[VAULT] Black Mountain (Benton) (White Mountain National Forest)

Black Mountain (Benton) (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 4.4 miles

Elevation: 1,642 feet

Time: unknown.
Hiking Challenges: 52 With a View

The Hike

I am officially working backwards on my "VAULT" posts for the 52 With-a-View - starting here, the most recent, and working backwards to my multiple summits of Mt. Monadnock. 

I hiked Black Mountain (Benton) oh a nice fall Sunday after a climb of nearby Blueberry Mountain. The leaves had mostly fallen and the higher peaks had a dusting of rime ice up high. The Chippewa Trail started in a small, full parking lot (I parked on the side of the road), and gently descended into the woods to a wet area, before rising again. At a junction with what I believe to be a snowmobile trail, the Chippewa Trail turns right, while a sign points left to old Lime Kilns.

"Historic Lime Kilns"

from https://www.haverhill-nh.com/index.asp?SEC=EB91BA95-3EBE-4C6F-9E1E-7D3497DE3B9C&Type=B_LOC

Two stone lime kilns stand off the Chippewa Trail near Black Mountain in Haverhill, well-preserved survivors of an important 19th century industry. Mined limestone, rare in New Hampshire, was heated in the kilns until it turned into powdered lime, which was then packed in barrels and shipped throughout New England for use in agriculture, as mortar and in a wide variety of other products. Built in 1838 and 1842, the kilns operated successfully for approximately 50 years, aided by the close proximity of acres of woodland for fuel and the Concord, Boston & Montreal Railroad for transport. The Civilian Conservation Corps and other government work programs occupied the site in the Depression, repairing one of the kilns in 1940-41. Today the Haverhill Heritage Commission is working with the property owners to keep the kiln site cleared and open for public access.

The Lime Kilns were neat and worth a side-trip. The Chippewa Trail continues to follow the road for a short bit before entering the woods, and then steeply climbing through an open, pine-filled forest. There were a few views in this area that helped break up the climb, but I remember feeling the burn on this one! The views overlooked the Connecticut River Valley, where foliage was past-peak and the high points of Vermont were standing proudly in the distance.

Further up, after rounding the shoulder of Black Mountain, was a spectacular view of Mt. Moosilauke, with an early-season white top. The trail continued just a bit longer to the summit ledge to another great view of the Moose. Off to the side was the distant and icy Mt. Lafayette, which was breathtaking to see. It would be a long time before I reach her! I shared the summit with about 10 other people, and even more were coming up on my descent. Soon enough I was back at my car, already planning my next adventure!

Step-By-Step

- Park at Chippewa Trail parking area.

- Start hike on Chippewa Trail.

- Summit Black Mountain, return to car.

Originally written and posted October 8th, 2024 at 11:07am.