[BACKLOG] Great Island (Cape Cod National Seashore)

Great Island Trail Extended Loop, excluding the sand spit to Jeremy Point.

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation: 387 feet
Time: 3 hours, 4 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Cape Cod National Seashore Trails; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike
Gen and I had one more hike to do on the cape to finish out self-made challenge of hiking all the trails on the national seashore to earn our made up patch (we ended up finding a couple on EBay)! We ususally start hiking around sunrise but I had read on AllTrails that this trail can be submerged at high tide, which was convienently just after sunrise. We made it to the trailhead at 9:18am with no clouds in the sky but chilly wind.

From the parking lot we descended to sea level where we circumnavigated the marshland behind the dunes. There was a narrow footpath paralleling uphill, likely caused by hikers hiking at high tide. The trail was still wet from the rain and the high tide, but was navigable. We did get a little "lost" at the further end of the dunes - the path we were following turned into marsh so we "bushwacked" back to the dry sand. 

This brought us to what I'm calling the first island. The main trail goes around the island halfway then climbs into the forest, and another shortcut trail goes right into the forest. We took the shortcut trail into the forest to give the tide time to lower some more. The open pine forest was beautiful and the path was wide. When we reached the trail junction, we turned left instead of going straight to loop us back to the beginning of the first island. The forest trail was really beautiful, and we found a side path to a beautiful overlook on a STEEP sandy cliff. We followed another unmarked trail from there and eventually bushwhacked our way back to the main path. We eventually descended back to the original trail junction along the marshland where we were greeted with the land of dead seagulls and a larger dead creature with it's bones scattered about. Eerie, but very cool! Went back into the woods, following the same trail as before, and continued straight where we had turned left the first time. 

After some more woods walking we descending back into the second area of marshland. Very similar to the first, but this time the trail kept us on the dunes for longer. The weather was finally starting to warm up but I had realized I lost my sunglasses - sad. I bought them becuase they were specifially made for "pumpkin sized heads," but they were still tight. I guess it's okay...

We eventually climbed up island number two, kept left at the fork, and worked our way though beautiful pine forests, stopping at a monument honoring a former resident, and reached the island's end! We turned to head towards the beach. A lot of this path was flooded, but we were able to "marsh-hop" (I guess that's a term now?) to the dunes. Now on the beach, we could have turned left and went towards Jeffrey's Point, but that would remain submerged for a few more hours, so we turned right and started the lovely walk back to the car.

The dunes were amazing from the beach side. There were tons of rocks and shells and very few people. We made our way back across the dunese at the end, back to the car, and started our journey home. 

Photo Album

Originally written March of 2022.

[BACKLOG] Buck Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Buck Hill via Buck Hill Summit Trail & Unnamed Trail

Hike Type: Spaghetti
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation: 751feet
Time: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio

The Hike

This was one of my favorite hikes in the Blue Hills to date. Beautiful day, warm weather, and views. Started at the pull-over across from Forest Street in Milton and jumped right into the woods at the Forest Path granite marker (I recently learned these trailhead markers were installed around 1985-1986) and turned left onto the Headquarters Path (which was apparently closed due to what I guess is construction on the old school house on 28, but two mountain bikers were blocking the sign so I didn't realize this until my return trip - oops!). After bouncing back from the old school house, I turned left at the fork and stayed on a windy trail that went all the way to the top of Buck Hill. This trail crosses the Forest Path (2194) and the Buck Hill Path (2182) on the way up, and it additionally crosses two unmapped trails towards the summit - one blazed with a plastic white triangle, and one with a plastic white square. I haven't found any details on these trails, but they are listed on AllTrails. 

The top of Buck Hill is always amazing. It's a small taste of the world above treeline. I didn't spend too much time up top since I knew I'd be back - so I pulled a wide U-Turn and went down the north side of the Buck Hill Summit Trail, which was another fun winding footpath. Turned left at 2153, and continued onto the Doe Hollow Path at 2151. From here I had a few trails to hit before I climbed Buck Hill again, which eventually brougth me to the Pig Rock Path, which I have many questions about and no answers (there were a few boulders - was one of them Pig Rock??). Back at 2154, I started climbing back up Buck Hill on a much less used trail. I hit a section that has previously been burned in a fire, but not sure when. The climb up the South Side of Buck Hill is just as fun as the other sides! It really does feel like I'm back in the whites, just... smaller and easer. 

Once back on top of Buck Hill I realized there were a few mountains in the distance. I booted up PeakVisor and found that they were Mt. Wachusett, Mt. Monadnock, and Pack Monadnock, which was very cool to see. From there I followed the Skyline Trail eastbound to descend, hit a few more random trails I needed, and then followed the Buck Hill Path back to the car. Great day!

Photo Album

Originally written March of 2022.

[BACKLOG] Fowl Meadow - Burma Road East (Blue Hills Reservation)

Fowl Meadow - Burma Road East (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation: 194 feet
Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio

The Hike

I was equally anxious and excited to cross this bunch of trails off of my list. I made a weak attempt to hike them when I hiked Burma Road and the trail along the Neponset River, but the Swamp Trail was flooded out so I went home. I parked at the end of Royall Street, which didn't seem the most legal but it's where I parked for a Skyline Trail traverse two falls ago so I risked it again to no issue!

There's an unmarked access trail to the Skyline Trail, and the Skyline Trail leads to abandoned pavement that was laid when I-95 was intended to go straight through Boston. The Skyline Trail over here is a bit messy with a lot of garbage, and the old pavement gives post-apocolyptic vibes. The pavement leads to an old rusted gate, and that's where this network of trails begins. 

I went straight at 6102 onto the Green Hill Path which was quite loveley. At 6103 I turned onto the Field Path which was anything but a field. The footpath was vauge but follow-able with baby thorns sticking out of the ground. The second half of the trail was dreadful. Someone on Facebook said if they ever returned he'd bring a machete and I firmly agree. I ended up getting spat back out at 6101, which does not line up with the trail on the map, but I'm pretty confident there was literally no other way to go as there were piles of thorns on all sides.

Anyway, once I survived I turked back onto the Green Hill Path and went back to the Swamp Trail, which was actually really cool. I hit the flooded section and did my best to rock-log-stick-mud hop to the other side, and I'll say I was definiteyl close enough! I then meandered to 6106 and hit up both spur trails. The sput that is an extension of the Green Hill Path was wide and easy and continued onto an unmarked network of trails (I believe it links up with extension of the Fowl Meadow Path that continues after the Swamp Trail, but not sure). I tured around at the border of the Blue Hills Reservation. It was hard to tell when the other spur trail stopped, but once I could clearly see into strangers' back yard I turned around, followed the Orchard Trail back, and made it back to the car!

Overall it was a nice afternoon. No desire to ever go back to the Field Path, but definitely curious about those other unmarked trails. 

Photo Album

Posted April 5th, 2022 at 6:35am.

[BACKLOG] Fox Hill, CCC Camp, Headquarters Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Fox Hill, CCC Camp, Headquarters Path

Hike Type: Spaghetti
Distance: 8.3 miles
Elevation: 810 feet
Time: 3 hours, 3 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

This was a long one that felt like it took much longer than it did due to the speghetti-ness of this trail network, but as always there were fun surprises all around! I parked across the street from the Blue Hills Reservoir where there is a short, unmapped access trail that connects to the Pine Tree Brook Path. Right away I was greeted by my favorite sounds - frogs! It has finally been warm enough for the frogs to thaw and let out their silly calls again. A lot of this hike was hitting side trails, so I'm not going to include every twist and turn for my own sanity.

At 4084 I turned to go up Fox Hill. There was a footpath a little before the intersection that looked like it could be correct, but I tired to stick to the map and follow a less-defined path. I think the first path was the more correct one, but we survived! I really like the quietness and sneaky beauty of Fox Hill. Great partial views of Boston heading north on 4096, where a lot of the small trees had old insect galls on them which was really cool. 

From the bottom of Fox Hill, I followed the greet dot trail to Sawcut Notch Path. The random trail right before 4042 was interested. Wide path that terminated seemingly in the middle of nowhere. There were some open woods up the hill from the termination, but I chose not to explore simply becuase I had a lot more trail to cover. I really enjyoed the trails around the CCC Camp - lots of cool history!

I began to work my way towards the Headquarters Path at Chickatawbut Road while hitting lots of trails in between. My favorite part was passing this group of two hikers - one of which was clearly dragging their friend along for the ridd. We said hello and I passed them. About 5 minutes later, I was back on a different trail but I could hear the non-hiker friend screaming at her friend during one of the steeper climbs and I couldn't help but chuckle becuase I have definitely been there many, many times before. 

The Headquarters Path was my least favorite section of the hike, especially past 4012. The path was either thorny, overgrown, or flooded, and usually all three. Regardless, we made it and got to do it all again on the return! I missed the small spur path at 4012 to the neighborhood that I'll need to hit during my future "clean up day." Officially started my journey back to the car at 4030 - Pasture Run - and found a really neat section of trail between 4053 and 4072. At 4052 there is also a trail marker for the Great Dome Trail, which hasn't been listed on any maps since the 1980 printing - super cool! On Facebook I was told those stone trail markers were likely installed in the mid 80's which makes sense. 

Overall a nice long hike (minus that darn Headquarters Path... but we survived nonetheless)!

Photo Album

Posted April 8th at 7:15am.

[BACKLOG] Fowl Meadow - Burma Road and Neponset River (Blue Hills Reservation)

Fowl Meadow - Burma Road and Neponset River 

Hike Type: Lollipop
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation: 26 feet
Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio

The Hike
This was a hike that I was wrongfully dreading. I've heard stories about how overgrown the trail along the Neponset River gets and how wet it always is. I put on my big boy shorts and went at it and was happily surprised! Burma Road was really a loveley walk. Always something to look at while walking on this wide path. There was a really cute bridge over a drainage that was something out of a children's book. At 6005 I turned right onto the Fowl Meadow Path that headed towards the Neponset River. I noticed a bunch of elevated sewers - I guess they were put in as infastructure when they planned to send I-95 through Boston? Not sure though. There was a very short spur path that went into the woods, formerly labaled 6009 as recently as the 2014 map, and the 1996 map shows a former trail that I assume is overgrown/flooded out. I followed the 6009 path until it became overgrown and then turned around.

From the 1996 map.

Then I landed at the Neponset River at a nice viewpoint. Across the river are the train tracks which reminded me that even though there was nobody around me, I was never alone. I was nervous starting this trek from everything that I've heard, and finding the trail took a second, and the first water crossing took a few more, but after that truly it was fine! Reports on Facebook say that I got it on a very dry day which I cannot be happier about. There were a few sections that were sketchy and I hit a few prickers, but truly it was fine. At the end of the path I even stumbled upon my first snake of the season!

Once getting back on Burma Road, I finished out that last portion towards I-95 and turned back around. I loved this section, even though it began to feel long. Lots of still water on the sides of the trail with plenty of ducks living their best lives. I had a good amount of energy left when I made it back to 6005, so I decided I would see how the trails on the Eastern side of Burma Road are. I followed the Fowl Meadow Path to the Swamp Trail, dodging some wet spots, and untimately turned around at the Swamp Trail beause it was flooded over. There were a few wide unmapped trails that stemmed out of this area but I decided not to explore as my after school hunger hit. I turned back and headed back to the car. I would definitely come back, but not in the summer and not in a wet season. 

Photo Album

Posted on April 8th, 2022 at 10:19 AM. 

[BACKLOG] Border Path & Hillside Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)

Border Path & Hillside Pond

Hike Type: Speghetti Out-and-Back
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 374 feet
Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

This was a hike that I had low hopes for - saw it more as a chore - and as per usual I was pleasantly surprised! Nothing incredible remarkable about this hike, but it was just a lovely afternoon in the woods. Started at the Hillside Pond, followed an unmapped trail and ran into someone sunbaithing(?!), so I crossed the road and headed towards the Border Path. The Border Path followed a nice stream downhill until the junction at 1224 where I out-and-backed the Valley Path. Back at the Border Path, I followed the nice trail along private property and continued onward at 1215. This part of the path heads to the dam Unquity Road, something that I've driven past countless times, which was cool. From there it was easy going on the return trip back to Hillside Pond.

Back at Hillside Pond, I followed what appears to be a continuation of the Border Path towards Chickatawbut Road and the trail network there - all of which was scenic woods with wide trails. Afterwards I made my way to Hillside Pond which I was excited for, but very claustaphobic by the trail around the perimeter. Thin, sketchy, littered, and thorny, but we made it!

Photo Album

Posted on April 8th, 2022 at 7:44 PM.

[BACKLOG] Tucker and Boyce Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Tucker and Boyce Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Speghetti Loop
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation: 603 feet
Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge; Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge

The Hike

Another wiggly-squiggly day in the blue hills! Started at the park headquarters along the Headquarters Path and then crossed the road to hit the trails between Uniquity, Hillside, and Chickatawbut Streets. Nothing to write home about here, but they're done! Once back on the mainland I cleaned up a few more trails and eventually headed up the Athol Path up Tucker Hill, hit a few more needed trails, and then traversed over Tucker Hill via Skyline. From there, I followed the White-Triangle trail in reverse as it skirts around North and South Boyce before making a return trip.

A rather uneventful hike, but pretty nonetheless! A very small bit of leftover show, a few short and steep climbs (mostly around Tucker Hill), and one semi-view from Tucker as well. Another nice afternoon in the woods. 

Photo Album

Posted on April 12th, 2022 at 1:18 PM. 

[BACKLOG] Houghton's Pond Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Houghton's Pond Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation: 86 feet
Time: 32 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio Winter

The Hike

A super short, super sweet loop around Houghton's Pond. Been here many times before. I didn't want to dive too deep into real "exercise" this day, so instead I went in for a classic. Sadly, I went too casual and heavily regretted not bringing spikes. I went counterclockwise around the pond, and halfway through I jumped to the old route 128 to hopefully find less icy conditions. I was not successful, but I never fell! I only took this one photo for this hike. I'm very grateful to have this as a reliable option when I want to be outside but need to relax as well. 

Photo Album

Posted April 12th, 2022 at 1:31 PM.

[BACKLOG] Wampatuck and Rattlesnake Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Wampatuck and Rattlesnake Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation: 367 feet
Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio Winter

The Hike

A beautiful, slushy day in the Blue Hills. The snow was melting, so most steps I took resulted in sinking and sliding, which was my biggest complaint. There were two main sketchy sections - coming down from the Crags on the Skyline Trail, and coming down the North-East side of Fox Hill. I really loved Fox Hill and the seasonal views of Boston. Not much else to write on this hike. I am grateful for the snowy scenery, but I was delighted to see it go away. 

Step-By-Step

• Park on Wampatuck Road near Rattlesnake Hill
• Hike in, turn left at first junction.
• At next junction, turn right onto Skyline Trail.
• At next junction (4147), turn left onto Crags Foot Path (Green Dot).
• At next junction, turn left.
• At next junction, turn right onto Skyline Trial. 
• Follow skyline trail, at 4155, turn right onto Indian Camp Path (Green Dot). 
• At next junction (4135), turn left onto Pipe Line. 
• Hike trails around 4131 and 4134, landing where the Pipe Line ends at Chicktawbut Rd.
• Turn right onto Fox Hill Path. 
• At summit, turn right onto poorly defined trail towards 4120. 
• Shortly turn right onto Indian Camp Path (Green Dot).
• Turn left to hike unnamed trail to 4142.
• Turn right at 4142 onto Crags Foot Path (Green Dot).
• Turn left at 4145 and hike Old Furnace Brook Path as an out-and-back.
• Back at 4145, follow trail to 4155.
• At 4155, turn around and turn right back onto Crags Foot Path (Green Dot).
• Follow Crags Foot Path until just before Wampatuck Road.
• Turn right onto unnamed trail that leads to parking. 

Photo Album

Originally written April of 2022.

[BACKLOG] High Point State Park (Appalachian Trail)

High Point State Park (Appalachian Trail)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation: 1263 feet
Time: 3 hours, 18 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail

The Hike

I realize at this point I start posts all the same: "another great day in the woods" - or something of that sorts. Thankfully, this day was no different! The weather was going to be much chillier than my near-summer hike just a few days prior, and the snow was back! I had originally planned to park at the AT Trailhead on Route 519, but the pull-off was made up of hard, rutted ice so I turned around and parked along the Appalachian Trail parking at High Point State Park on Route 23 South.

 

My stubborn self bare-booted along the crusty snow from the blue-blazed AT spur leaving the parking lot, turning right onto the red-blazed Iris trail, and then turning right one more time onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. I made it to the crossing on Route 23, and then finally put on my microspikes to get the party started!

 

At this point the hike was calm and lovely. A few short climbs along the Kittatinny Ridge, but nothing too strenuous. There was a beautiful platform that overlooked the surrounding vistas and the High Point monument further down the trail. At the junction with the Monument Trail the Appalachian Trail turns into the forest to slowly descend the ridge.

The forest coming down the ridge was still and beautiful. Short descents followed by long walking breaks that seemed to follow old woods roads. I did not check out the shelter, but it was clearly indicated where to turn off. There was one water crossing that was a little sketchy with the melting snow and ice, but nothing too terrible. The area by the water was also beautiful and the water formed a mini-ravine as it cut through the mountainside. 

 

From the shelter spur to Route 519 was gentle and uneventful. The blood started pumping as I turned around the started to climb up to the ridge again, but nothing was too strenuous. Back at the junction with the Monument Trail, I followed the red-and-green-blazed Monument Trail that ran concurrent with the light-blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail. I have driven to the top of High Point numerous times, but never hiked! The trail was a quick detour that shot right up to the beautiful top of New Jersey. I didn't spend too much time at the top due to wind, but it was nice to be up there again!

 

The return trip was just as beautiful. The snow was starting to melt so some of the descents got dicey, but my butt never touched the ground which is a success! I passed a large group of teenagers hiking in street clothes and sneakers which was interesting. One kid was blown away by my spikes which was one of the nerdiest ego boosts I've gotten in a while. They asked how far away the monument was, and I told them it was probably over a half hour. I hope they made it in one piece!

 

I'm super excited to continue my journey tackling the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail this summer!

Step-By-Step

• Park at Appalachian Trail Parking along Route 23.
• Start on blue-blazed spur trail out of parking lot.
• Turn right onto red-blazed Iris Trail.
• Turn right onto white-blazed Appalachian Trail.
• Cross Route 23.
• Continue on Route 23 to junction with light-blue-blazed Monument Trail.
• Turn right to continue on Appalchian Trail.
• At Route 519, turn around and retrace steps.
• At junction with light-blue-blazed Monument Trail, turn right onto Monument (light blue)/Shawangunk Ridge (red and green) Trails.
• Cross paved park road.
• Continue to High Point Monument and turn around.
• Cross paved park road.
• Follow Monument/Shawangunk Ridge Trail until AT junction.
• Follow AT southbound.
• Cross Route 23.
• Continue on Appalachian Trail.
• Turn left onto red-blazed Iris Trail.
• Turn left onto blue-blazed spur trail.
• Return to parking lot. 

Photo Album

Trail Map

Originally posted May 8th, 2022. 

[BACKLOG] Wawayanda State Park & Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest (Appalachian Trail)

Wawayanda State Park & Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest (Appalachian Trail)

Distance: 13.2 miles
Elevation: 1821 feet
Time: 5 hours, 53 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail

Hike Type: Yo-Yo Out-and-Back

The Hike

The first day of spring! At least the first day of the aptly named "fool's spring." I left Boston early in the morning and landed at the trailhead around 8-9am. This hike formally kicked off my little self-challenge to finish hiking the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail. I had hiked a few sections in the past, so I want to take this upcoming summer to connect the dots! I have it planned out and weather and life depending, it seems doable! I had two sections to complete during this hike: Wawayanda State Park from Warwick Turnpike to Barrett Road and Warwick Turnpike to Prospect Rock, traveling through nonspecific parkland and Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest. 

 

Traveling from Warwick Turnpike to Barrett Road involved a couple of beaver ponds, some flooded trails from snowmelt, old woods roads, and beautiful, young, hardwood forests. While overall featureless, Kazmar Pond was a beautiful marshy-swampy pond and the view right at Barrett Road shows the beautiful farmland that makes up this area. 

 

The second half of the hike started a series of swampy valleys and small hills - I remember when hiking I started counting how many ups-and-downs there were (I think five?) to pass the time. These woods were full of old stone walls, occasional farm machinery, and old woods roads. I was reading an old edition of the AT guide through NY/NJ and it seems most of this section is new in the past few decades, as the trail used to spend much more time in New York. 

 

After the ups and downs, the trail parallels a wide section of Long House Creek and eventually crosses it on a nice footbridge. The trail briefly then follows the unmapped and seemingly unused extension of Gladstone Road and then climbs up to the ridge of Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest. 

This section was easily the most fun. The scrubby pine vegetation immediately brought me back to when I would hike along the Kittatinny Ridge in high school, there were two fun scrambles, and then the views began! This was also the first time I had seen people the whole day. The AT eventually passes into New York, and a little further down leads to the breathtaking views from Prospect Rock. I had a nice lunch here and started my long trip back to the car. While the ups-and-downs became monotonous, there was such a beautiful peacefulness to the woods in this area that I was in no hurry to leave.

Step-By-Step

Part One: (NYNJTC Wawayanda West Map; Wawayanda State Park Map)

• Park at AT crossing on Warwick Turnpike.
• Start hiking on the AT Southbound (technically traveling North, but the trail ultimately goes South).
• Junction with blue-blazed William Hoeferlin Trail, continue straight. 
• Cross Old Wawayanda Road, continue straight. 
• Join Iron Mountain Trail for short while.
• Leave Iron Mountain Trail, continue on Appalachian Trail.
• Turn around at Barrett Road and reverse instrctions.

Part Two: (NYNCTC Wawayanda East Map; Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest Map)

• At Warwick Turnpike, restock at car and continue on Appalachian Trail Northbound.
• Make note of white blazes - there are a few unmapped old woods roads throughout this section.
• Cross the paved Long House Drive.
• Cross unpaved and unmapped extension of Gladstone Road.
• Continue on Appalachian Trail to the ridge.
• Continue straight at junction with yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail.
• Continue straight at junction with blue-blazed State Line Trail.
• Continue on Appalachian Trail into New York to Prospect Rock.
• Turn around at Prospect Rock and reverse intsructions to Warwick Turnpike.

Photo Album

NYNJTC Wawayanda East Map

NYNJTC Wawayanda West Map

Wawayanda State Park Map

Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest Map

Originally written and posted May 8th, 2022. 

[BACKLOG] Pawtuckaway North Mountain Loop (Pawtuckaway State Park)

Pawtuckaway North Mountain Loop

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation: 1283 feet
Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge; NH Rocks That Rock

The Hike

After a great hike up Pack Monadnock this morning, we were less than enthused about hiking up another (albeit small) mountain. We followed the "well, we're already here" mindset and started our hike out of the parking lot on Reservation Road. Snow squalls were in the forecast, but we had a few hours until they hit. 

Spikes were mandatory for this hike, and we'll later learn that spikes weren't even enough traction, but that's getting ahead of myself. The North Mountain starts as a woods road/snowmobile trail, and without any recent snow it was a sheet of ice. This was consistent until the junction with the North Mountain Bypass, when we started climbing.

The climb had a few short steep sections, but never anything too hard. Ice was spotty. Gen had her spikes on most of the time, I did not. That was the theme for most of the hike from the junction to the summit. Some spots were snowier/icier than others, and spikes would have definitely helped, but I am simply lazy. The first climb rewards with a gentle view of the surrounding lands, but the best view was just past the summit. 

The party really got started as we descended the back side of the mountain. It was as if Princess Elsa took out her frozen fury along the landscape. We went from what resembled a shoulder season to the dead of winter. Extremely small steps were taken, lots of DIY switchbacking. Thankfully this area was beautiful, but it took us a long time to travel a very short distance. The poor guy in front of us fell and slid about 10 feet, and Gen was soon to follow (thankfully only landing on her bum). I was apparently too stressed to take many photos of this area, but the ice was impressive to say the least. At the very end of the descent there was some tricky rock/ice scrambling that took my feet out from under me, cut up my hand, threw my nalgene, and thankfully caused a good belly laugh. We were relieved to be done.

After a little more flat hiking we hit the junction with the Boulder Trail and North Mountain Bypass. We were going to take the Boulder Trail for some exploring, but wanted to get back to the car to hopefully miss the snow squalls. Thankfully the boulders were bountiful on the North Mountain Bypass! BIG boulders. We were delighted. 

The return trip on the North Mountain Bypass trail was long and tedious, but had nice scenery. It traveled through woods, on wide park roads, and through logged areas. We finally finished on that icy road back to the parking lot, and someone at their car joked that we sneaked up on them, which was a lie because of how loud our spikes were on the ice. We warned them about the sheet ice on the far side of the mountain and went on our way up to Vermont for some skiing. We drove through a bunch of snowsqualls which was a pain, but it was cool seeing the Cannon Mountain cliffs through the snowglobe!

Step-By-Step

• Park on Reservation Road at the North Mountain Trail (dirt lot).
• Start hike on wide dirt road North Mountain Trail.
• At junction, follow white-diamond-blazed North Mountain Trail straight-ish. Do not turn to the North Mountain Trail on the right, as that is the return route. Also do not turn left onto the unmapped woods road. 
• Continue to follow North Mountain Trail to summit and continue on the trail. Descend the back side of the mountain until junction with Boulder Trail. 
• Turn right onto North Mountain Bypass trail.
• Follow signs at junctions to stay on North Mountain Bypass trail.
• At original junction with North Mountain Trail, return on the woods road to the parking lot. 

Pawtuckaway State Park Map

Photo Album

Originally written and posted May 10th, 2022.

[BACKLOG] Pack Monadnock (Marion Davis Trail & Auto Road)

Pack Monadnock (Marion Davis Trail & Auto Road)

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 2.95 miles
Elevation: 1023 feet
Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest

The Hike

It was officially the weekend that I was going to learn how to ski up in Vermont, so it only made sense to do some hiking on the way up. This day's mountain was Pack Monadnock. I chose this mountain because it would be my fifth New Hampshire fire tower, officially completing the NH Fire Tower Quest! There's more than five in the state, but only five are required for the patch. I definitely plan on visiting the rest. 
 
We had a chilly start at 15 degrees with some wind, but thankfully we were sheltered by most of the wind in the woods. Spikes were on right away and for the entirety of the Marion Davis Trail. Nice views of the sun rising through the woods and frozen streams were abundant. The trail climbed with relative ease, but of course many breaks were had. 
 
This mountain is also served by an auto road, so the summit was very developed. The firetower dominates the primary summit, but thankfully views are abundant in almost all directions and the summit has my favorite thing on earth - composting toilets!!We didn't spend too much time up top due to the cold wind, but we enjoyed every second. The fire tower structure was closed for the season, so I will definitely make a return trip to check that out. 
 

We weren't sure of what the condition would be on the Wapack Trail heading down, so to play it safe (and quick) we headed down the auto road. We were grateful to get views of what appeared to be an abandoned ski area across NH-101 and more impressively, Mt. Monadnock. The road switches between crunchy snow, sheet ice, and bare pavement which keeps us on our toes (and almost on our bums). 
 

Overall Pack Monadnock was a quick, easy hike, and I cannot wait to come back!

Step-By-Step

• Park at Miller State Park parking lot and walk to the right of the sign to enter the blue-triangle-blazed Marion Davis Trail.
• The Marion Davis Trail goes right to the summit without any junctions, enjoy!
• After using the composting bathrooms and enjoying the views, descend via the auto road. 

Miller State Park Map

Photo Album

Originally written and posted May 11th, 2022. 

[BACKLOG] Quincy Quarries Area (Blue Hills Reservation)

Quincy Quarries Area (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Mess
Distance: 3.82 miles
Elevation: 250 feet
Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge

The Hike

What a MESS. What an interesting, sometimes scenic, MESS. I started this hike at the parking area off of Ricciuti Drive, and headed into the famous section of the Quarries covered in graffiti/art. This area is always so fascinating to me - what used to be a hot spot for cliff jumping is now a field with rock climbers, day drinkers, casual walkers, insane hikers, and drug users. You truly see every walk of life here, and all with a great view! This whole hike was littered with random unmapped, unmarked trails... and litter... so this hike can be summed up as "I did my best."

I first walked up to the highpoint of the main quarry, and then followed the road to the trails in the back. I never saw 4229, but the trail ends at the bottom of an old granit railway which was very cool. I did my best to guess which random trail was the junction at 4229 while I skirted around the quarry, and climbed up the back one. I hiked the random trails, doing my best to recreate the shapes on the map. The trail to the fields was slightly overgrown and ended with a torn-apart mattress. The trail returning to the parking area was unclear and eroded, but we made it back in one piece and only slightly scratched up. 

Once covering that area, I crossed Ricciuti Drive and entered on the spur path headed to 4238 and simply... did my best. Sometimes the trails in this area were clear, and sometimes I was just walking through the woods and getting scratched by thorns. I hiked to where the "u" is in "Quarries Foot Path" on the map, turned back towards Ricciuti Drive, and hiked towards 4236, which was the only clear area on this whole hike. The split just south of 4236 is also clear. I was able to easily get down to 4235, and that is where clarity stopped. I scrambled down a loose granite mess, walked in a few circles, and then made my way back to 4236. The trail at 4236 that does not go towards 4235 starts off easy to follow, then climbs to another quarry area, and then becomes a guessing game. I tried forever to find a semblance of a trail that leads to the southern portion of the Quarries Foot Path, but eventually had to abandon that plan. I followed something that could have been a path and hiked Northwest along the word "foot" on the map, but ended up lost in the woods again. The rest of the hike followed this trend, and eventually it looks like I made every shape.

I hope that someday this area gets cleaned up, or at least blazed. Its such a cool area with so much history, but hiking these trails is an absolute hellscape. I had hiked some of these trails a while ago, so the map doesn't cover everything. What a time!

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

Originally written September of 2022.

[BACKLOG] Brookside Farm Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Brookside Farm Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Figure-8
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation: 102 feet
Time: 28 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge

The Hike

A short jaunt through some frozen woods. There isn't much to write about for this hike, aside from noting that this is clearly a lesser used area of the Blue Hills Reservation. I parked at the parking lot, walked the paved road past the co-op farm, and then did my best to find the trails. The trails were either along flooded, frozen fields or thorny urban woods with not much to see. I am curious what these trails would be like in the summer months when the plants have time to grow out. I am grateful that it was still cold enough for the ground to be frozen, because otherwise it would have been a wet end to the day. Either way, I was in an out in less than a half an hour and quickly on the way home!

Step-By-Step

• Park at parking lot, walk toward 1057.
• At 1057, first find short path that leads to private property, backtrack, and then follow the loop trail toward 1079.
• Follow the shorter route to 1077.
• At 1077, hike the remaining portion of trail back to 1079.
• Re-hike the shorter route to 1077.
• Follow road back to car.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

Originally written Septermber 30th, 2022.

[BACKLOG] Final Chickatawbut Area Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Final Chickatawbut Area Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: 682 feet
Time: 52 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge; Toilet Paper Trio Winter

The Hike

A short hike to clean up the final trails of the Chickatawbut Area! Also, a hike through three different seasons. I parked right at the intersection of 28 and Chickatawbut Road (which I think is my least favorite parking area due to traffic... maybe its tied with the Quincy Quarries parking), and headed down the red-dot route. I got a little turned around at the area with 1000 different intersections, but landed on Glover Path, which is where I needed to be. At this point I hiked through muddy spring and dry fall, and at the next turn I was to discover some more winter too! I completed the Hawk Hill Path and took the Bouncing Brook Path to complete the lollipop. It was a short easy hike, and I did appreciate the different seasons - it kept things interesting!

Step-By-Step

• Start hike at Route 28/Chickatawbut Road parking (3024).
• Follow red-dot route.
• Go straight through the Skyline jct., and then take the second right. At 3040, turn left onto Glover Path.
• At 3044, turn right onto Hawk Hill Path.
• At 3005, turn right onto Pipe Line.
• At 3011, turn right onto Bouncing Brook Path.
• Retrace steps back to car.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

Originally written September 30th, 2022.