Sugarloaf Mountain (Nash Stream Forest)

Sugarloaf Mountain (Nash Stream Forest)

"Holy Jesus there's more!" from "Blankets and Bedding" - Come From Away

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 4.63 miles
Elevation: 2172 feet
Time: 2 hours, 51 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 With a View, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, Go North 9er

Nash Stream from just beyond the parking area.

The Hike 

My weekend in Vermont was officially over, but naturally I had to stop for a hike on the way down. I've been slowly picking away at the Go North 9er list for a couple years now, and all I had left was Sugarloaf Mountain up in the middle of nowhere in Nash Stream Forest! I was grateful to see that the strange single-pump gas station's porta potty was still there just before Nash Stream Road, so I did some business there and started the ~8 mile drive  down the dirt Nash Stream Road. The trail was in good condition minus a few ruts. It looks like there has recently been road work to either widen the roads or clear the drainages on either side. I passed two cars who were hiking the Percys, and saw nobody else for the rest of the drive! There is a small parking lot right at the trailhead, and a bigger one just before it where I parked (Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead on Google). I parked, slowly got suited up, checked out Nash Stream, crossed the bridge, and got started!

 

The trail starts on a driveway to a private camp, crosses a bridge and gate, and then follows a snowmobile trail/an old logging road. The first section of trail is actually quite lovely, moderate grades, following a nice stream (sun sure if it’s named), and on the wide road so I was not eating every spider web. I remember reading on AllTrails a scathing review about how this trail lacks panache - I think there was a decent amount of panache! Minus the bugs - the bugs were out and present for the first bit of this hike, but they stayed to the lower elevations.

 

Eventually the trail reaches a junction where the Cohos Trail (Sugarloaf Arm Trail - yellow blazes) turns left and the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail (unblazed) continus straight/right. This is where the climbing starts to get steeper, but still not the steepest. A little later on, the snowmobile trail leaves on the left (there is an arrow), and the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail continues straight/right, and this is where it gets steep steep. There was no indicator telling me to go straight, but I knew up was the correct direction. I eventually saw some human footprints so I figured I was good.

 

As I've written about before, I'm been listening to the broadway show "Come From Away" on an endless loop since in saw it on my birthday, and in the song "Blankets and Bedding" the whole cast sings a line - "holy Jesus there's more!" - and that's truly what I was saying to myself everytime I looked ahead. This trail is relentless. The only thing that was interesting was the changing forest - it started as an open hardwood forest, then the conifers started to mix in, and further towards the top it was a classic, dense NH conifer forest with lots of moss. The forest was very quiet this morning, with only a few birds here and there. I saw one pile of moose poop, but no moose (which I think I'm okay with, at least while I'm hiking solo in the middle of nowhere). I noticed that I could see a mountain ridge through the trees... and the tops of the trees were slightly clouded, which did not make me too thrilled.

 

You know you are getting somewhere when the trail opens up to a brushy section (also wet). The trail skirts a former clearing to the ruins of the former fire warden's cabin, which was pretty cool. There was a hard to see spur trail on the left to the stream that was running well on this morning, and the trail continues to meander through the brush. There were lots of pollinators who weren't thrilled with me, but I made sure to apologize! The worst thing about this section was that I was officially in a cloud, which likely meant I would not be getting a view... which is FINE, but I'm so far from home and likely won't be back here for a long time, so I would have liked a view... oh well!

 

The final push is through some really beautiful forest, thick mossy trees and a single footpath alternating between climbing and walking breaks. I was following a moose's footprints for most of this - but the moose didn't seem to enjoy the view as its footprints disappeared about 200 feet from the summit. This final push did feel like it went on forever, but I was just anxious to get to the top. Finally at the summit - I had a great view of... clouds! And the trees within 50 feet of me. Bit of a bummer, but it is always neat to be in a cloud. I took my photos of the clouds, the summit sign, and USGS benchmark, enjoyed a beef stick, accidentally left my summit beverage in the car, wrung out my shirt, swatted some flies, and started my trek down!

 

The return trip thankfully went quickly with only a couple slips (no falls!) on the steeper sections. I did not see any other humans or animals, but did hear a low-pitched grunt near the brushy section. After some youtubing, I think it absolutely could have been a moose. Either way, I picked up my pace! My knees and quads were burning on the way down, but soon enough I was back on the snowmobile trail, and then back on the yellow-blazed Cohos Trail nearing the camp. Even though I didn't get a view, I am still glad I was able to get out into the woods and cross this one off the list(s). Now, all I had to do was change my clothes, and make the 3.5 hour drive to marching band rehearsal!

Step-By-Step

• I parked at the grassy pullover before the bridge.
• Cross bridge on Nash Stream Road, and walk up driveway to private camp following signs for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.
• Walk past snowmobile gate, and follow trail along nice stream.
• At junction, follow signs for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail on right (blazes stop here).
• At junction, continue straight/right up the steep trail (do not follow arrows for the snowmobile trail).
• Around 2 miles, the trail enters a brushy section, follow footpath up.
• Summit Sugarloaf Mountain, turn around to retrace steps. 

"Sugarloaf Mountain (3701 ft.)" from A.M.C. White Mountain Guide, 19th Ed. (1969)

        "NH Forestry Dept. Tower E of North Stratford, at the head of Nash Stream. USGS Percy and Huildhall (Vt.) quadrangles. NHDP fire tower. The summit commands interesting views, particularly of the Percy Peaks and Nash Bog Pond.

        The trail, in good condition, leaves Nash Stream Road L (W) 8.9 m. from its beginning, or 0.1 m. beyond the crossing of the main stream. (It is possible to drive 0.7 m. farther to dam at foot of Nash Bog Pond (camping area), which is worth a visit.) The trail, a logging road, ascends the E side of the mountain by a rather direct route. Road to firewarden's cabin about 2 m.; summit about 2 1/2 m. (2 hrs. 10 min.)."

"Sugarloaf Trail" from AMC White Mountain Guide, 24th Ed. (1987)

        "The summit trail is a logging road that ascends the east side of the mountain by a direct route. It beings on Nash Stream Rd. 8.4 mi. from Emerson Rd. The point is 80 yd. beyond the crossing of the main Nash Stream. Park off the road in a grassy area. The trail (no signs) passes south of a camp, crosses a small brook, and continues through an open field. It then enters the woods and swings northwest, ascending at a steady grade to the firewarden's cabins (abandoned) at 1.6 mi. A short distance above the cabins, near a spring, the trail divides. The right branch climbs to the ridge north of the summit, turns left (south), and reaches the summit in 0.5 mi. Th eleft branch also reaches the summit, is 0.1 mi. shorter, steeper, and has several blowdowns across it. The former fire tower has been removed."

"Sugarloaf Trail" from AMC White Mountain Guide, 25th Ed. (1992).

        "The Sugarloaf Trail, now in good shape after a period of neglect, provides access to the bare rock summit of Sugarloaf Mtn. [...]. Above the cains, near a spring, the trail bears right at a fork (the left branch is an overgrown alternate route to the summit. [...]."

"Sugarloaf Mountain Trail" from White Mountain Gudie, 30th Ed. (2017)

        "This trail provides access to the rocky, partly open summit of Sugarloaf Mtn., which commands good views of the Nash Stream valley and surrounding areas. The trail ascends the east side of the mountain by a direct route, following a logging road that was the fire warden's trail to the former fire tower. Sugarloaf Mtn. Trail starts on the left (west) side of Nash Stream Rd., 8.2 mi. north of Northside Rd., 70 yd. beyond its bridge over Nash Stream. The trail begins on the left as the driveway to a private camp. In 2016 the entrance was marked with a yellow blaze on a post but no sign. Park in a grassy area on the left, near the driveway entrance, taking care to not block the driveway, or on the right (east) side of the road just south of the bridge. Refer to the USGS Percy Peaks quad or the Cohos Trail map.

        The trail follows the grassy driveway to the left of a camp, crosses a bridge over a small brook, goes around a gate and through a brushy clearing, and enters the woods. At 0.1 mi., the trail bears right at a fork where the yellow-blazed southbound Cohos Trail (here signed as Sugarloaf Arm Trail) goes left; there is a sign for Sugarloaf Mtn. Trail here. Sugarloaf Mtn. Trail ascends generally northwest at a moderate grade on the wide, old road, passing a jct. with a snowmobile trail on the left at 0.4 mi. Sugarloaf Mtn. Trail continues ahead here (cairn), and the grade soon steepens, with eroded rocky footing at times; the ascent is steady to a clearing where the remains of the fire warden's cabins are on the right at 1.6 mi. A few steps farther, thet rail bears right at a fork (the left branch is a short spur to a spring) and leads through a brushy area. Sugarloaf Mtn. Trail climbs rather steeply to the ridge north of the summit, turns left (south), and ascends gradually along the ridgeline to the summit ledges."

Photo Album

Burke Mountain (Darling State Park)

Burke Mountain (Darling State Park)

"Do it for the views!... I guess..."

Hike Type: Double Lollipop Loop (Stem, Pop, Stem, Pop)
Distance: 5.83 miles
Elevation: 2123 feet
Time: 4 hours, 0 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Northeast Kingdom Mountain Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, Summit Beer Society

Trail sign from the upper toll road parking lot.

The Hike 

This hike can be filed under "I did it because I'm already in Vermont and I should do something" because I was tired and still feeling some of that soreness from the lovely Belknaps, but regardless I left my friends place at 7:15am and made it to the trailhead at 8:00am with only one other car on a Saturday! I don't know how crowded it gets here, but I always lean early just in case. I'm sure the fog and clouds had something to do with the lack of crowds. The trailhead was tucked away in a back corner of the parking lot, but still easy to find. Into the woods I go!

 

The kiosk had some nice information about the mountain and Darling State Park, and then I began my hike on the Red Trail (appropriately, with red blazes too). This first section of trail gently climbs up a snowmobile trail with a clear footpath the whole way (i.e., not an overgrown mess). A few streams cross underneath, but overall it's very gentle, uneventful hiking. The Red Trail then turns left into the woods while the snowmobile trail continues straight. The trail continues to gently climb through some nice, open forest, and then turns right to join the Kibby mountain biking trail. I was grateful to not run into any mountain bikers. The Kibby Trail turns right, and the Red Trail turns left at a T-intersection, and right in between is a trail register for hikers.

 

I signed in, and then really got to climbing! The trail is pretty relentlessly steep from here on out, minus a few well-timed walking breaks. There were some excellent, very old trees, lots of fungi, and a shocking lack of birds and small mammals - a very still morning. There were periods of the sun poking through the dense cloud cover, but then quickly going back away. The trail begins to pick up steepness further into the hike, but thankfully it was mostly dirt so I was not slipping and falling on any wet rocks. 

 

The first major milestone after the trail register is the CCC road, which the red trail crosses and leads immediately to a shelter (there is a sign indicating another shelter down 0.75 miles the CCC road, the one I am speaking of is right on the red trail). Behind the shelter is where the blue-blazed West Peak Trail begins. I had read that the blue trail is the steeper and rockier of the two, and at this point of the day everything was soaked from the fog and clouds, so I definitely wanted to ascend blue, and I stand by my choice! Also during this time I was keeping an eye out for a privy at the shelter (I did not find one), because the pizza from last night was sitting interestingly (spoiler alert, I did not have to christen Burke Mountain on this morning). 

 

The blue trail was steep, but manageable, through a variety of forest types. I could tell that people definitely take red more often, as I was now back in the land of 1,000 spider webs. Thankfully, the clouds made the webs visible. I would not recommend going down the blue trail, especially in wet weather. The trail continues to climb into the clouds, which definitely created a spooky, beautiful ambiance. It was about halfway up that I finally ran into a mountain chicken that scared the living daylights out of me - it waited until I was maybe 10 feet away before taking flight. 

 

The highlight of the blue trail is the peak of West Burke... which was completely socked in, but cool nonetheless. Just after the summit, the trail splits. The shorter way goes through the woods and the longer way hits up another view. I took the longer one (and by longer, maybe 50 feet longer?) on right to see more views of dense cloud cover. The two trails rejoin just above the terminus of the Red Trail. At this grand intersection, the summit trail (blue-blazes still) continues through some wet meadow-y sections to the auto road parking lot, another clouded-in vista, and then the final junction. At the final junction, there is a short summit trail and a longer profile trail. I took the summit trail which was short and steep. On the right was the fire tower and on the left was the true summit with the USGS marker.

 

The firetower was tall and sturdy. The cabin was open, but all the glass was broken so it didn't provide any shelter. I took just a few photos because... clouds... and then dropped back down. The true summit would have very obstructed views on a clear day. I took a break at the summit marker, enjoyed the leftover pizza from yesterday, and had a "White Mountain Lemonade" which is just a hard lemonade, but delicious! The clouds did part for literally 10 seconds to show a window into the valley below and a small patch of blue sky, but then I was back in the clouds. Either way, it was a nice break.

 

To speed things up, I followed the access road back to the parking lot by going back to the fire tower and following the wide path toward the communication towers. The upper auto road parking lot was now filled with 20-30 mountain bikers all testing out their bikes? I stayed to myself and quicky got back into the woods. The blue trail from the parking lot back to the big junction was super quick on the return trip, and this time I took the Red Trail down - the final new section of trail for me for the day.

 

The Red Trail was still steep and wet, but not rocky, which I was incredibly grateful for. I had a couple small slips, but no falls. The trail follows the ski slopes for a little bit, giving one side-trail view (which was cloudy... but there were hints that the clouds were finally starting to clear up) before dipping back into the woods for good. I began to pass people who were headed up the mountain - almost all of whom were very friendly and not annoying, which was shocking to me, someone who is almost always cranky on the way down. 

 

The rest of the hike was quick and easy - I picked up the pace to get some lunch sooner (typical). Passed a few more hikers, enjoyed the less-humid air, signed out at the register, complained that the snowmobile trail was longer than I remembered, and made it back to the car in no time! Overall, even with no views and my ever-present crankiness, this was a great hike, great workout, and I cannot wait to eventually drive up the auto road to see that view I missed, because I have no desire to climb it again anytime soon!

Step-by-Step

• Start hike from Burke Mountain Trailhead (kiosk).
• Follow Red Trail on snowmobile paths.
• Red Trail turns into woods leaving snowmobile path, follow blazes.
• Red Trail joins mountain biking Kibby Trail, follow blazes.
• Kibby Trail leaves Red Trail, sign in at trail register and follow blazes (begins to get steep).
• At junction with CCC Road, cross road, follow Red Blazes to shelter.
• At shelter, follow blue blazes along West Peak Trail.
• Blue-blazed West Peak Trail continues to steeply climb and open up to views.
• Summit West Peak, continue on blue-blazed West Peak Trail.
• Just after the summit, there is a confusing junction, both blue-blazed. Both directions are correst, but following the trail on right will lead to another viewpoint.
• Trail intersects with Red Trail, follow blue-blazed trail toward summit (labeled as Profile Trail on AllTrails).
• Continue to follow blue blazes past parking area to the summit area. There will be a junction with summit trail and profile trail, both go to the summit. Summit trail is direct, profile trail goes around.
• Summit Burke Mountain and climb the fire tower!
• Follow access road down from fire tower, past communication towers, and to parking lot. 
• Rejoin blue-blazed trail and retrace steps to next junction.
• At junction with Red Trail, follow Red Trail down the mountain.
• At the shelter near the CCC road, retrace steps back to car.

"Darling State Park" from Vermont Department of Forests

"The fire tower erected on the summit of Burke Mountain in 1912 is reported to be the first fire tower in the state of Vermont. From this vantage point, forest fires could be located and the proper authorities notified. The Darling Family donated a large parcel of land to the State in the 1930s, which became Darling State Park and, sometime in the 1930s, Burke Mountain was identified by local residents as a potential recreation site. The early plan for this “forest park” included an auto road, ski trails, hiking trails, picnic facilities and running water. A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crew was employed to build the auto road to the summit and completed it in 1935. Interest in downhill skiing grew over the years with the first ski lift installed in 1953. A portion of Darling State Park has been leased to various entities over the years as part of the Burke Mountain Ski Area."

Photo Album

Piper & Whiteface (Belknap Range)

Piper & Whiteface (Belknap Range)

"Okay, this is going much better than yesterday."

Hike Type: T
Distance: 4.9 miles
Elevation: 1332 feet
Time: 2 hours, 33 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Belknap Range Hiker, Summit Beer Society

The Hike 

Time to complete the Belknap Range Hiker challenge! I was feeling SORE from the events of the previous day - primarily some solid whiplash and normal leg soreness. My final destination for the day was the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, so it made sense to push through the pain to get it done! I drove to the end of the paved section of Belknap Mountain Road, got all my ducks in a row, and started the short, but sketchy gravel road walk past someone's home and then into the woods.

 

The trail starts by closely following private property lines and very clearly marked for no trespassing and making note that cameras are in use. That first bit ends at a trail kiosk welcoming hikers to the conservation land, and then more normal hiking begins. The blue trail trail is a wide trail with easy footing with only a few steeper sections, but nothing too drastic. I noticed the woods were very quiet today - just a few chipmunks doing their afternoon chores. The blue trail begins to level out and then hits a junction with the green-blazed Piper-Whiteface Link.

 

At the junction, I turned left to hike Piper first. It was clearly the harder of the two mountains elevation-wise, so I wanted to tackle that on "fresh" legs (fresh is in quotes because I'm basically a walking corpse at this point anyway). The trail meanders through some beautiful woods with grassy patches, and then hits the longer stretch of slabs. I was very nervous going up these slabs after my continual slips and falls yesterday, but the rocks were dry and had fine traction, no slipping at all.

 

As the slabs climb, the views start appearing, and they are quite lovely! Whiteface Mountain and Kearsarge South are the two mountains that stuck out to me from the first viewpoints. The trail continues to climb up one notably steep section which gives a great view, and then levels out to the summit. It was unclear where the actual summit was, so I hiked to the high point on the trail according to the topo maps and then took a break. Great views of Gunstock and Belknap, and then further with the rest of the range on the right.

 

Now it was time to backtrack - I took in some more views and quickly checked out the yellow-blazed Vista Trail. I had read on Facebook that there are some great views off of that trail, but I did not want to add too many miles/elevation to the day, so I'll save that for later. Slow and steady down the slabs, and soon enough I was back at the junction with the Whiteface Mountain Trail (blue)!

 

The trail from here descends a little more and then enters a meadow where an ATV trail joins. The trail from here wasn't my favorite - deep ruts, mud pits, and overall just not a wilderness feel. It felt like it took forever to get to the summit area, but in reality it wasn't too bad. The best part was there were plenty of frogs living their best lives in the muddy ruts. The summit of Whiteface Mountain was wide open and provided really excellent views of the Belknaps and then the Whites in the background. I spent a good amount of time on the PeakFinder app seeing what mountains I could identify. I then took a nice break where I had my summit beverage (another vodka mule), had a lovely snack of a honey stinger waffle and some prosciutto/mozzarella roll ups, and slowly got myself moving again.

 

The return trip to the blue/green junction truly felt like 5 minutes, so I'm not sure why the trip up felt so long (probably because I was tired and cranky). I wasn't complaining! The  trip down the mountain to the road also felt super short and quick - still no complaints! I took some time to dry off and change my clothes, and off to Vermont I go!

Step-By-Step

• Park at the end of the paved portion of Belknap Mountain Road.
• Walk along the gravel road, past the first house, and enter woods on left (sign points to trail).
• Start hike on blue-blazed Whiteface Mountain Trail.
• At junction, turn left onto green-blazed Piper-Whiteface Link.
• At junction with yellow-blazed Vista Trail, continue on Piper-Whiteface Link to summit of Piper Mountain.
• Turn around, retrace steps to junction with blue-blazed Whiteface Mountain Trail.
• Continue on blue-blazed Whiteface Mountain Trail to summit o
  f Whiteface Mountain.
• Turn around, retrace steps to junction with green-blazed Piper-Whiteface Link.
• Turn left to descend on blue-blazed Whiteface Mountain Trail, retrace steps to car.

Belknap Range Trail Map

Photo Album

West Quarry, Rand, Klem, Mack, Anna, Straightback, & Major (Belknap Range)

West Quarry, Rand, Klem, Mack, Anna, Straightback, & Major (Belknap Range)

"Wet and slippery is very icky, slippery and wet makes Matthew upset"

Hike Type: E3 Loop (Like a figure 8)
Distance: 11.28 miles
Elevation: 2976 feet
Time: 6 hours, 28 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Belknap Range Hiker, Summit Beer Society

The view from Mt. Major.

The Hike 

What a day! I am writing this the next morning, sore legs from the hiking, sore everything else from all the falling, chafing galore, and a dull stinging sensation on my shoulder. The weather was supposed to be nice, I had no commitments until marching band at 5:30, so I headed up to the Belknaps to explore some of the other peaks on the Belknap Range Hiker list! Today was a big E3 loop (like a figure 8 loop, but no criss crossing) hitting seven peaks on the list, plus two that are not on the list (North Straightback and East Quarry Mountain). I had a slow start, getting out of the house around 5:30am, and made my way up to Lake Winnipesaukee. The Mt. Major parking area is a big lot with 8 freshly urinal-caked porta potties. There were about 5 other cars when I started my hike, and about 12 when I finished. I imagine there is usually more, but the passing showers probably deterred some from hiking. I used the bathroom, suited up, and then fought with my camera for about 10 minutes - I think my sweat crystalized under the shutter button, and it got stuck. Thankfully I was able to un-jam it and get the day started!

 

The first section on the blue-blazed Mt. Major Trail (also sometimes listed as Main Trail) is a very wide trail, recently maintained. It climbs steadily, without any steep climbs. Some areas are more eroded than others, but overall really nice gentle hiking. The weather altered between cloudy/humid and sunny/warm, but never hot which was very nice. There were a few instances of bear poop lying around, but no bears. I passed a few people coming down the mountain, one who was just as sweaty as me. I sometimes joke about wanting to thank the other sweaty folk for their service of being just as gross as me. 

 

The main trail turns to head up the mountain, and then the yellow-blazed Brook Trail starts on the right. This was more or less a continuation of the blue trail terrain-wise. Initially it is a nice walk in the woods above a brook, and then it turns and begins to steeply climb up to the ridge between Straightback and Major. I did have to dodge flying acorns from the squirrels, but that was the bulk of wildlife. There were many unmarked/abandoned trails in this first area, which makes me wonder where they all lead. At the ridge, the main trail heads toward Mt. Major, and I turned in the other direction to head toward North Straightback. It was clear that I had officially left the most popular area - the wide eroded trail was now a single-track in the woods, which was much appreciated. A cloud rolled over the mountain and I realized that clouds have a smell - an interesting thought.

 

The summit area of North Straightback had a partial view of either Straightback or Major - a nice spot for a break and to wring out the clothes. Further down is the summit sign, and to my dismay I later learned that N. Straightback doesn't count for the challenge. Oh well. Heading up North Straightback is where I took my first fall of the day. The rock looked dry! My shoes were not. Landed hard on my side, but no main damage was sustained. The Quarry Spur Trail was quite lovely - squishy and mossy, really beautiful woods, but then became a very steep descent into an old clearing that is now growing in. Just before Easy Quarry there was a really nice viewpoint that I took a long break at to watch the dark clouds skirt across Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy my first summit beverage of the day. 

 

After my break, I finished the climb to East Quarry, another peak that doesn't count, and then carefully descended the comically steep trail. It only travels maybe 10-15 horizontal feet, but it is STEEP. I threw my poles down, and apparently a couple heard that thought it could have been a moose (it was not sadly). They then asked me which direction they should take which was interesting. I wanted to ask where their goal was, but I just said it's steep where I came from. The trail from East to West Quarry was relatively gentle through some nice forest, and I officially hit a peak that counted!

 

The hike down from West Quarry was steep - there is the main trail that descends via ledges and then there was a bypass. I took the bypass after my earlier fall... and I fell... again. This time I landed on the other side of my body, so at least I would not be evened out. It was clear that most people don't hike this stretch between West Quarry and Mt. Rand - it was overgrown and the spiderwebs were abundant. I took a FULL web to the face, which was a big bummer for all involved (sorry, spider). I also heard my favorite animal - the grouse - in this section, and naturally I made a whole scene about it. The climb up Rand was steady, but not ridiculous, and the summit area was really nice and open forest. 

 

There is a view toward Klem and Mack just past the summit of Rand, and just as I was enjoying it a passing shower swept through. Thankfully, it wasn't too heavy for too long and quickly moved along. The descent down Rand was, shockingly, extremely steep, and shockingly, I fell again. I know the moisture was a factor here, but I also think that it might be time for some new shoes. I also took a moment, sitting on my butt on the ground, to reflect upon how impressive it is at the sheer volume of sweat my body produces. 

 

The climb to Klem was the most forgiving, not short, but forgiving. The summit area is off a short spur and fully wooded. I had realized here that I lost my coozie, which was a bummer, but hopefully somebody finds it and gives it a new, loving home. The trail between Klem and Mack was very nice and scenic, and nothing was too steep or painful (that I remember). In addition to my three falls, getting rained on, and losing my coozie, I also ran out of water here. I still had a full liter of Nuum left (and a Pumpkin Downeast Hard Cider...), so I would have to make that last. In my relatively insane state, I had the song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" from Veggie Tales stuck in my head, and managed to come up with two parodies: "We are the hikers, who do everything. We wish we stayed at home, and lied around. And if you ask us, to do anything, we'll just tell you, sure, sounds fun!" and "we are the teachers, who don't do anything. Because it is, summer break. And if you ask us, to do anything. We'll just tell you, f-no leave me alone." Glad I'm putting my two music degrees to good work!

 

The summit of Mack was also uneventful, but the trail down was long and gentle through some nice woods... UNTIL A WASP DECIDED I WAS ITS NEXT VICTIM. This was my first bee sting in years and I was UPSET. I ran down the trail, dropped my poles, army crawled back to them while swinging my arms, and then BOOKED it down the mountain. It hurt so bad, but thankfully no stinger and I'm not allergic. The only thing that grounded me was..... falling again. I realized that it's okay to take a minute to regain my composure. My shoulder stung bad, but there was no visible reaction. The sting lived well with me for the rest of the day, and it's very dull right now, about 20 hours later. It was also during this time that I was starting to cramp up due to dehydration (and I liked to pretend the venom from the sting was turning me into a superhero. 

 

There were a few small water crossings in the col between Mack and Anna (I later realized I could have filtered water here, whoops), and then climbing up Anna was very gentle. Anna's summit was spacious with open skies, but no view. I took a second to assess the damage I've taken so far, and I was somehow still moving along. The biggest issues I was having was the stinging in my shoulder and the dehydration, but I slowed my pace to try to limit the sweating, and I was shockingly successful (and I don't think it was because I was the level of dehydrated where I stopped sweating...). 

 

Anna to Straightback was another long one, but also never too ridiculous. Near the yellow-blazed Marsh Crossing there is a cool marsh that was behind the trees, I thought about trying to get a photo but I didn't want to have to bushwhack and risk more bee stings. Near the summit of Straightback, the world opens up with partial views in most directions, and eventually hits the summit. Only one more to go! I was taking it slow and not feeling my best, but never felt like I was at risk. 

 

Coming down Straightback, I knew I was getting close to the col when I heard voices again - Mt. Major was near! The trail between the col and Mt. Major was really scenic and generally easy. Views started popping up, and suddenly the world opened up to the magnificent view from the summit area. I found two USGS discs, took a bunch of photos, used PeakFinder to identify the Ossipees and the southern 4000-footers in view. There were a couple rain storms in the area which added to the vista. I enjoy a long break, snack, and summit beverage break up here. I didn't want to leave, but I did have to get to marching band so it was time to go!

 

The orange-blazed Boulder Trail was really beautiful up top and not too steep with good views. Once it dips back into the woods there are a few scrambling sections. I had the honor of passing a group of hikers as they turned the corner to see a steep section, and one shouted out "OH CRAP," which gave me a good laugh. Also in the woods is where the trail gets its name from, some really impressive boulders! The trail meanders around them, so no crazy climbing. There was one wet rock slab about halfway down though... and you guessed it... I took my final fall of the day! This was probably the worst one. My feet slipped out in front of me, poles went flying, my triceps caught me which hurt like hell, and I swear my pack saved me from a concussion. I landed on my back and fully felt all my weight bounce off my pack, with my head whipping back, but never hitting rock. I definitely do have some whiplash today, but I'll take that over a head to the rock.

 

The bottom of the trail was gentle, and I was ready to be out of the woods. Back at the car, I spent time to aggressively hydrate with some warm gatorade, tried to baby wipe myself clean, and started the long voyage to marching band rehearsal. Overall, it was a really great hike! I was (and am) definitely beat up from the adventure, but I'm proud of myself for getting it done. 

Step-by-Step

• Start hike at Mt. Major Parking Lot.
• Follow blue-blazed Mt. Major Main Trail.
• At junction, continue straight onto yellow-blazed Brook Trail.
• At junction with green-blazed North Straightback Link, continue on yellow-blazed Brook Trail.
• At junction with blue-blazed Main Trail, turn right onto blue-blazed Main Trail.
• At junction with orange-blazed Quarry Spur Trail, turn right onto orange-blazed Quarry Spur Trail.
• At terminus of orange-blazed Quarry Spur Trail, arrive at North Straightback Mountain.
• Follow signs for white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail toward East Quarry Mountain.
• Summit East Quarry Mountain.
• Continue on white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail.
• At junction with blue-blazed Reed Road Trail, continue on white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail.
• At junction with yellow-blazed Marsh Crossing, continue on white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail.
• Summit West Quarry Mountain, continue on white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail.
• Summit Mt. Rand, continue on white-blazed Dave Roberts' Quarry Trail.
• At junction with red-blazed Klem-Mack Loop, continue straight to summit Mt. Klem and backtrack to junction.
• Follow signs for Mt. Mack on red-blazed Klem-Mack Loop.
• Summit Mt. Mack, turn left to follow Red Trail toward Mt. Anna.
• Summit Mt. Anna, turn left onto Blue Trail.
• At junction with purple-blazed Precipice Path, continue on Blue Trail.
• At junction with yellow-blazed Marsh Crossing, continue on Blue Trail. 
• At junction with purple and white, continue on Blue Trail.
• Summit Straightback Mountain, continue on Blue Trail.
• At junction with orange-blazed Quarry Spur Trail, continue on Blue Trail.
• The yellow and Blue trails merge, continue straight onto the yellow/blue trail.
• At junction with red-blazed Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail, continue on yellow/blue.
• Summit Mt. Major.
• Descend Mt. Major on the orange-blazed Boulder Trail.
• At junction with red-blazed Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail, continue on orange-blazed Boulder Trail.
• Complete hike at parking lot.

Belknap Range Trail Map

Photo Album