Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft) 9-13-25

Distance: 8.05 mi.
Elevation: 2,136 ft (overall) 2,592 ft (total)
Time: (with an 11 year old setting the pace) 2:36 (Mizpah Hut) 3:56 (Summit) 6:28 (Total)
Trails: Crawford Path, Mizpah Cut-Off, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster-Jackson Trail

This year for Flags on the 48 our group picked Mt. Jackson, largely so that a couple of the people that planned on hiking with us could have a shorter hike to participate with. In the end, their plans changed last minute, but we still went along as planned and had an enjoyable day. My youngest daughter and wife were going to join my oldest daughter and I this year as well, but my youngest changed her mind a couple days before the event (as a 7 year old will do). Because my oldest daughter has already done Mt. Jackson on her 4000 footer list (it was her first), this would be her first repeat hike of a 4K. Today we would be doing a different loop than the first time, so that was good to make the hike a little different.

Most of our group parked in the lot on Mt. Clinton Road, with a few team members parking along route 302 so they could come up the shorter way and meet us at the summit. Most of our group was going up the Crawford Path, then using the Mizpah Cut-Off so that we could make a quite side treck to the Mizpah Hut. From there we would take the Webster Cliff Trail to the summit. this allowed for a less steep route and better footing. On the way down, we all went the shortest way and headed down the Webster-Jackson Trail down to route 302. We then either walked back to our cars or got rides from other members in our group.

My daughter Liliana and I got on the trail a little bit ahead of the rest of our group. At 11 years old, she is still a bit of a slower hiker, and we wanted to make sure she could help setup the pole and raise the flag at the summit. I took the flagpole early on and hiked with it on my shoulder for a good distance up the mountain. After a while though, another hiker offered to carry the pole for us for a while. This hiker was actually part of the team going up Mt. Pierce, and his effort was greatly appreciated. We caught back up with him and his team at the junction with the Mixpah Cut-Off, where we asked him to leave the pole anyways if he still had it at that point. By the time Liliana and I had gotten to the junction, some of our group had caught up to us, and we all took a break and talked with the other groups at the junction as well.

Taking a break after carrying the pole for a while

More of our group and another group at the junction

On our way up the Mizpah Cut-Off to the Webster Cliff Trail, more of our group caught up to us and we had a good number of people by the time we got to the hut for a short break and a little rest. When we left the hut, Liliana wanted to try taking the flag pole for a little while. She picked it up and put it on her shoulder, but decided it was a little heavy and a lot awkward for her. The pole does take some getting use to and you need to get it in the right position for it to be comfortable. So with Liliana saying it wasn't for her, our group leader Jim took the pole and was able to carry it the rest of the way to the summit. Liliana and I did well to stay right behind Jim until just before the summit, where Liliana started to slow down a bit.

Mizpah Hut for a short break

Liliana testing out if she can carry the pole

On the bog bridges shortly before the summit

We were all at the summit with plenty of time to spare before we needed to setup. And once the rest of the group came up from the Webster-Jackson Trail, we started putting everything up. We enlisted the help of any of the younger hikers to hold the flag or help raise it up the pole. The only problem we had today was getting the rocks we put around the base of the pole to stay where we put them and keep the pole from tipping over.

A young group member holding the flag

Liliana helping to raise the flag

After the flag was up, we did our normal moment of silence, pledge of allegiance, and other short speeches about the day and thanking everyone for coming/helping. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of wind today, so the flag wasn't blowing around that much. The weather was nice though and there were lots of friendly hikers on the mountain today. My daughter was also thrilled with how many dogs were out as well.

Kevin leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Partial group photo

Larger group photo, with most of our core group members

The view north from the summit

The view south from the summit

Liliana next to the flag

After our normal 2 hours of flying the flag, we took down the setup and returned the rocks back to where we found them. For the descent, all of our group headed down the Webster-Jackson Trail down to route 302. It is steep and slow going at the start, especially while carrying the flag pole, we everyone was able to get through the hard parts without and real issues. With everyone hiking their own pace, most of us got a little spread out along the trail, periodically running into each other depending out who was taking a break. The hike down went smoothly for everyone, and after a ride back to our truck from Brian, Liliana and I joined some of our team for dinner at the Woodstock Inn before we headed home. This was my daughter's 3rd year participaing in Flags on the 48, and she is already looking forward to next year's event. Hopefully we can find a way to get my other daughter to want to come so that her and my wife can participate as well.

Folding the flag up

Descending the steep upper sections of the trail

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

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Mt. Webster (3,910 ft), Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft) 10-9-21

Distance: 8.4 mi.
Elevation: 2,139 ft. (Overall) 2,859 ft. (Total)
Time: (With a 7 yr old setting the pace) 3:08 (Webster) 4:57 (Jackson) 8:31 (Total)
Trails: Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Branch, Webster Cliff Trail, Jackson Branch, Webster Jackson Trail

Even though she has only done a handful of peaks on her 52 With A View list so far, my oldest daughter has been wanting to try and hike a 4000 footer. So today's hike of Mt. Webster and Mt. Jackson seemed like a good fit. We could get her another 52WAV peak and if she made it that far it wouldn't be too hard of a hike to get her up Mt. Jackson as well.

Leaving Crawford Notch the trail starts off pretty gentle and then works into a couple steep and rocky sections. Liliana did great with this and enjoyed picking her own route through the rocks. The early fiew from Bugle Cliff was nice spot for a short break and snacks. It also showed her how far we had already come. I challenged her to find my truck in the now filled area along route 302... it is foliage season after all.

Liliana climbing a steep rocky section

View from Bugle Cliff

We made great progress up to the split of the Webster Jackson Trail and had played leap frog with a few other families doing similar hikes to us today. Going up Mt. Webster first we went right at the split and carefully worked our way down the steep section of trail that leads to the brook crossing and waterfall. This was another great spot to take a break for some pictures and a well earned snack. The trail is steep to start going back up for the crossing so a small rest would help get a 7 year old up the next bit of trail. She enjoyed trying to sneak some of my trail mix while I took pictures anyways.

Waterfall just after the split of the Webster/Jackson branches

The trail keeps climbing steadily up to the ridge before Mt. Webster. Liliana did great going over the mixture of rocks and smooth trail and we made good time given her shorter legs. Once we got up to the ridge she was getting excited to hit our first peak of the day and to see our view into and across Crawford Notch. Picking your way over the rocks to get to the actual summit was a bit tricky because there are a few extra paths and some large rocks to climb over. There could be a couple extra painted blazes up there to help out.

Getting closer to Mt. Webster

While on the summit we enjoyed a big rest and a surprise snack that I didn't tell Liliana about... big chocolate chips cookies. Liliana enjoyed the great views and me pointing out other peaks and points of interest to her. There were a few Gray Jays around as well begging for food and eventually we were able to get a couple of them to come eat of Liliana's hand. She was a bit nervous when they first landed, but she thought it was really cool even though their feet feel a bit funny on your hand.

Crawford Notch from Mt. Webster

Presidential Range from Mt. Webster

Gray Jay begging for food

Liliana was feeling good still so we decided to continue on with our plan of heading over to Mt. Jackson for her first 4000 footer. The trail between the peaks is pretty easy and only gets steep towards the end going up the last bit to Mt. Jackson. Liliana enjoyed seeing the different types of plants and mushrooms as well as another pair of Gray Jays. The few bog bridges and short steep drops or climbs added some nice variety too and she was also excited when we got to those.

Nice easy hiking between the peaks

We made good time between the peaks for how big of a hike this was for Liliana. She got even more excited as we neared the summit of Mt. Jackson as she had been looking forward to getting her first 4K. When we got to the stop she was super happy even though the clouds had come in more on our way over. We had more of our cookies and met some nice people including one very friendly dog and his owner. Liliana was able to get the dog to do a couple tricks for snacks. She was also able to see someone finish their NH 48 4Ks on the same peak she was starting hers on.

Liliana enjoying a snack and the summit of Mt. Jackson

Liliana celebrates her first 4K

The clouds coming in and getting lower

After enjoying the summit for quite a while, we had to figure out what route we were going to use to descend back to the truck. We could go back down the steep and rocky Jackson branch of the Webster Jackson Trail or we could try to hike over to the Mizpah Hut and use the Mizpah Cutoff Trail and descend the smoother but longer Crawford Path. At this point I knew that either way we went we would likely need a headlamp by the end of the hike. Liliana really liked the idea of hiking to the hut as she wanted to see it and I liked that idea as well (I know how slow she goes down steep and rocky trails). But as I went through my pack making sure of what I had for headlamps I found that I had forgot my second headlamp that I thought was in my bag and only had one. If I had both I was planning to go to the hut and then down, but with only the one lamp for both of us, I decided that taking the shorter route would be better in hopes that we could get back closer to the truck before we needed to share it.

A rocky descent

The descent from Mt. Jackson went as I was expecting and was at times almost painfully slow. Liliana did great at being careful coming down the steep rocks off of the summit and then over the very rocky terrain after that. Her shorter legs come down those bigger rocks slower than I am use to, but I was still happy since Liliana didn't rush and do anything that would have caused her to trip or get hurt. This was why I was liking the idea of going down by going to the hut so we could have avoided this section of trail. I guess I need to do a better job checking my pack before hiking with someone else. At least I carry the one headlamp as an extra at all times. After the trail joins back up with itself we made better time. I reminded Liliana we should try to make good time before we needed the headlamp as we would slow down after that. She did good at keeping moving when needed, but her feet and legs were getting a bit tired. In the dark we found a method that worked well for lighting the trail for both of us and we made the last push out to the truck. It was time to take our boots off and get some supper on the way home after a big high five celebrating Liliana's first 4K and her biggest hike yet.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Webster (3,910 ft), Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft), Mt. Pierce (4,310 ft) 9-22-12

Distance: 8.4 mi. (Mtn) 0.6 mi. (Road) 9.0 mi. (Total)
Elevation: 2,431 ft. (Overall) 3,261 ft. (Total)
Time: 2:36 (Webster) 3:31 (Jackson) 5:22 (Pierce) 6:49 (Total)
Trails: Saco Lake Trail, Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Branch, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path

The only other time I have hiked the southern presidentials was on the last day of my presidential traverse back in June. I decided it was time to head back and get the southern end again. The plan was to hit Mt. Webster first as I decided not too at the end of my traverse. After a view of the notch, I would head up to Jackson. I would then do Mt. Pierce, my favorite of the southern peaks on the range. If time was looking good and my legs were feeling up to it, I would also try to hit Eisenhower too.

Weather for today was supposed to clear off mid to late morning. When I parked at Mt. Clinton Rd, things were clear to the northwest, but still fully clouded in the notch. I headed around the back of Saco Lake rather than walk the road. Then I started up the Webster Jackson Trail. This trail was steeper than I remember it from coming down. One long steep rocky section certainly jogged my memory though. Things went good to the break in the trail. I head right towards Webster. Right off you go down a steep rocky bit of trail to get down to the brook that forms Silver Cascade. With the clouds and occasional drizzle, the rocks were slick and I took my time. I stopped for a photo of the waterfall, then headed back up an equally steep and rocky bit to get back above the brook. While the trail had some smooth rock patches, the trail wasn't too slippery. Eventually it starts to level out more and soon you are at Mt. Webster. So far it didn't appear the clouds had lifted at all as I could only see at best 150 feet. So much for that view down into the notch. With the wind and no view, I headed back out after just a couple pictures.

The trail to Jackson is well worn and went well. There were a few steep bits that were a bit slick with all the moisture, so I managed to go slowly and safely down near the edges. The steep rocky bits just before Jackson weren't as slick as I was expecting, so they weren't too hard. On the summit of Jackson there were just a few other people. While taking a break, the skies were trying to clear with patches of blue sky mostly to the west and a bit to the south. The summit of Mt. Washington was viewable occasionally through a couple breaks.

After a nice break and a dry shirt, I headed out. Very quickly I slipped and fell on the damp bare rocks. I only banged my hand and elbow, so I kept going, albeit slower and more carefully. The trail to the hut goes by easily and has many bog bridges. At the hut, there were around a dozen people. I took another break and went in to buy a snack of some bread. When meal time came around at the huts on my presi traverse, the thing I enjoyed most was the fresh bread.

After my snack, I headed up the steep and rocky trail leaving the hut. Going up the switchbacks and rock steps was a bit slow, but I wasn't in a big rush. When I got to the open area just south of the summit, I sat on the rocks here in the sun and had a quick break taking in the view. The last time I was here it was getting a bit hazy and the clouds were coming in. Today the only clouds were seen over towards Maine. Soon I headed up to the summit where a small group was already there. By this time I had decided that I wasn't going to tag Eisenhower today. I had gotten a little later start than planned, the rocks had been slick earlier making it a bit slower going, and my legs were getting a bit tired. No need to push things. Instead I would take my time and enjoy the day more.

On the summit I talked to a few people including some thru hikers. One had started in GA and hiked to PA, then headed to ME to hike back to PA again. His hiking partner today was jumping around on the trail doing 200-300 miles at a time. Shortly after they left, I also headed down to the Crawford Path to head back to the car.

The Crawford Path went well and wasn't as rocky as I expected given the amount of travel it gets. This wouldn't be a bad way to come back up. There was a good size group of parents and kids on the way down. The kids were probably around 6-8 years old. They were all headed to Mizpah Hut. Shortly before Gibbs Falls, there were 3 croo members spread out carrying up supplies for the hut. The third one appeared to have 2 nice pork loins on his back. I don't think I could have snuck one away from him. I took the short path down to the falls for a few more pictures. Then I headed back down to the road and back to my car. I was back early enough I could take my time and still be home before dark. Not something that happens a lot when you have to drive at least 2 hours to get to any of the four thousand footers.

All in all it was a good hike. The lack of view from Webster was disappointing, but how nice the day turned out made up for it.

Brook above Silver Cascade

Webster Jackson Trail (Webster Branch)

Not much of a view into the notch

Nearing Jackson

Starting to clear up

Pierce and Eisenhower from the bog

Mizpah Spring Hut

Down the range where I have already hiked today

Washington from Pierce

View from Pierce

Crawford Path

Gibbs Falls

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE