Zealand Mountain via Zeacliff Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Zealand Mountain via Zeacliff Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: -o- Loop

Distance: 12.73 miles

Elevation: 2,782 feet

My Time: 8 hours, 8 minutes (6 hours, 39 minutes moving)

Book Time: 7 hours, 45 minutes

Parking: Ample parking with overflow lot at Zealand Trail Trailhead ($5 Day Use Fee)
Hiking Challenges: New Hampshire 4000-Footers; New Hampshire Appalachian Trail

The Hike 

So I had been having car troubles since I got back to New Jersey from Florida. I got quoted $6,500 for a fix, which had me gasping for air. I called Ray's mechanic, who, in a thick Irish accent, said "oh shit man I don't do those repairs any more I'm too old," and Christien's said "listen you'll pay the same no matter where you go but the dealership will get it done faster." I brought the car back to the dealership after finding my warranty paperwork, which looked promising, and basically said "what do I do I can't pay $6,500 but I have this warranty." After 45ish minutes the service advisor comes back with a piece of highlighted paper, kneels down, and shows me what the paper said. It was an email from Honda from the same morning saying that they have extended the warranties for all 2017-2021 CRVs because of an engine problem, and because Honda extended their warranty, the repair would be FREE. I think my soul left my body.

ANYWAY, with that, I was advised to not drive my car until the fix, which will happen sometime next week. Yesterday, Chrsitien offered for me to borrow his car, which was super nice, and once I was done being stubborn I accepted the offer and drove up to hike Middle Sister. He was off today, so we decided to go hiking again! I proposed three possible hikes, knowing that he loves a water feature: Mt. Moosilauke via Gorge Brook (not much water, but treeline), Mt. Chocorua via Champney Falls, or Zealand Mtn. via Zeacliff Trail. None of the hike were horribly strenuous and all had views, but we ended on Zealand because of how many different views and water features, and that it would still be stunning even if we were socked in the clouds.

Knowing he doesn't like the super early mornings that I like, so I let him choose the time we were to leave, and he said 5:36 - specific, but sounds good! He got up at 4:30am, I got up at 5:00am. I was ready by 5:15am because I simply move quickly in the morning, so I tried to help him get ready, but I think I stressed him out instead (oops). I sat patiently, playing my New York Times games, and we were out the door just before 6:00am!

Our drive started with a listen to Sara Barellis's new album: Good Grief, which was slower music than I usually listen to on these morning drives, but the music was very pretty and poetic. This brought us directly to Hooksett (literally had 10 seconds left in the album when we parked), we had a potty break and stocked up on food. We stopped at the Tilton Walmart 20ish minutes later so I could grab a quick shirt to hike in for the day - I foolishly only brought my mid-weight merino long sleeve, and it would be far too warm for that. The second half our drive featured the newest episode of Normal Gossip, and we made it to the end of Zealand Road just after 9:00am! The main parking area was pretty busy for a Friday morning, and there were a few groups of hikers getting ready for their days. To my dismay, I didn't realize this was a day use fee area, and neither of us had our $5 (sorry, USFS!). We made use of the bathrooms, got suited up, and it was time to being our journey!

[9:18am - Start of hike on Zealand Trail] 

Our hike began on the old railway bed along the Zealand Trail, passing a mini-grove of ghost pipes. The trail was delightfully flat underfoot as we passed the "2.8 miles to Zealand Falls Hut" and official Zealand Trail signs. The morning spider webs were all off-trail (thanks to the hikers before us), and the off-trail survivors were illuminated with the morning dew and sunlight. It was a nice 67 degrees out, but it was HUMID!

[9:25am - Zealand Trail/Departs FPA]

The trail soon became more rocky and rugged and then departed the Forest Protection Area - this change of character is due to a relocation of the trail off of the rail bed, likely due to flooding/erosion. The trail brought us across a few bridges over (currently) minor streams, eventually rejoining the old railroad bed. The hobblebush in the forest were starting to show their fall color of dark red. 

Now alongside the Zealand River, there were a few herd paths on the left to see the scenic river, with a few cascades and swimming holes. The trail begins to menauver around the river, crossing it numerous times on bridges and a couple rock hops that were easily navigated. We were slightly swimming upstream, crossing paths with dozens of hikers leaving the Zealand Falls Hut. This whole hike in was wonderfully scenic and we kept saying that if it stayed like this we could hike forever!

[10:04am - Zealand Trail/Boardwalk]

We eventually arrived at the section I was excited to see for the first time - the beaver ponds! This section was marked by views of nearby mountains (possibly Mt. Tom on the left?) and views across the numerous (or one large?) ponds. There was a wonderful boardwalk lined with red berries and "common wrinkled-leaf goldenrods." 

We took a break in the woods for a quick snack and for Christien to put on my extra socks (he wore ankle socks which was already causing problems). We were cheered on by an increidbly yappy duck. The views to Mt. Tom increased with mostly cloudy skies and very humid air. We dipped back into the woods along the wetlands for a bit as we approached the junction with the A-Z Trail.

[10:23am - Zealand Trail/A-Z Trail]

[10:25am - Zealand Trail/Enters FPA]

I was now in slightly familiar territory, as Sarah and I had hiked this section this past December. We hiked over a lovely bridge and then entered the Forest Protection area just after. The Zealand Trail paralleled Zealond Pond here with a lovely view to what I think is the Zeacliff mass with maybe Hale's south peak behind? The pond levels were noticeable low and we could hear the rush of Zealand Falls in the not-too-far distance. 

[10:30am - Ethan Pond Trail]

We continued through the junction with Twinway onto the Ethan Pond Trail. I naturally took a photo of the sign(s), and a guy made a joke about "now you won't get lost!" - in hindsight it feels a little cheeky, but I took it playfully!

[10:33am - Ethan Pond Trail/Departs FPA]

We hiked along the still-delightfully flat railroad grade, eventually passing three backpackers along the way. The trail was narrower here and maneuvered some more eroded stretches (featuring a few rocky sections and dips), but overall it was pretty nice walking. 

We excitedly existed the woods onto the magnificent talus slope of Whitewall Mountain. It was cloudy and hazy out which made for some spooky views. Naturally, I took a ton of photos right away, but we continued on towards the Zeacliff Trail, where we would take our first break.

[11:00am - Zeacliff Trail & Break]

We hiked just a few feet down the Zeacliff Trail and found a nice spot to sit in the talus field. There was a commanding view to the landmass of Zeacliff on the right, and Carrigain and the Hancocks were through the haze on the left. Behind us was the namesake white-wall of Whitewall Mountain. It was wonderfully quiet here - the only sound was the Whitewall Brook running below. 

[11:15am - Zeacliff Trail]

We continued into the Pemigewasset Wilderness and I warned Chrsitien about wilderness trails and their more rugged character. We wiggled through the talus slope and tight blueberry bushes (Christien shouted "are you SURE we're on the trail?) a couple times - I was sure, he's just used to hiking out in Utah! The trail turned left and went into the woods. We noticed just a few very faded blue blazes, I guess from before this was a wilderness area? The trail then truly PLUMMETED down to the brook, with soft, careful footing needed to avoid slipping. It was borderline comical how steep this drop was. 

After a few minutes of praying our feet didn't slip, we landed in the valley, which was actually delightful and scenic. Soon after flattening out, we arrived at teh crossing of the scenic Whitewall Brook. It was pretty easily rock hoppable, even though I dipped a toe into the water. If I was using my poles I am fully confident I would have survived unscathed, but truly the water felt nice! Christien followed in my footsteps, except he decided to dunk a whole foot. He was not happy about this, but ultimately he said it felt kind of good!

After the river crossing, we hiked past some swamp asters and goldenrods, and then arrived at the base of an old slide, which marked the start of the climb up. I found some information on it through Steve Smith's document "LANDSLIDES OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS": 

"There has apparently been at least one slide in the 1900s on the west side of Zealand Notch, scarring the steep eastern flank of the prominent ridge that descends south from Zeacliff. For more than half a century from its opening in 1923, AMC Guide descriptions of the Zeacliff Trail (originally designated as part of the Zealand Ridge Trail) have noted that it used a slide for the first part of its ascent out of the notch. As the 1963 edition described it: “Crossing the [Whitewall] brook it ascends the foot of a slide. About one-fourth of the way up the slide the trail diverges R and follows near the slide although the slide itself may be followed.” By the 1972 edition the slide was described as “overgrown,” and it was last mentioned in the 1983 edition. Part of this small slide can be seen in a 1939 aerial photo, but it has long since been completely revegetated"

We slogged up the initial boulder mess and onto the next... mess of boulders. This was steep climbing! Footing was... fine, but relatively unpleasant. The two of us were basically fighting for our lives and pouring sweat (I used the word pouring becuase I don't think there's a single word that accurately how intensely we were sweating). It wasn't hot out, but my god was it humid. 

Partway up the initial climb, we heard commotion - it was a man with a full backpack and his dog! This would be a beastly trail to descend. The dog was definitely surprised to see us. He was an addorable mid-sized dog probably in the poodle hybrid family. His coat was dark grey with black splotches and a dark green doggy backpack. We said our hello's and continued on. A couple minutes later we met another down-hiker who asked if we had met Ernie - the dog's name was Ernie! We chatted a little and she said this was her first hike, to which both of us were shocked. I said "you really picked a hell of a trail!" and she said it was her cousin's idea, which was Ernie's owner. She then yelled to him "ROBBIE!" and took off.

We continued to suffer up the mountain side, but eventually the trail rounded a shoulder and mellowed out for a bit in a more-open forest full of hobblebush and old blowdowns. I caught a bug in my hand and offered it to Christien as a gift. His response was "you are so thanks," which paints a picture of how tired we were. There was a very light passing shower overhead, which was more than welcomed. 

We began to climb a bit moderately again, climbing along a spide with hardly noticeable tree views to mountains on either side. We saw our first and only pile of moose poop and felt something we hadn't felt in a white - a breeze! The trail skirted a cliffy area and then we arrived at the next segment of the trail: the wet scrambles!

The wet scrambles were just as such - wet, and required use of all fours. Thankfully, three points of contact were always achievable, and my upper body is only a little tired today as I am writing this. We started to feel glimmers of hope as we could see a couple very obstructed peek-a-views to Carrigain Notch through the trees. We hit one particularly tricky scramble, but it led to a slightly better view of Carrigain and Carrigain Notch, so it was more than welcomed.

The trail's footing improved afterward (but did not get good), as it climbed through seas of bluebead lily (I am now realizing that I was calling all bluebead and trout lily trouy lily this past spring - who knew there was a difference! The leaves are the main tells). The USDA website describes the berries as such: "These blue berries may look appetizing, but they are not blueberries. Although they are not poisonous, they are quite foul tasting and should be avoided. The appreciation of this plant should be in its viewing, not its flavor."

We soon rounded the shoulder of the mountain, the trail turned into a bedrock sidewalk, we exited the Wilderness, and we made it to the Twinway!

[12:51pm - Twinway]

We did a quick pit stop at the Twinway junction so I could wring out my shirt (NECESSARY) and swap out my water bottles. The Twinway was an absolute delight after twhat we had just hiked! It was wonderfully flat at first and lined in blueberries! We spent a couple minutes descending easily with pretty good footing and then reached the Zeacliff Pond Spur.

[1:11pm - Zeacliff Pond Spur]

[1:14pm - Zeacliff Pond]

As a sucker for a side quest, of course I had to follow the spur. The spur entered the Pemigewasset Wilderness and descend mostly easily with rocky footing down the shoreline of the small pond, which was truly a delight to see. Water levels were expectedly low, but we couldn't walk too far out because the ground was extraodinarly squishy and moist. We watched the dragonflies buzz about, and especially liked the bold red ones (the white-faced meadowhawk). We noticed the rocky knob on the right that we would soon be scrambling up to. 

Our return trip to Twinway was nice and easy, and we were soon back on task!

[1:20pm - Twinway]

Back on the Twinway, we had a brief moment of relatively flat walking before we started to climb-climb again! The trail first got rocky, then it got scrambly, and then maneuvered up a large wooden ladder that is missing it's second rung. We worked our way around some mud and up a slab to the top of the knob seen from Zeacliff Pond. Poking around, there were some views, too! We could make our Stairs, Resolution, and Crawford through one hole in the trees, Mt. Webster through another, Mt. Carrigain a bit further over, and we could make out Zeacliff Pond, which was effectively straight down. I excited said "we can see the pond!" as two thru-hikers passed, and they were just as excited for me!

We descended slightly from the knob and reentered some lovely trail. We saw some tree views to the Twins (with an impressive slide on North Twin) on the right and a minute later could just make out some of the Northern Presidentials, which still had some cloud cover. A topic question came up: how many rocks does one step on during a hike? And to clarify: stepping on a rock means the sole of one's foot touches a rock detached from the earth that is at least one square inch in size. We roughly concluded it was 1.25x or 1.5x the hiker's overall step count for the hike. This is open to refinement.

From here, the trail rambled through some boards and mud pits, keeping a relatively steady pace. We climbed up and over a false summit area strewn with old blowdowns and young conifers that exfoliated our legs. Christien helped me get my visor out since we were facing directly into the sun here, and after a bit more hiking, we were at the Zealand Mtn. Spur trail!

[2:00pm - Zealand Mtn. Spur]

I can't remember if the spur trail had this adorable sign when Gen and I hiked out here in 2021, but I was sure delighted to see it! What I do remember is that when Gen and I hiked it, it was a busy superhighway of day hikers, Bonds traversers, and Pemi Loopers all trying to tag the viewless summit. Plus, last time it had rained a bunch so the full spur was a sloppy, flooded mess. Thankfully, it was more or less a delightful 0.1 miles on this day!

[2:03pm - Zealand Mtn. Summit]

In just a few minutes we were at the top of Christien's first 4000 Footer! I told him that if he gets bit by the hiking bug he'll have fun telling people this was his first one, becuase I feel like this is a relatively uncommon first. We booped the sign and found spots to sit for our snacks and hydration. Christien ran out of water just before here, but I always bring extra, and we had the hut not too far away.

We sat for some good time just enjoying the solitude. There were very obstructed tree views out to nearby peaks, and eventually a juvenile grey jay joined us! I had told Christien about them, but I was glad he was able to see them! The juvenile had more of a speckled pattern to his feathers, and he was very brave! Eventually, two more adult birds joined him - they did NOT get any of our food! 

As we sat, we could feel the cold front beginning to blow in. Some breezes were warm and some were CHILLY. We both got a little chilled up here, so after 20ish minutes we packed up and started our return!

[2:25pm - Zealand Mtn. Spur]

[2:28pm - Twinway]

We cruised down the Zealand Mountain Spur and turned left back onto the Twinway for some backtracking. In the higher, flatter stretches we had a lovely breeze that alternated between warm and cold. We pretty mindlessly made our way to the top of the knob over"looking" Zeacliff Pond, and then carefully worked our way down the wet slabs and semi-tricky scrambles. We caught a few views to the Presidentails that were poking out of the clouds just for a moment. I had a medium loud yawn near the top of the scrambles, and it had the most insane echo I had ever heard. It reverberated incredibly quickly, almost like a yodeling woodpecker? 

[3:06pm - Twinway/Zeacliff Pond Spur]

[3:15pm - Twinway/Zeacliff Trail]

The steep section concluded at the Zeacliff Pond Spur, and then some more easy hiking brought us to the junction with the Zeacliff Trail. Time to continue the loop section of our hike! We noticed a bunch of mountain holly on either side of the trail - not sure how we missed it before. The berries looked so yummy but after a quick search on the computer just now, it turns out that we made the right call to only stick to blueberries. The trail was MUCH warmer here, and I knew we were approaching the Zeacliff Spur when we entered the land of 1,000 bog boards, some of which were rotted and flooded.

[3:18pm - Zeacliff Spur]

The Zeacliff Spur junction was incredibly scenic, formed by a three-way junction of bog boards over water. The spur followed a few more boards and then wonderfully soft dirt. We crossed paths with a duo who told us to enjoy the view, and landed at the viewpoint as another duo was departing. 

[3:20pm - Zeacliff]

For lack of a better word, the view is absolutely insane. I remember when Gen and I were planning out Hale-Zealand-Bonds hike, I read over and over again that Zeacliff is touted as one of the best views in the Whites, and I sure do agree. Similarly to all of my recent White Mountain hikes, I absolutely love revisiting old viewpoints because I know what I'm looking at now, which is just the best!

The first thing we noticed was the Ethan Pond Trail cutting through the talus slope of Whitewall Mountain and then the Whitewall Brook river valley below - we were able to mostly trace our route up on the Zeacliff Trail, which was so much fun. Behind Whitewall was Jackson and Webster, and behind them on the right was Stairs, Resolution, and Crawford. 

Moving to the right, we had the mountains surrounding Carrigain Notch, the Hancocks, and many, MANY more peaks beyond. Far on the left we could see Jefferson, Clay, and Washington, which was back in the clouds. We were both tired and ready for dinner, so we didn't stay too long, but boy did we enjoy the view!

[3:26pm - Twinway]

We backtracked to the Twinway to start our descent, which was ultimately fine but felt a bit like a slog. The grade was moderate with decent, rocky footing basically the whole time. Nothing exciting, nothing dreadful, all of it was just... the same. I noticed my watch was on low battery, which was also a huge bummer! We were tired and in and out of the void, but again, it ultimately was totally fine. 

[3:54pm - Twinway/Enters FPA]

We felt some relief when we entered the Forest Protection Area after crossing a little stream. Just a few minutes later we made it to the crossing of Whitewall Brook above Zealand Falls, which Gen and I had to fully submerge our feet in last time to cross! There were a bunch of guys swimming in a swimming hole a bit further down the trail - it was a BEAUTIFUL day for it! If we weren't hungry for dinner, we would have probably stayed a bit longer. 

[4:03pm - Twinway/Lend-a-Hand Trail]

We crossed another branch of the brook, which was just a sliver of a natural water slide, and then came the junction with the Lend-a-Hand Trail. I joked about adding in Hale real quick, and he said "see you at the car!" From here, the Twinway descended along the brook and falls moderately, soon landing at the beloved Zealand Falls Hut!

[4:07pm - Zealand Falls Hut]

We took a sit at the hut, refilled waters, and enjoyed the falls for a bit. Someone was celebrating their birthday in the hut, so we kept to the outside. I washed my face off in the water and Christien enjoyed staring off into the void. Whatever they were cooking inside smelled wonderful! Again, we could have styaed up there for hours, but we had dinner on the mind!

[4:20pm - Twinway]

The Twinway descended moderarately with more rocky, but stable footing for a few more minutes, passing a wonderful falls lookout on the way, before bottoming out at the outflow of Zealand Pond, which I guess flows both toward Whitewall Brook and Zealand River.

[4:29pm - Zealand Trail]

[4:33pm - Zealand Trail/Departs FPA]

[4:35pm - Zealand Trail/A-Z Trail]

Back on the Zealand Trail, we started our cruise out. We loved seeing folks swimming on the Falls from Zealand Pond, and then we left the Forest Protection Area and passed the junction with the A-Z Trail again. We briefly admired all the views of the ponds, but kept a steady pace.

[4:46pm - Zealand Trail/Boardwalks]

We were absolutely loving the flat railroad beds and had a good discussion on the difference between a boardwalk and a bridge as we crossed... the boardwalk over and through the beaver ponds (we never hit a conclusion). Blue skies were still shining, but there were also some dark clouds rolling in. 

A red squirrel stopped to pose for us for a while, so naturally I took dozens of photos. We then began our wiggle across the two streams and over many, MANY bridges. As we got onto a relocation, the woods became DARK and a light drizzle ensued. My watch tragically died around the 12 mile mark, but thankfully we were amost done! We also crossed a cross-country trail we didn't notice on the way in - I'm curious about the network of cross-country ski trails in the Whites.

[5:20pm - Zealand Trail/Enters FPA]

We enjoyed some flat and then it was back on a rocky, now-wet relocation again, which required just enough brain power to force us to lock in. We rejoiced when we rejoined the old rail bed again and even more at the Forest Protection Area sign. We turned a corner gently, and were soon back at the parking area, with NO TICKET on the car! We did it!

[5:27pm - End of Hike]

We changed into our apres clothes once back at the car, had a very careful drive out (his Civic did NOT care for the dirt roads), and worked our way to the Woodstock Inn and Brewery! We each had a drink, shared some soft pretzles (the beer cheese was to DIE for). He had a mediocre burger and I had a wonderful pulled pork quesadilla. Afterwards we did a quick walk around North Woodstock and started the long drive home. We listened to two episodes of Normal Gossip and I stopped a couple times - once for an energy drink and once for some popcorn. 

That night, I would have the best sleep I would have since the family issue of August 10th!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Zealand Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto Ethan Pond Trail (AT).

- At jct., turn left onto Zeacliff Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Twinway (AT).

- At jct., turn left onto Zeacliff Pond Spur.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Twinway (AT).

- At jct., turn right onto Zealand Mtn. Spur.

- Summit Zealand Mountain.

- Turn around and retrace steps on Zealand Mtn. Spur.

- At terminus, turn left onto Twinway (AT).

- At third jct., turn right onto Zeacliff Spur.

- At Zeacliff, turn around and retrace steps.

- At terminus, turn right onto Twinway (AT).

- At terminus, turn left onto Zealand Trail.

- Return to car.

Map

Photo Album

Abraham, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf Traverse (Mt. Abraham Ecological Preserve/Appalachian National Scenic Trail)

Abraham, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf Traverse (Mt. Abraham Ecological Preserve/Appalachian National Scenic Trail) 

Hike Type: Traverse

Distance: 15.32 miles

Elevation: 5,200 feet

My Time: 11 hours, 10 minutes (9 hours, 28 minutes moving)

Book Time: 10 hours, 15 minutes

Parking: Parking for 5-10 cars at gate on Caribou Valley Road. Limited roadside parking at the bridge washout on Rapid Stream Road.
Hiking Challenges: Maine 4000 Footers, New England 67, Operational Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Sarah arrived around 9:00pm last night, and due to the forecast we were reluctantly planning on hiking the Crockers and Redington, BUT to our delight the weather had cleared when we checked in the morning! We then pivoted to hiking the Abe-Spaulding-Sugarloaf Traverse instead to maximize the views. We were up at 6:00am and out around 6:40am. Thankfully, we were super close to the AT trailhead. The drive to the trailhead on Caribou Valley Road was listed as 30 minutes, but took close to 45 with the condition - it was by far the roughest road I'd driven on. The potholes weren't even the main issue - it was the exposed culverts and ditches before bridges - sketchy! We each scraped the bottom of ours cars once on the way up. At least it was a beautiful day!

We dropped my car and Sarah hit three culverts on the way out as we shuttled around to Rapid Stream Road, which was listed as 45ish minutes, but took well over an hour from point to point. Rapid Stream Road was in... better(?) condition than Caribou Valley Road - it was just ROCKY. We did see a deer and a house cat(?), so that was fun. There were some interesting camps tucked away along the road, and the real winner was discovering the bridge was out! Online I could find that Rapid Stream Road suffered significant damage from Hurricane Irene in 2011. It seems the bridges were repaired in 2015 with the current iteration, but they were destroyed again in [unknown]. A local snowmobile club built a snowmobile bridge sometime in the past few years, and refurbished it even more recently, but that too has been washed out at the time of this hike!

After a good giggle, we parked the car before the first bridge washout and started to suit up. We decided to start barefoot to ford the stream, even if it COULD have been rock hoppable, we decided to save the brain power and just walk through.

[8:16am - Start of Hike]

[8:25am - Crossing the Rapid Stream]

We started our hike without shoes, which involved carefully stepping our way down to the former snowmobile bridge to the left of the washed out bridge. Temps were in the upper 50s and it was a dream! I made it half way across the stream when Sarah asked "where are your boots?"... they were in her car. I walked back and forded the stream again with much success!

The second crossing was deeper, so I followed a path to the still-intact bridge and put my shoes on up there. Sarah spent some time playing with the stream, but ultimately decided to join me. Between the bridges there was a little island with plenty of mushrooms and slugs, it was a really nice area. There were also two guys just behind us who were hellbent on crossing with dry shoes - I think they succeeded? We let them get ahead of us. 

[8:38am - Actually start moving on Rapid Stream Road]

[8:39am - Right Turn]

Sarah joined me and we were FINALLY on the move! We hiked along the continuation of Rapid Stream Road and turned right at a junction, following a written sign for "Salem, Strong, Rangeley," eventually entering the Mt. Abram Trail Riders Trail System (sign), and the officialy Mt. Abraham Trail trailhead. I guess this used to be the official start of the trail before the major washouts. 

[8:51am - Mt. Abraham Trail Sign]

We turned right at the sign to follow the road towards the Firewarden's Trail (same trail as the Mt. Abraham Trail). The snowmobile trail we were following continued straight ahead to a washed out bridge, and the Firewardens Trail turned left into the woods.

[8:53am - Mt. Abraham Firewardens Trail]

The Firewardens Trail entered the dark, moody woods following blue balzes near a stream, on and off of an older route. The hobblebush was growing in, but was not obstructive of the trail. The trail turned away from the stream, later passing a small landslide before easily meandering through the forest and crossing a snowmobile road.

We hiked over some moose poop and descended to a scenic, mossy stream before crossing a few more streams. The trail then began to climb more moderately, stepping over and over and over moose poop. 

[10:18am - Firewardens Trail/Campsite]

We eventually came to the Firewardens Campsite, which featured some tentsites and a privy. The trail became a bit more moderate afterwards, paralleling some blowdowns that provided very small peek-a-views. We continued on, slow and steady for some time. We noticed some old telephone wire embedded in some older trees which was pretty cool! The trail felt decently relentless here, and it was WET. Thankfully, the sun began to shine!

The Firewardens Trail eventually entered a coniferous forest and became much prettier and more reasonable to climb. Sarah stopped for a snack, but I kept moving along, hellbent on waiting to see a view before stopping. The peek-a-views became more abundant, the flies found me, but soon I found myself entering the beloved Alpine Zone (NOTE: I didn't realize this was acutally an alpine summit, but BOY was I delighted!). 

[11:06am - Firewardens Trail/Alpine Zone]

One final push brought me into the Alpine Zone and a truly spectacular view from a rough, talus field. I knew this hike would be pretty, but I had no idea it would be this stunnnig! I took a nice break here while I waited for Sarah to join me. The main views were of Spaulding and Sugarloaf with the Rapid Stream Valley below. I could hear the water raging down in the valley with the Bigelows out in the clouds. 

Sarah joined me and out journey up the steep, loose talus slope began. This felt just like a climb in the northern Presidentials. The clouds were rolling over just above our heads and the views were seemingly endless. Higher up, I could start to see the Crockers and Redington. Darker, denser clouds were in the vicinity, but it was absolutly beautiful. We crossed paths with a few duos, including the two guys from the beginning of the hike. 

The Firewardens Trail entered the scrub and passed some small, alpine flowers like Bog Labrador Tea. This climb took us around 45 minutes, but any climb above treeline never feels that brutal. I hiked over a few giant spiders classic to the alpine zone and then saw the remnants of a firetower cabin just off of the trail (roof included!). 

[11:50am - Mt. Abraham Summit]

We soon landed at the summit, which was just spectacular. The spiders were abundant but wanted nothing to do with us. The flies were out, but generally tolerable. We booped the summit sign and absolutely gawked at the the fallen fire tower about 100' away from the summit, which fell in a 2014 windstorm. The views were incredible. The Bigelows were popping through the clouds, Sugarloaf and Spaulding were near and proud, Saddleback (!) and The Horn were standing behind the fallen tower, and with some maneuvering I think I could make out the Crocker and Redington, too. It was really just wonderful. We spent some good time up here exploring and snacking, but eventually some more hikers arrived and and the flies got the better of us. 

[12:21pm - Mt. Abraham Trail]

Now, the joy we were feeling was slightly cut short as we began to descend from the summit, which was similarly akin to a painful northern Presidential descent (aka: Rock Hell). Thankfully, the views were still wonderful (we just loved being able to see Saddleback, one of out favorite mountain to ski). We spent a little bit of the time in the woods before emerging on a final talus field. The trail slowly became more scrubbly before steeply descending the talus back into the woods. The final talus field had such a spectacular view.

The rest of the Mt. Abraham Trail was just a delight. A fine, soft footbed with scenic woods throughout. The bunchberry flowers were lining the trail as we joyfully followed the path, eventually landing at a trail register in the middle of a fir wave. 

[12:56pm - Mt. Abraham Trail/Register Box]

We were wildly confused at the register box seemingly in the middle of nowhere, we weren't quite sure what to even do with it. In hindsight, we should have signed a register card, but it seemed so random we didn't realize!

The rest of the Mt. Abraham Trail was similar in character - windy and delightful. The moose poop began to increase in frequency, but we never saw a moose (tragically). The ferns were abundant, but the footbed was crystal clear. We began to enter the Appalachian Trail corridor, amrked by abundant white blazes, and soon after we landed at the Appalchain Trail!

[1:24pm - Appalachian Trail]

The Appalachian Trail was surprisingly tighter than the Mt. Abraham Trail and had an impressive amount of moose poop - we even saw our first person in a WHILE! About ten minutes into this segment, Sarah took a nice tumble resulting in a butt touch (which by definition, means she owes me ice cream). We caught very limited peek-a-views to the talus slopes along Mt. Abraham, but overall it was a pretty solid tree tunnel. 

[2:03pm - Appalachian Trail/Spaulding Mtn. Lean-To]

We waved hello to a frog and came to the Spaulding Moutnain Lean-To, which we decided to check out for funsies. We ran into two trail runners who were running a LOOP with Sugarloaf, Spaulding, and Abrahm? We couldn't figure out how they were making that work, and frankly are still a bit confused, just doing the trail we're doing plus the roads would be upwards of 40 miles... I guess they could descend Sugarloaf via some ski trails to cut a few miles out, but that's still a LOT. Who knows! 

The Lean-To was nice. Not too big or small, with a privy and a spring nearby. The Appalachian Trail felt a bit more rugged from this point, getting wetter and mossier as we began to climb slowly and steadily. Clouds had overtaken the sky, but there were peeks of sunlight every now and then. We saw a peek-a-view to Saddleback and the Horn as the bugs began to envelope us. The trail steepend as we hiked past some flowering trout lily and starflowers, but to our joy, we came to the Spaulding Mountain Spur!

[2:40pm - Spaulding Mountain Spur]

There was no sign for the spur, but it was evident from the trail and blazed in blue. The final push got the heart pumping but was nice and short. We got a small view from a clearing that was growing in, and soon after was the summit, comically marked at 3988 feet.

[2:43pm - Spaulding Mountain Summit]

"4010'" was etched into the sign, assumedly after the last survey. Blue blazes continued past the summit along a flat, soft footpath to one more viewpoint.

[2:46pm - Spaulding Mountain Viewpoint]

This view was mostly enveloped in the clouds, but we took a nice sit for a snack and caffeine break. The bugs were alive and well, but not overly supressive. The clouds eventually revealed a view to an unknown-to-me peak, and on the way back we made out another view to Saddleback and The Horn. We descended the spur trail, soon rejoining our beloved Appalachian Trail.

[3:00pm - Appalachian Trail]

[3:30pm - Appalachian Trail/Maine C.C.C. Plaque]

The next hour-plus was filled with some really lovely, mindless hiking. The clouds were rolling overhead, getting darker and closer throughout. We went up and over a few humps, one of which had a plaque dedicated to the Maine Civilian Conservatioin Corps with some interesting history:

“MAINE C.C.C.

IN HONOR OF THE MEN OF THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS WHO, FROM 1935-1939, CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE COMPLETION OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MAINE AND WHO, ON AUGUST 14, 1937, NEAR THIS SPOT COMPLETED THE FINAL LINK OF THE ENTIRE 2,054-MILE TRAIL. DEDICATED AUGUST 14, 1987 BY THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB.”

Later on, we caught some very small peek-a-views back to Mt. Abraham, which really is such an impressive mountain. We traversed over a blowdown area and caught another, larger view back to Spaulding and Abraham on the right, up to Sugarloaf on the left, and vast valley that these mountains circle straight ahead - we were finally getting closer!

Just before the Sugarload Spur we passed what I think is the most adorable creature to ever exist - a young snowshoe hare! It looked like what baby bunnies in cartoons look like. Simply PRECIOUS. We weren't able to get any good photos, but I did catch one of it's behind as it hid from us behind a tree. 

The Appalachian Trail traversed a wet section with plenty of rock-hopping-rocks that was open enough to see the ridge up to Sugarloaf. We dipped back into the woods and soon were at the junction with the Sugarloaf Spur! We were excited to visit this third peak of the day, but also mindful about possible incoming storms. Neither of us had service on the AT, but we were hopeful that we would be able to check the weather once on the summit!

[4:14pm - Sugarloaf Spur]

The Sugarloaf Spur was rugged and wet, but with decently decent footing. The grade was moderate to steep at times (or were we just tired? The world may never know!). We followed the blue blazes, excitedly getting glances back to Spaulding and later to the towers atop the summit. We even saw a grey jay! I almost tripped on an Appalachian Trail survey disc, and then we were at the summit area!

[4:44pm - Sugarloaf Mountain Summit]

The summit area is pretty huge and fun to explore, even with the cloudy views. We roughly took a counter-clockwise route around the top, hiking near the helipad and then to a lovely viewpoint of the long Mt. Abraham complex with Spaulding on the right. It was very rewarding to see basically the whole route we had just hiked. We were able to check our phones - no storms! Just clouds!

We then hiked the rest of the trail up to the true summit, past the helipad and to a pile of rocks at the clear high point with a "4237 FT" painted in a faded blue. We enjoyed seeing the Crockers from here in addition to Abe and Spaulding. Looking down into the valley, we could trace the logging roads and rivers all the way into the towns. Maine is such a unique place, especially compared to the Whites. 

We checked out one of the radio towers that had a sign that read:

"NOTICE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING AT RADIO FREQUENCY SITES

1. Authorized personnel only allowed on this site.

2. Electromagnetic energy (EME) awareness training is required for personnle working on this site.

3. Posted signs must be obeyed at all times.

4. Transmitters must be disabled and owners notified prior to working on antennas.

5. Assume all antennas are active.

6. Base station antennas must not be operated in equipment room.

7. No stopping in front of antennas.

8. A safe distance must be maintined from all antennas.

9. RF monitors must be used when working near antennas.

10. Transmitters without shields in place must never be operated during normal operation."

We noticed a view down to Burnt Mountain and it's pseudo-alpine trail - I was hoping to hike that some point duirng my trip, too - and the Bigelows across the way from the ski resort. Sarah and I continued over toward an old, abanoned hexagonal building (I guess the old gondola top shack?) and ended up taking our snack break on the chairlift. It was a little spooky getting on the chair, and it DID rock, but it was fun! We were looking right at Abraham and Spaulding while I ate my pistachios. The only issue was that the flies had woken up the second we sat down, so we didn't stay for too long. When we left two teens had hiked up from the ski area, tried to get into the patrol shack, but when it was locked came and sat in the lift shack. They looked like they were planning on staying the night?

[5:07pm - Sugarloaf Spur]

We finished our counter-clockwise tour of the summit back to the Sugarloaf Spur, and our descent was relatively uneventful, minus passing one duo - we did the usual "how's it going?" to which one of the guys said "I need a defibrulator," which gave us all a good laugh.

[5:30pm - Appalachian Trail]

Back on the Appalachian Trail, it would be 2.3 miles to Caribou Valley Road/Caribou Pond Road, but it would be a slow 2.3 miles! We descended briefly past a guy backpacking shirtless and absolutely covered in bug bites, and then we traversed a wet section on muddy, partially submerged boards. It was pretty, though! 

We passed a rock "2000" and then another "2000 mi :)" written on a tree stump a couple minutes later. The trail remained wet and rock as it lightly began to descend in the woods, and then it began to open up to some lovely views across the drainage to Spaulding yet again. We could then see at least south Crocker, and maybe Redington? I was feeling both excited and timid to tackle that hike - another day!

The trail begins to descend with increasing views of the western bowl of sugarloaf with some impressive slides right at the headwall. We could see and hear the water rushing down! We briefly dipped into the woods before coming back out into the open, now (possibly) seeing both Crockers and the Carrabassett River far down below. The trail became more rugged with a few tricky scrambles, but moving slowly and steadily kept us nice and safe.

It got stupid steep, but at least it was scenic! Once back into the woods, we continued the steep descent on well-placed stone steps, passed a little baby snacke, and eventually reached the floor of the valley where the humidity must have been at 300%. We could hear the river and soon were following the drainage. 

[7:07pm - Appalachian Trail/Carrabassett River Crossing]

We found another AT survey disc and soon it was time to cross the river on... a cracked piece of wood? Oh my god. I already don't like river crossings, and this river was FLOWING and that board was wobbly. No matter, I took a DEEP breath and slowly but steadily walked right across. I had to turn my brain off, and I was simply shaking once on the other side. Sarah, the jerk, crossed it no problem. Comically (and smartly), the plank was held onto one side of the river via a wire leash, probably for when people inadvertendly knock it off or when a big rain comes and washed it away. The river was beautiful, at least!

[7:13pm - Appalachian Trail/Campsite]

[7:16pm - Caribou Pond Road]

We crossed a small campsite with a "KINDLE NO FIRES IN THIS AREA" sign, and hiked up to finally join Caribou Pond/Valley Road! We were absolutely delighted to be on the final stretch of our hike. We were tired, but had just enough in us to get out! The road was well-traveled and both tire ruts were grass-free. The final obstacle was crossing a super sketchy metal bridge that appeared to be falling into the river? It was totally fine on foot, thankfully! We crossed the bridge, hiked across the gate, and were ruinted with my car!

[7:29pm - End of Hike]

Oh but they journey is unfortunately FAR from over! I did an EXPERT job driving out of Caribout Vallond Road, only hitting the bottom of my car on the one exposed, shredded, plastic culvert, and then we had a nice, long drive to Rapid Stream Road, which was another slow, dreadful drive. Sadly, there was no chance that we'd made it to the Silly Goose Bar n Grill before it closed, and apparently we wouldn't make it anywhere before anywhere closed. There was one gas station market that still did hot food until ~9:00pm, so that's where we had our sights set!

I dropped Sarah at her car and ZOOMED at 5-8mph out of Rapid Stream Road to hopefully get us some dinner, but they had closed up shop for the day. Thankfully, I did get a delicious cookie! Our final pivot was to the Dollar General, where we got frozen dinners to heat up back at the condo. I got mine right away, and Sarah joined about 20 minutes later. It wasn't the Silly Goose, but it got the job done!

Back at the condo we had our showers, had our dinners, and got right to bed because tomorrow was our Saddleback day!

Step-by-Step

- Drop car at the gate on Caribou Valley Road.

- Park at washed out bridge on Rapid Stream Road.

- Carefully cross Rapid Stream, then follow woods road up to bridge.

- Hike Rapid Stream Road, turning right at the fork.

- Arrive at the original trailhead, turn right towards trail.

- At sign, turn left into woods onto Firewardens Trail.

- Follow Firewardens Trail to Mt. Abraham.

- From summit, continue on Mt. Abraham Trail towards the AT.

- At terminus, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Spaulding Mountain Spur (no sign).

- Summit Spaulding Mountain and check out view past summit, then return.

- At AT, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Sugarloaf Spur.

- Summit Sugarloaf Mountain, explore!

- Descend via Sugarloaf Spur.

- At terminus, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- Carefully cross Carrabassett River.

- At jct., turn right onto Caribou Valley Road.

- Return to car.

- Obtain other car.

Map

Photo Album

Poplar Falls via Maine Huts & Trails, Warren’s Trail, & Narrow Gauge Path (Penobscot Free Land)

Poplar Falls via Maine Huts & Trails, Warren’s Trail, & Narrow Gauge Path (Penobscot Free Land) 

Hike Type: Figure-8 Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.30 miles

Elevation: 617 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Book Time: 3 hours, 57 minutes

Parking: AMPLE parking at Airport Trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

I had a super easy drive from the Reed Brook Falls trailhead to the Airport Trailhead - my next destination! This hike would follow trails in the Maine Huts and Trails system to Poplar Falls. I didn't know much about this trail system, but it seemed like a perfect hike for a rainy day! The weather was cooperating for now, with storms expected sometime in the 3:00pm hour. At the trailhead, it was brighter out and a little misty. There was a HUGE parking area - I assume it gets a lot of attention in the winter. I was able to fix my hip belt with an old multi-tool that has lived in my car for YEARS, yay!

[12:40pm - Maine Hut Trail]

My hike started on the Maine Hut Trail, which followed a gravel path through a flowery meadow near the airport featuring abundant orange hawkweed. The mist was actually feeling kind of nice! I crossed a junction with another gravel path, continuing straight in this "runway protection zone." 

[12:44pm - Maine Hut Trail/William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge]

[12:46pm - Maine Hut Trail-Airport Trail]

I soon crossed the William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge over the wide, scenic Carrabassett River. On the other side of the bridge, the Maine Hut Trail turned right and then immedaitely veered left onto the woods, coinciding with the Airport Trail. 

The Airport Trail was a little grassy, so I put some bug spray on to attempt tick prevention. The Maine Hut Trail was blazed with white diamonds while the Airport Trail had blue squares. I paralleled the gravel road (Huston Brook Road/Narrow Gauge Path), which paralled the river. There were some deer tracks in muddier spots and a cute little slug racing me (I won). I hiked over a few culverts and maneuvered one step-over blowdown - this was quite a pleasant walk!

I got two mosquito bites, which convinced me to put bug spray on the rest of my body now. I passed an old road, dodged some slugs, and admired an eft! The road started to turn away from the river at exactly 1.0 miles. There were so many slugs at this point where it would be statistically impossible that I hadn't squished one. I slowly began to hear the sound of Poplar Stream, and then I approached the Carriage Road.

[1:09pm - Maine Hut Trail/Carriage Road]

[1:09pm - Warren’s Trail]

I crossed the Carriage Road and decided I would follow Warren's Trail on the left side of Poplar Stream and eventualy make this hike into a lollipop loop. Ahead on the Maine Hut Trail, there was a bridge over the stream, but I would save that for later.  I turned left onto blue-blazed Warren's Trail and started my journey on the soft footpath along Poplar Stream.

I realized that the blazing for this trail system is like the Appalachian Trail - the main trail is white and connector trails are blue. Warren's Trail descended to the bank of Poplar Stream which had tannin-dyed water and some large boulders strewn throughout. The trail appeared to have been partially relocated in places likely due to erosion from floods. I meandered around some mossy boulders and then slightly rose above the brook onto a more stable footbed - the water was so pretty down below.

I loved watching the river interact with the boulders, rushing through chokepoints and relaxing as the riverbed grew wider. I was catching a few spider webs and rock hopped across a slippery stream before rambling upwards away from the main stream. I climbed up some stone steps, which was the first time my heart rate rose all day. A sunnier area of trail was full of high ferns - the sun was really trying to poke through the clouds, but the clouds continued to win the battle (and the humidity!). 

I caught some tree views to the other side of the riverbed, which was far below me now. I hiked past some really cool lichens that resembled swamp monsters, and later entered a younger forest full of tall, skinny, abundant trees and slightly descended back to the water, ultimately leading me to the falls!

[1:47pm - Warren’s Trail/Poplar Falls]

A side path descended along the river's bank to a nice view of the falls, and another more eroded path just after led toa  closer view. These falls were lovely - not as wonderous as Reed Brook, but still an absolute delight! I took a few photos, and then climbed up the trail to join the service road, which crossed the top of the falls on a bridge suitable for cars.

[1:50pm - Warren’s Trail/Service Road]

[1:52pm - Warren’s Trail]

I enjoyed the view down the stream from the top of the bridge, and then turned left just afterwards to hike the remaineder of Warren's Trail towards Larry's Trail. The trail on this side was similarly wet, mossy, and slippery, but pretty! I skipped a side path down to the falls and continued across some SUPER slippery boards. I tired to talk myself out of going to the hut because I was feeling lazy, but I couldn't check in until 4:00pm anyway, so at the terminus of Warren's Trail, I turned left onto Larry's Trail toward the hut.

[1:57pm - Larry’s Trail]

I was immediately rewarded with my decision to not be a baby with a WONDERFUL trail. The footbed was wide and soft, rising easily to moderately at most. It was truly a delight. I made it over a height of land, and Larry's Trail then terminated back at the Maine Hut Trail, which coincided with the Poplar Stream Trail.

[2:01pm - Maine Hut Trail-Poplar Stream Trail]

The trail here was basically a service road with medium-at-best footing. There was a cool breeze, which felt heavenly in this dreadfully humid weather. The Maine Hut Trail neared a branch of the Poplar Stream, passing a decomposing wasp nest on the ground. I entered a clearing with a strange building - must have been some river gauge type thing? Just after there was a peekaview into a gorge-y area, but I didn't get off-trail to explore.

I passed an old blaze that said "Maine Huts and Trails - Mahoosucs to Moosehead" - I wonder if that's an old slogan? Maybe the original goal was to connect the two regions but they scaled down?

[2:08pm - Hut Spur]

[2:10pm - Poplar Stream Falls Hut]

I climbed up to the height of land and turned left to hike the spur to the hut - I had no idea what to expect! The spur was short, and soon I was at the hut area, which was much larger than I had expected!

There was one main building and three seperate bunkhouses. A sign at the main building said it was closed for the season - I wonder what season it's open for? From the Maine Huts and Trails website:

"The Northwoods Nook

Poplar Stream Hut is the closest hut to our Kingfield office and can be accessed from the Airport Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley. Reaching the hut requires crossing land owned by the Penobscot Indian Nation and leased by Maine Huts & Trails. Please be respectful of the land and wildlife as you enjoy a gentle ascent alongside Poplar Stream to some spectacular waterfalls on the way to the hut.

Visiting Poplar Stream

This off-grid eco-lodge is open primarily during our winter season (late December through mid March) for private room overnight stays. During the winter season, day visitors on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy delicious soups, sandwiches, and beverages from 12:00–2:00 p.m. Overnight winter guests can choose full-service trips on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (meals included and optional gear shuttles) or self-service trips (pack in/out gear and prepare your own food) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The hut is currently not open during our summer season, but the surrounding trails are great for summer day hikes. Don’t miss visiting the two waterfalls along the way! Bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip under the falling water.

Staying at Poplar Stream

Guests at Poplar Stream Hut will enjoy a quiet woods nook with easy access to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Poplar Stream Hut utilizes the nearby South Brook for hydroelectric power, and has hot water, heat, indoor plumbing, a full commercial kitchen, and electricity for guests. The hut also offers a unique lofted library and game room. Bunkrooms are kept at temperatures around 55°F during winter. Due to the remote nature of the hut, be prepared for limited access to power outlets and cellphone service. All rooms at the huts are booked as private accommodations, with 7 bunkrooms available at Poplar Stream Hut. We do not book shared rooms with other groups. Please bring a pair of shoes or heavy socks to wear inside when you take off your trail shoes and boots. Removing outside shoes helps us keep the hut clean and ready all our guests.

Getting Here

The Airport Trailhead is the closest starting point for Poplar Stream Hut. The intermediate level Maine Hut Trail from the trailhead takes trekkers through rolling woods and along Poplar Stream to climb up to the woodsy hut. Explore on Larry’s or Warren’s Trail to see views of the waterfalls! All huts are accessible by our trail network by using people-powered modes of transportation like biking, hiking, skiing, fat biking or snowshoeing. We have put together a list of driving directions to the best trailhead for each hut to get your car as close as possible and the best trail route for each hut to get you the rest of the way."

[2:13pm - Maine Hut Trail - Poplar Stream Trail]

Back on the Maine Hut Trail, I continued along, deciding against backtracking to Larry's Trail (even though I'd get a view of one more waterfall) simply because I did not want to backtrack - onward! 

I noticed on the trail signs that it seems bikes are no longer allowed, I wonder why? I hiked with some horse prints towards the next height-of-land, which was at a dammed pond that ultimately feeds Poplar Stream. I turned a corner and crossed the stream on a bridge and there were little fish underneath! The trail got grassy here, which was unpleasant, but I was accepting of it. 

The trail followed the stream down low on the right with pretty wonderful footing after some wet grass, eventually starting to descend past some massive mushrooms. I walked across some SLIPPERY snowmobile bridges and many frogs, eventually bringing me to the lower junction with Larry's Trail.

[2:38pm - Maine Hut Trail/Larry’s Trail]

The sign read just 1.8 more miles to the Airport Trailhead - yay! The Maine Hut Trail began to near Poplar Stream again with occasional views down to the water.

[2:45pm - Maine Hut Trail/Poplar Stream Bypass]

A few minutes later, the Poplar Stream Bypass trail turns off on the left, which looked more like a snowmobile trail that does not get much summer use. I continued on, running level with the stream, and soon coming to the bridge over Poplar Stream, closing the lollipop loop! 

[2:49pm - Carriage Road]

I decided to go rogue to avoid thinking and instead of following the Airport Trail I would do a road walk back. I turned left onto the very quiet carriage road, which featured a needed lovely breeze. The skies were ready to start raining at any moment it seemed! I passed an empty camp on the left as I descended on the Carriage Road, eventually coming to a gate with a sign that read:

“THE CARRIAGE ROAD IS CLOSED UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE. THE CARRIAGE ROAD IS A PRIVATE ROAD AND AN OPENING DATE IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME. 5/20/2021” - sign at gate.

After the gate, the road transitioned from gravel to pavement with more homes on the right and the river on the left. 

[2:55pm - Narrow Gauge Path]

Next, I turned right onto Huston Brook Road, which doubled as the Narrow Gauge Path. I passed a ton of absolutely adorable A-Frame homes donned with ski memorabilia. Eventually, the road came to the Carrabassett River. I came up to an open gate that was signed as closed, but was clearly open:

“THIS GATE IS CLOSED TO PROTECT THE ROADWAY FROM DAMAGE DURING THE SPRING MUD SEASON BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. **PEDESTRIAN FOOT/SKI/BIKE TRAFFIC TO CONNECT WITH THE NARROW GAUGE PATHWAY IS ALLOWED**” from sign at gate.

I could sneak a little peek to the Airport Trail through the woods as it paralleled the road, felt a few specks of mist, almost stepped on a small dead snake (and three slugs munching away on it), and spooked a pileated woodpecker. 

[3:12pm - Narrow Gauge Path/Maine Hut Trail]

[3:13pm - Maine Hut Trail/William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge]

I joyfully made my way to the bridge and saw DARK skies downriver - I think I timed this hike perfectly! The crickets were chiping throughout the meadow, and I soon was back at my car!

[3:17pm - End of Hike]

I packed it in and the SECOND I closed my car door, the rain began! I passed a big deer on my drive to Sugarloaf and took a stop at the Mountainside Grocers. My check-in was super easy, and an owl cheered me on as I unpacked through the rain - it was a perfect start to vacation!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Maine Huts Trail from Airport Trailhead.

- After crossing bridge, veer left to stay on Maine Huts Trail (coincide with Airport Trailhead)

- Cross carriage road, then turn left onto blue-blazed Warren’s Trail.

- At Poplar Falls, turn right onto Service Road (coinciding with Warren’s Trail), cross bridge, then turn right again to stay on Warren’s Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Larry’s Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Maine Huts Trail (coincide with Poplar Stream Trail).

- At jct., turn left to Poplar Stream Falls Hut.

- At hut, turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Maine Huts Trail-Poplar Stream Trail.

- At Carriage Road, turn left onto Carriage Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Narrow Gauge Pathway.

- At bridge, turn left onto Maine Huts Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Maine Huts and Trails System

Photo Album

Reed Brook Falls Trail (Kingfield, ME)

Reed Brook Falls Trail (Kingfield, ME)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 1.07 miles

Elevation: 177 feet

My Time: 31 minutes

Book Time: 37 minutes

Parking: Parking for 3-4 cars at trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

[DISCLAIMER: Per tradition, I fell violently behind on my hike journaling this summer. It is currently August 24th, 2026 at 10:59am, my car is in the shop, and it's time to get caught up!]

It's finally summer vacation! As I always do, I celebrated the last day of school and blasted off for some MUCH needed time in the mountains. The goal of this trip is to hike all of the non-Baxter State Park Maine 4000-Footers. I will be staying at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in the Sugartree Condos. I woke up a little hungover from the last day celebrations, but made it on the road before 8:00am. The weather was going to be raining all day, so I found a couple waterfall hikes in the Carrabassett Valley area to explore to get things started. I started listening to the "Love Trapped" podcast which kept me 100% locked in during my drive. 

I made it to the Reed Brook Falls trailhead at 11:45am, threw on my [formerly] waterproof boots and got to hiking. It was a chilly 62 degrees out, but it felt lovely. On Google the trailhead was listed as "Jericho Steps Trailhead," so I had "Joshua fit the battle of Jericho" stuck in my head... There were abundant signs and flowers at the trailhead, including the white-and-pink sweet william and the budding purple large-leaved lupine. At 150' feet, I passed a "Release the Hounds" sign.

I entered the woods and wound through a young, dark forest. The nearby road was loud, but slowly the sounds of water overtook that of automobiles. I had recently fixed my broken hipbelt, but it turned out that I had fixed it incorrectly and put one on backwards... ugh. Thankfully, I soon got over my woes becuase I turned to join the rushing water, which was just beautiful. The trail got a little confusing here, especially with some blue blazes across the stream (which in hindsight may have just been property markings), but the trail never crossed the stream. 

The path was nice and soft as it gently gained elevation along the brook, crossing smaller streams along the way. There were some "this way" signs and more cute mushrooms. Later, the trail split. On the left were the stone steps and the right was the high water/icy bypass - I took the stairs, which were not as exciting as the sign led them to believe. 

Soon, I could see the falls through the trees, and as I came up to them I went "oh... OH!" because they were absolutely spectacular! I was stunned at how impressive these falls were, especially for such an easy hike. The trail came to a clear end at the base of the falls - this was an insane effort:reward ratio. It took my 19 minutes to get there - time to head back!

Naturally, I slipped on a root and smashed my knee into a rock soon after starting my return trip, also while on the easiest hike of my trip. About halfway back, I crossed paths with an older woman and her dog that were both super friendly, and right where the trail turns into the woods I passed a group of ~7 teens followed by two more VERY friendly hikers who were SHOUTING "hello!" Soon enough, I was back at my car. This was an EXCELLENT start to vacation!

[EDIT FROM THE FUTURE: It looks like the access trail is relatively new, and there used to be a bridged crossing of Reed Brook! https://mainebyfoot.com/reed-falls-carrabassett-valley/]

Step-by-Step

- Park at Trailhead.

- Start hike on Reed Brook Falls Trail.

- At Reed Brook Falls, turn around.

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 10.82 miles

Elevation: 3,120 feet

My Time: 4 hours, 49 minutes (4 hours, 42 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 58 minutes

Parking: Parking for plenty of cars at Sherburne Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: New England 50 Finest, Long Trail Side-to-Side

The Hike 

First Day of Summer!

I didn't realize it was the first day of summer until I got here and thought "huh the sun sure is up?" Emma, Sarah, and I got lunch at Martells at The Red Fox near Smuggs, and then I had a scenic (but painfully slow) drive (behind a confused Tesla) through Smuggler's Notch. I wasn't sure what my hiking plans would be, but after scouring the weather I ultimately decided on Pico - a mountain I grew to love this past ski season and one I'd been interested in hiking since I had so much fun skiing it (and it's on the New England Hundred Highest list!). 

I drove past a fox near Stowe and had a shockingly easy drive on I-89. There were some moody skies between Exits 6 and 3 with showers clearly in the distance, but they all seemed to be north of Pico, so I should be fine? I wasn't going to let myself talk myself out of it regardless. Once I was near I drove through a veil of rain that slowly revealed Pico in it's sunny, green glory! I parked at the Sherburne Pass trailhead right at the height of land on Sherburne Pass. It took exactly two episodes of "Love Trapped," the podcast to arrive (I am HOOKED). There were a few other cars (and a van) at the trailhead. It was breezy out with temperatures in the low 70s - I was manifesting dry skies, but I was also accepting that I'd likely get rained on. I got suited up, read the historical marker right at the trailhead, and got my hike started!

"LONG TRAIL LODGE

Long Trail Lodge was built on the south side of Sherburne Pass in 1923 as a gift to the Green Mountain Club by Mortimer Proctor, former club president and later governor of Vermont. The rustic-style clubhouse, built of timber and stone from the site, privided overnight accommodation for members and guests. Managed by Treadway Inns since 1933, it first welcomed skiers for the 1938-39 season and added Deer Leap Chalet as a winter annex in 1938. The lodge remained a popular destination until destroyed by fire in 1968. The Long Trail, conceived by the Green Mountain Club in 1910 and completed in 1930, follows the spine o fthe Green Mountains from Massachusetts to the Canadian broder. The original route of the trail passed dthrough the lodge.

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation - 2024" from Historical Sign on US-4

[2:48pm - Start of Hike]

[2:49pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

I started by RUNNING across US-4 towards the Long Trail Lodge and entered the woods on the right toward the Sherburne Pass Trail and Deer Leap. There was a split in the trail, with a climber's route on the left and the hiking trail on the right. I entered the woods, relieved myself, realized I hadn't started my watch, and almost followed an old section of abandoned trail - doing great! The Sherbune Pass Trail was pretty rugged without gaining much elevation with super steep cliffs up on the left. I hiked past a bunch of really cool looking rocks and descended slightly. US-4 was super loud even from the trail.

The recent storms had dome some damage to the woods in central Vermont, and there were some VERY recent blowdowns here to show for it! I passed a sign at a low point that encouraged hikers to stay on the trail and to avoid cutting switchbacks. The trail was wet but not nearly as wet as it could have been with recently storms. I crossed paths with a friendly hiking family as I climbed up a steeper and more rugged section, which led to the junction with the Appalachian Trail!

[3:02pm - Appalachian Trail]

[3:03pm - Deer Leap Trail]

I was only on the Appalachian Trail for a minute on a flat stretch and then the Deer Leap Trail started just after. I turned onto the Deer Leap Trail, listening to what I assume was a sportsmen's club in the distance (or at least I hope it was!), and smiled as the sun came out from behind the clouds. I could feel the humidity in the air, but overall it was pretty comfortable. On my journey, I heard what MUST have been a loud truck on US-4... or...

I did check my weather app and it did say that there were storms in the area, but it was looking okay near me? Onward!

The trail climbed a bit more and then leveled out in a wet, but not muddy, section. I heard the mysterious booming truck again, but also an airplane? Strange things were happening in Sherburne Pass! The trail slightly descended to cross some muddy boards before easily climbing again to the junction with the Overlook Spur.

[3:12pm - Deer Leap Overlook Spur]

[3:16pm - Deer Leap Overlook]

I crossed paths with a woman and her puppy at the junction, said my hello, and then continued hiking through some beautiful woods with tree views to Deer Leap Mountain on the right. The trail started to descend, and then descended more (I was being dramatic, it wasn't that much), crossed a couple of bridges, and then opened up to the overlook with truly a spectacular view of Pico! There was a blue "X" on the highet point and I couldn't help but notice a DARK cloud looming behind Pico... The dark cloud started to rumble, so I got myself right back into the woods. I thought I MIGHT get spared based on the wind direction... We'll see...

I had a nice and easy return to the Deer Leap Trail, which would lead 0.9 miles to Willard Gap, per the sign.

[3:21pm - Deer Leap Trail]

The Deer Leap Trail STEEPLY descended from here, and it was clear that most people hike the overlook as an out-and-back. There was a steep, slimy scramble that was a little confusing to follow. I was just happy that I decided to the hike in this direction, so I'll end with an easier descent off of Pico versus having to haul my tired body up this mess. The trail became narrower and buggier, traversing a super wet area and climbing up a little stream. I crossed paths with two... casual hikers, and gave death glares at some screaming blue jays that were yelling at me. 

[3:35pm - Deer Leap Mountain summit area]

I worked my way over a few blowdowns as the trail steepened. I wrote in my notes "this little side quest of mine packs a punch!" The trail skirted the summit cone and left the National Forest Boundary. There were clouds overhead again, but it wasn't like, dark? I was feeling less worried. There WAS a lovely breeze, though!

There were some tree views on the left and cool rocks on the right before the descent really began, and I managed to accidentally follow a steep needly herd path which was NOT the trail. Thankfully, I noticed quickly and soon got back on the real trail. I entered a sea of hip-high ferns, but the footpath was clear. The trail became a muddy stream in a flatter spot, which provided me my first real boot-sucking mud experience of the year!

[3:49pm - Appalachian Trail]

I descended a little bit more and soon came to the Appalachian Trail, which I thought was still both the LT/AT, but nope! I turned left onto the AT right as my watch pinged two miles. Naturally, the trail was much wider now. I walked over a stream through this wonderuflly flat strech of trail, which was a nice break from the down.

[3:53pm - Willard Gap, Maine Junction, & Long Trail/Appalachian Trail]

Soon after, I came to "Maine Junction," which took me too long to realize why it was called that. This is the spot where the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail split! I continued straight onto the LT/AT, the Long Trail Northbound turned right, and there was a closed/abandoned trail on the right. This was also Willard Gap... I think. I noticed there was some construction going on at the junction, too. A gravel foundation bed with two boxes? Maybe a kiosk was going in? I also thought it would be a fun spot for a dual-privy, but probably not that. 

The LT/AT began to descend at very easy grades from this point before gently rising to cross some wet spots and streams. The forest here was really pretty with lush, low undergrowth filling in the space between trees. The trail crossed some form of property boundary before descending again, providing a glimpse through the trees to US-4. I almost stepped on an eft as I was trying to figure out what kind of undergrowth was surrounding me - turns out it was the wood nettle! I've only experienced nettle stings once before, and I do not want to deal with it again! Thankfully I escaped unscathed. 

I was sad that I forgot to bring chapstick with me, but I was happy that the knot in my hip belt was holding strong. I passed some form of a backpacker with an external frame pack in a super wet spot as I continued on into a shadier forest which featured the ROARS of US-4 as a soundtrack.

I passed a few signs (bear country warning, road crossing warning, and a trail relocation warning, even though the trail was relocated in 1999), a few slugs, and another backapcker as I prepared to cross US-4!

"YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY

This area has an active bear population. Bears have approached tents and shelters, eaten hikers' food, and destroyed hikers' equipment.

Observe these guidelines to keep your party safe: 

- Follow all food-storage procedures if staying at designated overnight sites

- Use bear boxes where provided to store food and scented items

- If primitive camping, prepare food and hang bear-bags at least 100 feet from campsites

- Pack out all garbage and food scraps

- Do not feed bears or approach bears

-  If you encounter a bear, do not corner it. Make noise to scare the bear away. Back away slowly.

Please report any bear encounters to the Green Mountain Club by calling (802) 244-7037."

"Caution: road crossing.

Cars on route 4 drive fast.

Wait for a break in traffic.

Walk across the road straight (not on a diagonal)."

"Notice of trail relocation

- The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail hav ebeen relocated in this area. 

- This relocation puts trails on public land in a permanently proected corridor.

- The former route of the LT/AT remains open and will always be available to the hiking public. It is now called the Sherburne Pass Trail.

- The new LT/AT trailhead is on US 4 one mile west of Sherburne Pass."

[4:14pm - LT/AT crosses US-4]

I, again, SPRINTED across US-4 and got right back onto a trail, which first walked through a wildflower roadside area before turning right to pass more wildflowers (turning left led to a large parking area). I noticed I was also on the Catamount Ski Trail right here as I went back into the woods, passing a kiosk and crossing a bridge over a nice brook.

[4:18pm - LT/AT/Catamount Ski Trail Departs]

The Catamount Trail continued straight ahead as the LT/AT turned left, passing a porcupine warning!

"Dog Danger: Pico is operpopulated with prickly porcupines!

A local ceterinarian reports that he has de-quilled many dogs that were off leash and encountered porcupines on Pico. Apparently the porcupine population population has surged. If you aren't sure your dog knows to avoid porcupines and don't want your hike ruined by an encounter, please leash your dog."

I remembered seeing the same sign when I hiked up Killington last year! The LT/AT continued on flat ground, traversing some boards, and then began to easily gain elevation again. The trail had been really nicely graded at this point. I was back in a similar woods as the other side of US-4, but instead of nettles, it was filled with ferns. There was a nice breeze with many birds singing all around. The humidity was a lot, but thankfully it wasn't too hot out.

I started to catch some afternoon spiderwebs as I maneuvered some more wet spots, eventually crossing with a duo. One of the hikers was manhandling a blowdown off of the trail - thank you, stranger! I began to climb again, still at a reasonable grade. The trail turned with the contour of the mountain, zigging and zagging along. I passed another eft around a section of small streams before rambling through an area full of boulders. There was one spooky cave with room for a couple of folks laying down!

I hurt my own feelings when I checked my progress - I had SO MUCH more to climb! Oh well. I began to climb with steeper switchbacks in a wild area. I could hear running water off to the right as I zig zagged up the mountain, but never actually saw it. There was a nice walking break after a few minutes of climbing and I heard... an airplane? I think it actually was an airplane this time! I eventually crossed the stream that I had been hearing - a wobbly rock almost took me out! I wiggled around some more new blowdowns and then came up to the shelter that I had completely forgotten about!

[5:02pm - Churchill Scott Shelter spur]

I followed the blue blaze to the shelter, but I heard people at the shelter so I just swapped my water bottles at a tentside near the privy and then continued on my merry way! I didn't prepare any water for this hike, so I had to buy a gallon as I drove through Stowe, which was all fine, but I missed my Nuun!

[5:07pm - LT/AT]

Continuing on, I lamented about my climb not even being halfway done, but I think the problem was less that I was tired or bored, but more than my internal hiking clock is not used to hikingin the late afternoon. I did find myself enjoying drinking actual water versus electrolytes... The LT/AT continued to zig zag up the mountain, passing a sunny, overgrown spot with the occasional peek-a-view to who knows what. It was still very hazy outside, but significantly less cloudy. Will I make it out dry? The answer is no, but because I'm sweaty. Rain? We'll see!

I said hello to my third eft of the day as I climbed more consistently toward a false peak-ish area that provided views to the sky through the trees, but I still had a ways to go. The trail passed an overgrown viewpoint and a downy woodpecker before rambling through an area of overgrowth. I was growing impatient/tired as I continued climbing via zig-zags with occasional walking breaks. My watch pinged six miles and I entered a more mixed forest that smelled simply wonderful. The trail leveled out for a bit here - the flat dirt felt amazing on my tired feet. 

I could just barely make out Killington through the trees as the trail began to undulate. I heard either a crow or raven absolutely screaming through the trees. I scraped my way through an area of thin pines with scratchy undergworth (fir wave??) before flattening, descending, flattening again... I was REALLY getting tired of the endlessness! I had to physically crawl under a blowdown and just as I complained about another flat/down, I hit the junction with the Sherburne Pass Trail! Thank goodness.

[5:57pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

This junction gave me a whole lot of information on a bunch of different signs! It was 0.3 miles to the Pico Camp, 0.7 miles to the Pico Summit, and 3.2 to Sherburne Pass - the three bits I cared about! I could just barely see the top of Pico through the trees and I accepted that I might have to race the sun down the mountain. 

The Sherburne Pass Trail was a narrower blue-blazed trail. To my dismay, I continued to descend through what felt like a wild jungle. 

[6:03pm - Sherbune Pass Trail/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

After a few minutes of descending, the Sherburne Pass Trail crossed the Killington-Pico Interconnect, which was really cool! It's just a wide gravel road, but it felt like I was somewhere where I shouldn't have been, even though it was totally okay! The trail went back into the woods, which were exceptionally moody. I soon passed a "water source down trail" sign, and then I arrived at Pico Camp!

[6:08pm - Pico Camp & Pico Link]

Pico Camp was a small cabin with a closed door, but it didn't looked locked. I was not going to f- around and find out, so I left it alone! There was a privy out in the woods a bit on the same contour. From here, it would be 0.4 miles to the summit!

[6:12pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

I climbed up through a rocky stream and then a short, steeper push to cross the Interconnect for a second time, providing a view to Killington through the trees. Back in the woods, the trail continued to be steeper and wet. This push felt like the final push up Killington, even though it was less steep (still steep, to be clear, but the push to Killington was STEEP steep). I crossed paths with a human - the first in a while - and I wrote in my notes that "this climb is a Grade-A doozy."

[6:20pm - Pico Link/Ski Area]

After some questioning of my life choices, I popped out onto the Fourty-Niner ski trail, which I had skied before! I briefly hiked through the woods again before opening up onto the other fork of Fourty-Niner. It was fun to be somewhere I had been before! I worked my way up on the footpath between the tall grasses, which led right to the top of the Sherburne Express Quad, providing a magnificent view. 

[6:24pm - Pico Mountain Summit]

Behind the patrol shack, I spooked a snowshoe hare and found the true summit, marked by a grassy cairn. On a nearby communications tower, some ravens were having a wild conversation. The bugs slowly moved in, surrounding my head in a way that made me feel like I was being swallowed by the air around me. Unpleasant! I throught about skiing the old Poma line and worked my way back to the lift. I loved seeing Abraham, Ellen, Camel's Hump, and Mansfield, and I could see Killington behind me!

[6:36pm - Pico Link]

[6:37pm - Pico Link enters woods]

[6:42pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

The bugs quickly went from bad to worse, so I BOOKED it back into the woods. I almost died on some wet spots of the Pico Link, but soon I was running through the Interconnect and back safe at the Pico Camp. I turned left to finish the last bit of the Sherburne Pass Trail.

[6:45pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

[6:54pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Summit Glades View]

I passed the water source from a previous trail sign and then the Sherburne Pass Trail began a lovely ramble around the contour. This ramble brought me to one of my favorite trails on Pico - Summit Glades! The view from here was just delightful, especially in the late afternoon sun. The trail actually started descending at this point, and I was thrilled to remember that becuase of how I did this loop, I would be descending significantly less than what I climbed. 

I was feeling an immense sense of joy and gratitude when I realized that not only did I not get struck by lightning on this hike, but I didn't get rained on, AND it turned out to be a stunning afternoon! I hiked down a series of long switchbacks at a reasonable grade and per tradition, the trail then flattened out and crossed 50 streams (more like 5-6). I hiked over a big, bright eft and hurt my own feelings (again) by checking the map (again).

Thankfully a breeze brought me back to life. I was having truly a wonderful time, but I was so upset that it was 7:15pm on a Sunday and I was dreadfully far from home. I then said to myself "don't Monday my Sunday," and I felt better! I crossed a little spur onto the Bushwhacker ski trail, but I didn't bother with it and kept my sights set on the car. 

The trail got wet and slippery afterwards, and after some more hiking turned a corner and I could hear US-4! Naturally, this was the worst section of trail I had hiked all day. I wondered if the upper bit had been relocated, because this was a wet, eroded mess (and I'd later learn that this used to be the Appalachian Trail!). 

[7:35pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Trail Register]

I arrived at a trail register at a junction with an old, grassy road. I turned left and basically ran out of the woods to the parking area. This was a FANTASTIC hike!

[7:38pm - End of Hike]

As I packed up the car, I noticed someone rock climbing onto Deer Leap! That was fun to see.

I worked my way home, and noticed a lot of damage in the Woodstock area, and then I realized I was driving right through the tornado path! I got a few pictures along the river - the damage was intense. 

I eventually got home just before 11pm. I was TIRED, but what a great day.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Sherbune Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.

- Cross US-4 and start hike on Sherburne Pass Trail (N).

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct. just after, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Deer Leap Overlook.

- At overlook, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At Maine Junction, continue onto Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- Cross US-4, continue on LT/AT.

- At jct., turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Pico Link.

- Summit Pico Mountain, turn around.

- At terminus of Pico Link, turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- Follow Sherburne Pass Trail to car.

Map of Coolidge Range

Photo Album

Mt. Ascutney via Futures Trail & Mt. Ascutney Parkway (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Mt. Ascutney via Futures Trail & Mt. Ascutney Parkway (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Hike Type: Figure-8-ish Loop

Distance: 10.38 miles

Elevation: 3,051 feet

My Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes (4 hours, 33 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 42 minutes

Parking: Parking after first building on right of campground loop (turn left before Mt. Ascutney Parkway and then turn right to start one-way loop, sign for parking on grass, limited parking, $5 fee).
Hiking Challenges: Mt. Ascutney State Park, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New England 50 Finest

The Hike 

Juneteenth Weekend! I was heading up to Emma's to help her move and do a bucket list hike of mine - hiking from VT-242, over Jay Peak, and all the way to the Canadian Border at Journey's End! Naturally, I planned to sneak a hike in on the way up. I had a late Thursday night followed by an EARLY Friday morning. I had a fever dream of making it to Pitcher Mountain in NH to see the sunrise, but that simply did not work out. My alarm went off at 2:45am and I ended up snoozing until around 3:20am and I was out the door at 3:40am. 

The extra little sleep was beneficial to me - my drive to Hooksett was delightfully not-too-sleepy (minus the last 10 minutes). I apparenly hadn't been to the Hooksett Northbound rest area in a while, because they finished renovating! It looks great and is much more open, now. The bathrooms were closed for cleaning, leaving only the single-stall family restroom open and a line of people. I had to pee, but was going to try to wait. I got gas, started to leave, and turned right around, NEEDING to use the bathroom. Naturally, as I left the bathroom, the main bathrooms opened on up!

My drive along I-89 was mostly on auto-pilot, causing me to miss my exit... twice! I made it to Mt. Ascutney State Park at 6:20am, but spent around 10 minutes trying to understand the parking situation. When you enter the state park and pay your fee, turn left at the Mt. Ascutney Parkway (the auto road). You'll come to the start of a one-way loop, turn right. There will be a building on your right and a small parking sign, park just after the building on the grass. At least that's what I ended up doing and didn't get in trouble (also don't tell them but I only had $2 to throw into the Iron Ranger). 

[6:36am - Start of Hike]

My hike began on the gravel loop road around the campsites. Many folks were waking up and doing their morning camp chores. I happily walked along the road, turning right when the loop turned left. There were a couple of signs for "Futures Trail" that guided me along with my AllTrails. It was beautiful out! It was partly cloudy and just 60 degrees. I continued walking toward a "Dead End" sign, enjoying the smell of morning campfires, and soon came to the actual trailhead of the Futures Trail at the end of the gravel road.

[6:38am - Futures Trail]

I began to follow the Futures Trail, which was blazed with blue rectangles with red dots underneath at first. The trail entered the woods and scooted back behind a couple campsities and passed an old, collapsed chimney before turning away from the campground and pivoting to only blue rectangle blazes.

I worked my way along the trail, which had easy grades, over a few blowdowns and past a rather unhappy turkey. There were a few stone walls covered in moss. I was super proud of myself because I had finally fixed the hip belt on my 32-liter pack, but naturally I put the new buckle on the wrong end of the strap, so now it kept slipping. 

The Futures Trail crossed a logging road and a formerly cleared area on the left with deer prints underneath. There was some sun beginning to poke through the clouds and the tiniest little grey bird with a unique call/sound/song, but I didn't get a photo clear enough to identify it - oh well! The trail crossed another stone wall followed by a swithback that appeared to turn off of an older route. Mentally, I was thinking of this hike as a Pumpelly day on Monadnock - same mountain I've done before, but a longer route and I should focus on the journey.

I hiked past a BIG deer higher up in the woods on the left. It wasn't alerted, but it was watching me intently. The trailbed was delightfully soft and the footing narrowed slightly, but it was nowhere near as bad as Fahenstock (which will be my new comparison point for a while). There was another swtichback at 0.55 miles and then the trail began to steepen with leafy tree views outward that would be nice in winter!

I hit a third and fourth switchback that continued to steepen - this was calf-steep, and in fairness it was more of a wiggle up than a proper series of switchbacks. I did eventually hit a grassy area that was nice a flat before rising again and then crossing another grassy patch that WAS up to my thigh, but nowhere near as dense as Fahnestock. 

I conitnued to alternate between moderate climbs and flat grassy spots. I did eventually put bug spray on just out of caution. The trail slowly got a little rocky and then a little slabby, which I didn't fully trust due to it being just a little wet. At the height-of-land, a spur to the Bare Rock Vista turned left!

[7:08am - Bare Rock Vista]

The spur trail was short and pretty, and the vista was... grown in! I could see out to the valley below through a few trees, and from the right angle I could make out the south and main peaks of Mt. Ascutney, both of which looked far away! I snapped a few photos and then turned around to return to the Futures Trail.

[7:11am - Futures Trail]

While long, I appreciated how the Futures Trail was broken up nicely in different segments. A sign once back on the trail told me that the road crossing was in 1.1 miles, the Steam Donkey was in 2.4, and the Windsor Trail in 3.1 - wonderful pacing if you ask me! From here, the trail descended back into the woods, and descended, and then steeply, and descended... I could hear a train blaring it's horn somewhere not-too-far away, and later a breeze graced my presence and felt absolutely divine.

I had bought two breakfast sandwiches at Hooksett, had one in the car and was going to bring the other one on the hike with me, but I had just realized that I left it in the car! It was literally fine - I also had eaten a loaded hash brown and a TON of cheerios this morning, but I was still a little bummed! I hopped over some deer poop and another blowdown before descending via more switchbacks. The footing continued to be wonderfully soft as I entered a really pretty flat, mossy area. 

The trail began to rise again, passing two sharp pointed rocks. It could have been just two coincidentally placed rocks, or maybe a town line? It looks like the Futures Trail comes near the Windsor/Weathersfield town line in spots? Who knows! I continued to ramble through more easy forest with soft dirt, roots, and rocks, passing singing birds and squirrels doing their morning chores. The trail got a little wet once near a stream, and then the bugs started to act up, too! I passed an eft, and then another! I noticed through the woods I was nearing some form of clearing, maybe the road?

I worked my way around some more wet, mossy rocks, and then confirmed that it was not the road, but a power cut! I came up to a stream, which bordered the power cut, and then climbed alongside both of them. In the process, I spooked two baby ruffed grouses (I saw them fly away and heard their "chirping," which was unfortunately a familiar sound to me. Then, I saw the mother, fully puffed up, charging at me, and hissing! I SCREAMED at it and ran, hopping across the stream and the surrounding wet area, entering the power cut, but soon coming to another screeching hault...

[7:40am - Futures Trail/Power Cut]

...because there was a porcupine right in the middle of the trail! Thankfully, the grouse had ceased it's attack and the porcupine could have not been more unbothered. It munched away at some undergrowth for a minute, and only started to move when I went off-trail to get around it. It casually scooted up a nearby tree - it was a joy to watch! After a few minutes I thanked him for his time and continued on my way.

A sign at the upper parking lot read:

"PORCUPINES IN THE PARK

The North American porcupine is abundant in Mt. Ascutney State Park. Porcupines are rodents, and their hollow quills are modified hairs. They can't throw their quills, but they can lose a few (so be sure to keep your dog safe by following park rules and using a leash at all times). Porcupines eat a large variety of types (and parts) of plants and some insects. You may come across them at night or during the day. We love our porcupines. Please enjoy watching them from a distance." from Trailhead Kiosk

[7:45am - Futures Trail/Parking Area]

Soon after my wildlife debacle, I came to what I thought was the road - not yet! The Futures Trail skirted the edge of a gravel parking area for a picnic area. It passed some sort of shed (maybe a pump house for the water fountain and bathroom across the street?) and then reentered the woods, passing a single pink flower. The clouds had fully rolled in by this point, but it still wasn't supposed to rain. The trail back in the woods was wet, but dried up once I began to climb again.

[8:00am - Futures Trail/Power Cut]

The trail steeply climbed up to cross the power cut again and then continued up for a few minutes before another walking break. This trail was good about alternating climbs with walking breaks! I crossed the power cut one more time during the walking break, catching a little view and wondered if people ski this? From the power cut, the trail easily descended on a wider trail to a wet area, and then officially crossed the paved road, the Mt. Ascutney Parkway!

[8:04am - Futures Trails/Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

Knowing the hardest part of the hike hadn't happened yet, I cautiously thought to myself "ya know this hasn't been too bad!" After crossing the Mt. Ascutney Parkway the trail remained flat for a bit as it side-hilled a ravine/bowl/cirque situation. I caught glimpses over the trees to the summit ridge, which still looked plenty high up! At this point, I decided I'd make a semi-loop of this hike and follow the road down. I passed a toat, and started to steeply climb (calf steep).

I appreciated the wide trail and consequently the lack of spider webs as I suffered my way up. I crossed a couple streams and continued to suffer uphill with some muddy footing, which made sense considering the massive amounts of rain Vermont has gotten recently (plus a tornado?!) - it could have been much worse! Even if the road was longer, it would take me significantly less time because I'd be able to cruise on down.

The Futures Trail climbed again, flattened again, and crossed some streams again in a cool little box canyon-esc spot (followed by more streams, naturally). To my delight, the Steam Donkey spur trail was just after!

[8:25am - Steam Donkey Spur]

The Steam Donkey spur path was less-traveled, but super clear and easy to follow. After just a minute, I landed at the Steam Donkey in question! A sign at the upper parking lot read:

"The STEAM DONKEY is part of our history

Mount Ascutney was logged in the early 1900s. How were the trees removed on such a steep hillside? A STEAM DONKEY is a wooden sled with a steam-enging powered winch and cable system. You can visit the remains of this one, which was abandoned here."

It was a massive piece of rusted machinery with gears and the works. You can tell it's been there for a while, too, because of the plants growing around and inside of it. It also felt very much in the middle of nowhere. I'm sure 100 years ago there were a lot more logging roads, though. Okay, back to exercising.

[8:33am - Futures Trail]

I got back onto the Futures Trail and conitnued onward. The trail was now more wet and rugged, almost feeling like people hike to the Steam Donkey and turn around, which seems silly. My legs were feeling it on this next climb! I think part of it is because my 32-liter pack fits me better than the 40 I'd been weating so the pack weight was now being correctly distributed. I followed a nice walking break and then climbed again to the junction with Futures Link.

[8:45am - Futures Trail/Futures Link]

Here, I decided to continue on the Futures Trail just to satisfy hitting the whole trail in one shot - I'll revisit Futures Link when I hike the Windsor Trail in the future. The trail after the Futures Link junction remained relatively flat, but even less traveled than before. It traversed a few areas of dense ferns, which was fun to see. I did feel myself missing the flowers of early spring, though!

The trail eventually did become more rugged as it climbed up to it's terminus. I also forgot about my new cartiladge piercing and swiped some sweat off of my ear... ouch!

[8:56am - Windsor Trail]

I soon landed on the Windsor Trail, only 0.5 from the top! This trail was MUCH wider and more traveled. The forest in this area was also super pretty with basically everything covered in moss. The Windsor Trail wiggled up the shoulder of Mt. Ascutney, passing some flowering bunchberry, soon arriving at the Castle Rock Trial junction.

[9:03am - Windsor Trail/Castle Rock Trail]

[9:03am - Windsor Trail & Brownsville Trail]

The Castle Rock Trail junction is in such a cool stretch of forest, I think I described it as "primeval" the last time I hiked here, and I maintain! Just after was the junction with the Brownsville Trail, and then the Windsor Trail and Brownsville Trail turned left to finish the climb up the mountain. There were some wonderful boards to walk over. The sky was cloudy, but the mountain was not in the clouds, which was a win!

[9:08am - Brownsville Rock Spur]

I took photos of all three discs at the stone hut remains and hiked along the very wet Brownsville Rock Spur, revealing a beautiful view. Killington and Pico were deep into a cloud, but the valley and Okemo were looking sunny and wonderful! I also found a summit bolt, kind of like the ones in the Northern Presidentials. 

[9:13am - Windsor Trail & Brownsville Trail]

I returned to the Windsor Trail and my way slightly uphill on the comically wet trail. At the junction with the Slab/Slot Trails, there was an adorable red squirrel who was just a bit camera shy. 

[9:18am - Observation Tower]

I climbed up the tower, which had some whipping winds! It felt cold on my soaked shirt. The view from the tower underwhelms me for some reason. I did enjoy seeing Monadnock (in hindsight, it was likely Kearsarge) from the top! The communication towers at the main summit sounded like airplanes from the wind!

[9:23am - Mt. Ascutney Summit]

I made my way over to the main summit, found the two discs, and poked around just in case there was anything more to see, but nope! I did see what I think was a vole scurry around, though! It moved too quickly for a photo.

[9:29am - Observation Tower/Windsor & Brownsville Trail]

Once I was satisfied (and chilly), I hiked back towards the Observation Tower and then the Windsor & Brownsville Trails, hiking past some well-tempered squirrels in the process. At the next junction, I was excited to turn right to check out a new one!

[9:31am - Slot/Slab Trail]

[9:33am - Slot Trail]

I followed the signs for the Slot/Slab Trails (blazed in yellow), which coincided for a minute over flat, wet ground. Soon, the Slot trail diverged left, which I followed (slab sounded too slippery for my liking with how wet everything was). The trail was short, but cool! It skirted the bottom of a large rock wall, almost as if I was traversing in a... slot!

[9:35am - Castle Rock Trail]

[9:39am - Castle Rock Trail/Futures Link]

This terminated at the Castle Rock Trail, with I turned right onto and descended along wet, well-constructed stone stairs. I was finally catching spider webs and the sun was starting to come out! After a few minutes, the trail continued straight while the Futures Link started on the left and the Slab Trail joined on the right. There were two people heading up the Slab Trail - I just missed them! Does this still count as a no-people hike?

[9:44am - Parking Lot Spur]

I found myself really not wanting to do the road walk, but I wanted to think about footing even less, so I continued onward, soon crossing a power cut and then turning left onto the Parking Lot Spur trail. I then crossed paths with a couple and their unleashed dog lear the parking lot. 

[9:47am - Parking Lot]

There were three cars at the parking lot, which explained the people I ran into. There was a big display about bats at the parking lot kiosk:

"MOUNTAIN BATS

TRUE OR FALSE: MOST BATS DRINK BLOOD

     FALSE: Only 3 out of 1,400+ species of bats drink blood, and none of them live in the US.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS CARRY RABIES

     FALSE: Less than 1% of bats carry rabies.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS ARE BLIND

     FALSE: Bats have eyesight about as good as humans do, and they can echolocate (use sound to find food).

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS MAKE NESTS

     FALSE: Bats live in trees, caves, bridges, or buildings, but do not build nests.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS HELP PROTECT WALNUTS, TOMATOES, PEPPERS, COTTON, CORN AND STRAWBERRIES FROM INSECT PESTS

     TRUE: Believe it or not, many of the foods found on grocery store shelves and in kitchen pantries are protected by our bats.

BATS CAN EAT ROUGHLY 1000 MOSQUITO-SIZED INSECTS IN AN HOUR. They can fly up to 60 miles per hour, or more!

A NURSING MOTHER BAT CAN EAT UP TO 4,500 INSECTS IN A NIGHT. Bats can live 30 years!

WHY DO BATS HANG UPSIDE DOWN? Bats cannot take off from the ground, they need to drop from being flying (like a hang glider!). Hanging also helps keep them safe from predators.

THERE ARE NINE SPECIES OF BATS THAT LIVE IN VERMONY. EIGHT OF THEM LIVE ON MOUNT ASCUTNEY. Three are migratory tree bats that raise their babies in trees and migrate south in the winter. The remaining six species are cave bats that hibernate in caves during the winter. Five of these six cave bats are either threatened or endangered in Vermont and federally."

I get they're important, but no bats for me! I stopped for a Nalgene swap and a protein bar at a picnic table overlooking Kearsarge, and then began my descent!

[9:52am - South Summit road]

Just kidding! I saw the access road to the South Summit and decided "it doesn't say not to... so why not!" The road was gravel, lined with flowers, and short. The communication towers were HOWLING in the wind, just like the ones on the main summit. Soon enough, I was there!

[9:54am - Mount Ascutney South Summit]

It really felt like I wasn't supposed to be there, but there were no signs saying otherwise! The main tower was the Vermont Public Television tower, which was fun to see. I wandered around, noticing three distinct straight-line cuts radiating away from the towers, but all were grown-in and did not seem worth exploring. 

[9:58am - South Summit road]

[9:59am - Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

I started my walk back to the parkway, enjoying the tree-view to Mt. Ascutney proper. Soon enough I was back on the Mt. Ascutney Parkway, and down I went! I wouldn't call the trip to the south summit a worthwhile trip, but I'm glad I did it once!

A car passed me heading up and it smelled like it was having a heck of a time. I couldn't help but wonder if people ski the road? There was a decently long flat section after the first descent that might not be too much fun, but the rest of the road seemed like it could be fun! I got catcalled by a red squirrel just before the seven mile mark. I passed time by playing Pokemon Go, which was actually made for a wonderful downhill walk, even if it got steep at times (particularly around curves). 

A Porsche SUV drove up past me a while later and also had quite a smell, and a Tesla soon after, which did not have a smell (tragic). The road descended back into the land of taller, deciduous trees, crossing a bunch of small streams on culverts before crossing the Futures Trail and a larger stream just after. Two more cars drove up the road and one drove down past me as I hiked past a series of cute cabins before I landed at the gravel area from before, which was a parking area for these spooky restrooms and a cool picnic area!

[10:34am - Picnic Spur]

I first checked out the restroom area, which was unlocked but spider-webbed shut, so I peed behind the building. Just a bit further down the road was a mossy sput to a picnic area, which was absolutely lovely. There were seemingly endless CCC-style grills, a medium sized pavillion with a slightly grown-in view. There were more grills and picnic benches seemingly hidden in the woods throughout the area. I took over the Pokemon Go gym at the picnic area (my Gyrados is still there 11 days later), and made my way back to the Mt. Ascutney Parkway.

[10:39am - Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

The rest of my walk down the parkway was pretty uneventful, which was nice. Car #4 was heading upward at a glacial pace. The bugs were starting to become more annoying down low, but nothing a few swats couldn't help. I could soon hear a stream, and soon the stream was down on the right. It was super pretty!

A truck from Florida ZOOMED past me and then a large van was working it's way up. I noticed some logging on the left, and soon after was the gate! I really did enjoy the mindlessness and ease of the road walk, but my feet were barking. I turned right, and soon made it back to my car!

[11:16am - End of Hike]

After my hike I continued my drive up to Vermont and to see Emma's new place! We were supposed to go to soccer game that night, but the rain deterred us. We were planning on hiking the Long Trail from VT-242 to Canada, but it's going to rain all day tomorrow. Ugh. 

Step-by-Step

- Park at campground at Mt. Ascutney State Park.

- Start hike following campground road toward Futures Trail.

- Enter woods at Futures Trail trailhead.

- At jct., turn left onto Bare Rock Vista, then turn around and continue on Futures Trail.

- At road, cross Mt. Ascutney Parkway and continue on Futures Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Steam Donkey Spur, then turn around and continue on Futures Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Windsor Trail.

- Follow Windsor Trail to summit of Mt. Ascutney.

- Follow yellow blazes and Slot Trail down.

- At terminus of Slot Trail, turn right and hike to parking lot.

- Follow Mt. Ascutney Parkway Down, hiking the Picnic Spur on the way.

Map of Mt. Ascutney State Park

Photo Album