I would do today's loop counterclockwise, going up the Coe Slide. But with rain last night, I didn't want to try that if it was too wet. Having been to North Brother before, I also knew what I was in for if I went clockwise instead. This would also have the added benefit of getting the bushwhack done earlier, instead of waiting until I was more tired. Having a few days in Baxter State Park as well, if the bushwhack didn't go as planned, I could also more easily split this hike into two hikes if I stopped after North Brother and Fort Mountain.

Early section of trail

Either direction, you still have to take the Marston Trail at the start. It starts out pretty flat, then gradually gets steeper. It stays at a pretty good incline until a little before the lower junction with the Mt Coe Trail where it flattens back out some. I turned left at the junction and headed towards Teardrop Pond. The hike to the pond goes by pretty quickly and is similar to what you have come up so far, but with some wet sections with rocks to step across.

Teardrop Pond with clouds above the ridge

The pond is small, but an interesting little spot. There is a short path that leads out to a big rock on the shore you can stand on and look up at the ridge between this hikes peaks. After the pond, the trail works its way up the ridge line next to the pond. An early section of trail was relocated to avoid a steep eroded section, but after that the trail again stays steep with some roots and rocks exposed. At the top of the climb though the trail levels out and is quite nice. It goes up for a bit more before then coming downhill some to the upper intersection with the Mt Coe Trail.

Above Teardrop Pond

The trail from here to North Brother starts flat, but steepens as it goes. There was some running water and plenty of wet rocks on the way up thanks to last night's rain. As you keep going, the trail gets very eroded and becomes a bit of a trench with large rocks and roots to climb up and over. Eventually though, you start to come out of the trees and only have a few small scrambles to negotiate before the summit.

Eroded section of trail

View from North Brother

The bushwhack out to Fort Mountain starts with a few small cairns that are easy to spot near the summit of North Brother. Above treeline, the herd path is easy to follow. But as the path enters the trees, the branches get thick and tight, and it is much slower going. You'll need to keep looking down at the ground to make sure you are following the herd path. The trees are thick enough you could lose is pretty easily if you aren't paying attention. Looking down some is also a good idea as there are some hidden drops and holes along the path that would normally be obvious on a standard trail. I actually stepped into one on the return trip.

At the first split in the herd path I took a left, which paralleled the treeline a bit. I had found some GPS tracks to use as reference in case I got off the path and all but one took the left here. As you follow the path, there are more splits you will come to. Most of them seem like they would meet back up either way you went, but I can't say for sure since I didn't try any other options on my way back. Currently there are some pieces of flagging that help you find the way. At almost all of the splits there seemed to be flagging in one direction or the other. This might get taken down in the future, so don't rely on just that to find your way. There was only one short section on the bushwhack that doesn't have you pushing through branches. It was a nice break, but no where near long enough. On the way back from Fort to North Brother, the branches all seem to be facing the wrong direction and it is much harder to push through them as you near North Brother than it was heading to Fort Mtn.

Most of the bushwhack looks similar to this

Fort Mountain summit

Once back down off of North Brother, the trail to the South Brother Spur is pretty nice. The corridor was wide, but the tread way was a bit narrow and eroded in places. The trail doesn't have any steep spots on it and it made for a nice walk that wasn't too difficult. The trail out to South Brother is mostly easy, but does have some large boulders that could be a bit tricky before the summit. The high spot is a large rock above treeline which made for a nice place to sit and rest while taking in the great views.

View from South Brother

Continuing on to Mt Coe, the trails drops in elevation more than I thought it would, but it then follows the side contour of South Brother before gradually climbing up Mt Coe. There is one last semi-steep section just before the summit, but it wasn't that bad even as I was getting tired. The summit are of Mt Coe is small, but again has great views, especially of the Klondike between it and Katahdin.

Ascending Mt. Coe

Looking across The Klondike from Mt Coe

Coming down the slide wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The only tricky spot is right near the top. On the way down, the trail mostly follows the right hand side until it nears the bottom and funnels into a narrow section of slide in the trees. At times it took some looking around to make sure I was following the blazes, but I never felt off trail. What surprised me most is how many rocks and how much loss dirt is on the slide. It is steep enough and smooth enough that it seems like more of that should have made its way down the slide or that is easily could in the future. After the slide, the trail follows the ravine and small brook that leave the bottom of the slide area. You'll cross the brook 4 times with the last one being a short distance from the junction with the Marston Trail. From here out you just follow the same route that you took to start the hike.

Looking down the slide

Looking back up the slide

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Google Earth representation of the hike

Mt. Monadnock (3,165 ft) 7-20-17

Distance: 5.05 mi.
Elevation: 1,644 ft (overall) 1,758 ft (total)
Time: 1:57 (Summit) 2:17 (Monta Rosa) 2:54 (Total)
Trails: Old Halfway House Trail, White Arrow Trail, Smith Summit Trail, Monta Rosa Trail, Old Toll Road

With four days of hiking planned in Baxter State Park in Maine soon, I wanted to get in one last hike just to help make sure my legs would be up for the hiking. The planned hikes in Baxter would be some longer hikes with lots of elevation gain and I haven't been hiking as much this year. I wanted to make sure I was at least somewhat prepared. I had one day this week that I could hike after work, so I took the opportunity.

I got to the Old Toll Road trail head just after 5pm and quickly got my gear into place. There were some clouds and it was humid during the day, so I wanted to have plenty of time so I wouldn't have to get so hot and sweaty from the humidity. As always I headed up the Old Halfway House Trail instead of the old Toll Road since I'd much rather be in the woods. The hike up this trail went pretty quick and I wasn't sweating as much as I expected I would. Only a couple hikers were coming down while I headed up.

Heading up the Old Halfway House Trail

From the Old Halfway House Site, I took the direct route up the White Arrow Trail. It's been a while since I have been up this trail since I normally try to avoid the crowds, but being so late in the day and during the week, I knew it wouldn't be that busy. I also needed to re-hike this trail in my quest to remap all the trails with my newer GPS. Just after leaving the Old Halfway House Site, it actually started to rain, but almost as quickly as it started, it stopped again.

The White Arrow Trail was just as rocky as I remember it, but with more wear and tear from the shear number of people that hike it. It's always disappointing though to see the paths leading around obstacles in the trail. If only those hikers knew the damage they do to the trail and mountain in the long run. Let's be honest, you are climbing a mountain, it's not going to be easy. Just stay on the trail and take your time.

White Arrow Trail

Nearing treeline it was still mostly cloudy, but there were some openings in the clouds that allowed for the evening's colors to start showing themselves. There was also a breeze, now that the trees weren't blocking it for me. That made the humid conditions of the day that much better. I kept hiking my way up to the summit and was soon there. There were only a handful of other hikers up there, which made for a pretty quiet and calm place... just the way I like it.

Initially it was cloudy at the summit

As I spent some time around the summit area, the clouds started to dissipate some. It was beginning to look like there might actually be a decent sunset to watch tonight. Not wanting to need my headlamp on the descent, but still wanting to have a view of the pending sunset. I headed quickly down the Smith Summit Trail and headed for Monte Rosa so I could watch from there. I made good time and was there in just 20 minutes.

Sunshine trying to take over the sky

Sun shining on the land to the west

I sat on a nice rock on Monte Rosa and watched the entire sunset from there, taking pictures periodically while it happened. After the sunset (and some ripe blueberries) I headed down the Monte Rosa Trail to the Old Halfway House Site. From here I decided to hike down using the Old Toll Road. I'm not normally a fan of walking the road, but it was getting dark and the road was going to have more light coming through the trees than the trail. This helped me make it back to the truck shortly before I would have needed to get out the headlamp to see my way back.

Nearing sunset with clearing skies

Clouds to the left, clear skies to the right

The weathervane just after sun has set

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE