Mt. Monadnock Sunrise via White Dot and Cascade Link (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock Sunrise via White Dot and Cascade Link (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 5.90 miles

Elevation: 1,867 feet

Time: 3 hours, 44 minutes (2 hours, 46 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner (2x), Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

With tired legs after Franconia Ridge, I wanted to keep it a little on the easier side (by no means easy, though) this day by hiking up my favorite mountain - Mt. Monadnock. I've been working on my second round of hiking all the trails in the park, and I needed the classic White Dot Trail. To avoid crowds, I made the executive decision to hike it for sunrise! I was up and out around 2:30am and was DELIGHTED to get breakfast sandwiches at the Winchendon Cumberland Farms at 4:00am! I passed a possum and a couple deer on the rest of my drive.

I made it to the parking lot at 4:20am. It was a chilly 49 degrees with a slight breeze and... I couldn't find the privy in the back lot? Did they just like... remove it? (Update - I learned a few days later I just didn't walk far enough). This made me nervous, becuase I wanted to take care of... morning chores before getting above the trees, but I guess I'll have to pray instead! The skies were super clear, I could hear an owl, and the stars just looked amazing.

[4:28am - Start of Hike]

I got started, walking through the State Park area towards the White Dot Trail. I was in love with how quiet it was at this hour, especially for this mountain. 

[4:30am - White Dot Trail]

I continued onto the White Dot Trail at the massive sign and hiked on the very wide, slightly descending trail, traversing a flat stretch, and then began to climb easily with wide, rocky footing. A gust of wind came through and known down a stick that nearly took my life! When hiking in the dark, I need to make sure I just keep my headlamp forward and pointed down, otherwise I get into my own head and make up sounds of animals that are out to get me!

[4:48am - White Dot Trail/Cascade Link Trail]

The trail moderated and continued to ascend to the junction with the Cascade Link Trail, where it quickly became steep. I was feeling a bit sweatier on this hike than I had the past few days, but I think that was due to the increased humidity. I was surprised at how sustained the rugged steepness was, and was thinking it was probably for the better that I couldn't see too far ahead!

I scrambled up a silly rock slab/wall and fought with some hip belt chafing. I could see the very first light of the day through the trees at 4:50am as I played a literal game of connect the [white] dots. The wind was feeling FANTASTIC as it blew through the trees (I was not looking forward to it up top, though). There was a short-lived walking break before another silly scrambly section, and then I caught my first view at 1.19 miles. It looked like there were clouds on the horizon - maybe it's from the hurricane that's currently off the coast? I wasn't sure if that would affect the sunrise, but I was just happy to be there. It was crystal clear in every other direction!

There was another short walking break before the trail continued to scramble to some more views. I could just barely make out Boston. This was followed by one actually tricky scramble before the trail dipped back into the woods. I broke out of the trees at 1.42 miles - it was chillier and windier now with a STUNNING orange glow on the horizon. From this point, the White Dot Trail continued to gain elevation at a MUCH easier grade to the White Cross Trail junction.

[5:24am - White Dot Trail/White Cross Trail]

I could see some headlamps ahead once at the junction and then I dipped back into the trees before starting the final, slabby climb. I will say, my confidence on these slabs has greatly increased with repititon! I was just behind the duo hiking ahead of me, and soon enough, I was on the summit!

[5:35am - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

It was now bright enough to not need the headlamp anymore. I hit the top, did a quick lap around the summit area, and then set up "camp" to watch the sunrise. I put my phone on a little mag-safe tripod to make a timelapse video of the sunrise, which was mostly hidden behind the trees. I tried a Strawberry Lemonade Poppi soda, which was actually delicious! A few trail runners ran past as I was waiting. I eventually put on all my layers (fleece, nano puff, wind breaker, big puffy worn like a skirt, and gloves) and was still a little chilly. 

Eventually, the sun broke above the clouds and I felt REBORN. The sunlight felt so good on my cold skin. I even found the elusive third survey disc! I KNEW there were three!!! I took a million photos, per usual, including a nice shadow of the mountain to the west. 

After much enjoyment and running around the summit like a giddy school child, I eventually had to pack up my stuff and work my way back down towards the Pumpelly Trail.

[6:24am - Pumpelly Trail]

[6:41am - Pumpelly Trail/Red Spot Trail]

My foot nearly immediately started acting up once on the Pumpelly Trail... oh well. My outer layers came off once I left the main summit area. I was fully engrossed in getting every silhouette photo imaginable while I hiked into the sun - it was so pretty!

[6:52am - Pumpelly Trail/Spellman Trail]

I passed the large Sarcophagus rock and then had a steep dip to the junction with the Spellman Trail. I stopped a bit after to check my text messages and I swear a hummingbird flew up to me to yell at me! Moreso, it flew in front of me, hovered with it's super loud wings, and then flew off, but I took the hint! Just after I landed at my next trail - Cascade Link Trail.

[7:10am - Cascade Link Trail]

The Cascade Link Trail initially descends over ledges to an area where I think "The Imp" could be in view, but I've never been able to make it out (I also have never looked too hard). There were some nice views over towards the Wapack Range as the trail alternated between slabs, scrambles, and soft, flat woods. 

[7:33am - Cascade Link Trail/Spellman Trail]

[7:36am - Cascade Link/Red Spot Trail]

Eventually, a flatter section leads to the junction with the Spellman Trail, and then the Cascade Link Trail continues to be pretty gentle with rocky footing, soon passing the Red Spot/Birchtoft junctions as well.

The trail crossed a dry mossy stream and then the forest near immedaitely changed to lush and green! I was reflecting on the first time I tried this stretch, ascending, and I had to turn around becuase I was cramping so badly. It's crazy how much less water I need now that I'm in better shape (I still need a lot of water, to be fair, I just don't need as much and don't cramp as easily). I did have some... troubling senesations in my lower G.I. track, but it was manageable for the time-being. 

[7:51am - White Dot Trail]

I fully missed the Harling Trail junction and was soon back on the White Dot Trail! I took the spur path to the spring, which was running well despite the lack of rain! I saw my first two people (aside from the summit folks) at 3 hours and 27 minutes/5.12 miles, which again, is insane for this mountain! What a treat, truly! I heard some really cool bird I hadn't heard before (I need to get the Merlin app) and my stomach was feeling BAD.

The White Dot Trail gradually rose up to the park headquarters, were I quickly saw myself to the bathroom! Afterwards, I enjoyed the beautiful sunny day as I walked back to my car.

[8:13am - End of Hike]

I ended my journey with a little solo picnic at a picnic table near my car. I ate my second breakfast sandwich and just enjoyed the wonderful weather after a wonderful hike!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on White Dot Trail

- Follow White Dot Trail to summit.

- From summit, follow Pumpelly Trail.

- At third jct., turn right onto Cascade Link Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto White Dot Trail.

- If wanted, take spur to spring.

- Follow White Dot Trail back to car.c 

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album

Franconia Ridge Loop via Falling Waters Trail & Old Bridle Path (White Mountain National Forest)

Franconia Ridge Loop via Falling Waters Trail & Old Bridle Path (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 8.87 miles

Elevation: 3,945 feet

Time: 5 hours, 24 minutes (4 hours, 50 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

I was officially in my "holding onto summer with all of my strength" phase of August - time to head back up to the Whites after a one-day hiatus to tackle the classic Franconia Ridge Loop! I had hiked the ridge before, but only as a traverse. I've avoided doing the traditional route just because of crowds, but I figured if I started early in the morning on a weekday, I should be fine. I was up at 3:00am and out the door at 3:15am. I made it to Hooksett by 4:30am and had a disappointing bathroom break and no breakfast sandwich, tragically. Thankfully, the Lincoln Dunkin Donuts came through at 5:30am, where I got to use the bathroom AND get a breakfast sandwich (and a bonus one for the summit!). It was CHILLY out! 45 degrees and SUPER clear - I was getting excited!

I made it to the trailhead at 5:45am, which was delightfully and shockingly empty. Now it was 42 degrees and I was borderline cold! I started off with a fleece and I brought my Nano Puff for good measure. This would be my first long-sleeve hike of the season! I took care of a little more business in the porta potties at the trailhead, put GLOVES on, and got to work!

[5:55am - Old Bridle Path]

My hike started by walking past the truly impressive "Welcome to the Bridle Path - Falling Waters Trailhead" kiosk on a paved path. There was ample signage, including some signs about trail improvements that were being done. There was a guy close behind me, so I was trying to keep a quick early pace (which also helped me warm up). The trail was exceptionally well-built, with wide dirth paths occasionally interrupted with well-built stone stairs.

[5:59am - Falling Waters Trail]

Soon after beginning the hike, the Falling Waters Trail diverges on the right and almost immediately crosses the Walker Brook on a lovely footbridge. I soon tool off my outer layers, as the trail began to climb more often (but not difficultly), eventually veering away from the brook. I could see just the top of the Kinsmans illuminated in the early morning light through the trees (I had thought about doing a sunrise hike, but I wanted to actually see the waterfalls of the Falling Waters Trail, at least for this first visit). The trail briefly flattened and slightly descended, soon entering the White Mountain National Forest at a Forest Protection Area Sign (which encompasses the entirety of the loop), and then crossed Dry Brook, which was pretty dry!

[6:11am - Falling Waters Trail/Forest Protection Area Sign]

The Falling Waters Trail then entered a rerouted stretch with some more nice stonework (the old route was still visible, but clearly closed with lots of sticks and brushing) and followed the Dry Brook on the left, eventually coming up to Stairs Falls, which were just beautiful! I took my gloves off here.

Similar to the Beaver Brook Trail, the Falling Waters Trail was appropriately named as the trail wiggled around the brook, showcasing more and more falling waters! The trail passed beneath the "Sawteeth Ledges," which I wouldn't even know were significant enough to have a name if I didn't read the guidebook, crossed the brook, and then ascended a dry, gravelly, eroded ledge. I was feeling glad that I waited for the sun to be up, because this trail was beautiful!

The brook was now on the right as the water continued to cascade below - I was really enjoying seeing the glowing mountains of the Kinsman Ridge through the trees. I, to no surprise, was yet again thinking about my 4000-Footer journey, and this time I made the connection that I was currently in my "Cher's 2002 The Living Proof, The Farewell Tour" phase of my journey. I only have one "city" left to "perform" at, but I'm visiting some must-hit locations on the way. Also, once I finish the tour, I will obviously be coming back for numerous more tours afterwards.

My foot was miraculously feeling okay - no pain, but I did feel a ~sensation~. A confused little bird dive bombed in front of me, which was alarming, and then the Falling Waters Trail continued to parallel the brook through what appeared to be a storm-damanged area that was a little slippery, and then pivoted to rocky and rugged as it approached Cloudland Falls.

[6:37am - Falling Waters Trail/Cloudland Falls]

Cloudland Falls was BEAUTIFUL. It definitely lived up to the hype! Naturally, I took a million photos and got basically every possible angle of the falls. 

The Falling Waters Trail scrambled to the top of the falls, where there was a cool breeze and a nice view over to the sunlit Mt. Moosilauke, with Mt. Wolf in front - how fun! I passed some more nameless falls and thought about reading through the White Mountain Guide, annotating any named falls, and making a patch that visits all of them...

I then crossed the brook on a slab, which felt super similar the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, and then the trail became just a little confusing to follow. I climbed a little scramble and crossed the brook again, enjoying the scent of early autumn, and continued on (this was signed with a temporary paper sign). 

The trail continued to climb through rugged woods with the brook back on the right. There were rock steps, but 1'-2' in height each, which really fired up the quads! I realized I had forgotten to drink any water so far, so I took care of that, crossed the brook again, followed the temporarily mellower trail before continuing to climb uphill. I was missing my anemometer, and I will probably continue to miss it more and more as the weather begins to change (and get more "extreme") - maybe I'll buy a cheap one on Amazon and see if I can not lose it, and that could be the test if I'm allowed to buy another expensive one or not...

I turned the corner at a switchback and a teeny-tiny black rodent scurried across the trail - probably some variant of a mouse? I also encountered my first crazy squrirel du jour - while I hate their cat-calls, I do love the little piles of nut scraps they adorably leave. The air was chillier higher up, so I was trying to slow my pace and actively breathe through my nose to not make my lungs TOO angry. Since that switchback, the trail was pretty rocky and eroded but thankfully not excessively steep! There would be some nice tree views in the wintertime, I bet.

I felt a foot sensation around the hour-20 minute mark, but it wasn't pain, just like, a sensation. I was going faster than I did on Moosilauke and the trail was generally rockier, so that made sense. I was also loving how well the merino wool was wicking the moisture from my body (which I know is like, merino wool's thing, I just forgot how well it works). The canopy briefly started to open up around 2.7 miles and I was HUNGRY for views. I was soaked in sweat, though, and that made me nervous about getting above treeline and being cold (I had layers, so it wouldn't be an issue, I was just more concerned with comfort). 

[7:36am - Shining Rock Spur]

I ran into my first people of the day at the 2.81 mile mark/1 hour and 42 minutes at the Shining Rock Spur junction. They were taking a rest, I said hello, and turned on the spur to check out Shining Rock. It was medium-steep to get there, but a short trail, and wow! The view was very pretty and very unique of the massive slab. The same people from the junction came down after me, so I let them enjoy the view as I blasted back up to the junction to continue on the Falling Waters Trail (I blasted off a little too hard - I was gasping for air at the junction - oops!).

[7:42am - Falling Waters Trail]

At the junction, there was basically a billboard giving some information about the Alpine Zone/fragile alpine vegetation. The guy I saw in the parking lot had caught up with me, so I continued on froom here. The trail was steeper now and trees began to shrink!... and then un-shrunk - I got a little prematurely excited. 

Eventually, some views behind began to open up back towards Moosilauke and Mt. Wolf, and this final push to Little Haystack was sure a doozy! Not sure if it was actually steeper, I was tired, I was going too fast out of impatience, or all three! The trees soon began to ACTUALLY shirnk and I caught some views over to Cannon with the fog over the Connecticut River behind. This was the point of the hike where I'd climb like 10 feet, turn around, go "WOW," and then climb 10 more feet before rinsing & repeating.

[7:58am - Falling Waters Trail/Alpine Zone]

The Falling Waters Trail OFFICIALLY entered the Alpine Zone after many 10-foot pushes, providing an even better view to the Kinsman Ridge and Lonesome Lake. I just kept saying "oh my god" - it was absolutely stunning up there. My notes read: "oh my GOD its incredible up here holy shit oh my god im overwhelmed." The sun was still low in the horizon, which added a beautiful shadow to the west side of the ridge, while the Pemigewasset Wilderness was fully illuminated. I also loved seeing Killington behind Moosilauke and Mt. Wolf - all three other mountains I climbed this week! I could also now see the slopes of Cannon with Bald Mountain/Artist Bluff looking absolutely tiny. The Greenleaf Hut was standing proud at the end of the Agony Ridge, which was scarred with slides. Lincoln was also looking simply insane in the best way.

[8:04am - Franconia Ridge Trail]

I eventually had to move again, which brought me to the summit of Little Haystack. I originally planned to snack here, but there was a group of hikers already doing so, and I wasn't too hungry yet, so I blasted off toward Mt. Lincoln! I did put my windbreaker on. I couldn't get over how ridiculously beautiful it was on this ridge. It was also... empty?? Last time I was up here, which in fairness was on a Friday, it was like a conga line. I couldn't see anyone besides the hikers on Little Haystack. 

I loved looking right into the Pemi and left onto the Walker Ravine (I think). There were newer little signs that had Ravens teaching hikers about the alpine vegetation which was super cute. There were a few scrambles leading up to Mt. Lincoln, which was a bit of a doozy getting up to, but there were still blueberries for snacking, so all was good!

[8:29am - Franconia Ridge Trail/Mt. Lincoln]

To no surprise, Mt. Lafayette looked absolutely insane from Mt. Lincoln. I could now see Mt. Garfield and the Willoughby Gap (which is one of my favorite things to see) in addition to basically every other mountain (besides Jay Peak, of course, since it was in the only cloud). Little birds guided me down Lincoln. I will say, the Lincoln Slide does look fun to ski... I do want to get into backcountry, but doing a slide like that is YEARS and years away. I need to first just skin up a groomed slope, and then probably the actual backcountry trails in the area before doing anything moderately close to that. 

I continued to be in disbelief 1) how few people were around and 2) how many ripe blueberries there were. I was just the happiest boy! Lafayette looked even better from the summit of Truman/North Lincoln, and I was officially at the point where I could not stop singing "Guns and Ships" from Hamilton.

The col between North Lincoln/Truman and Lafayette was a bit scrubby and marked the official climb to Lafayette. The climb really wasn't too bad, and I always say hiking above treeline always feels easier than when in the woods. The final push was just a sensory dream. The sun was shining, wind was blowing but not oppressively, mountains were visible in every which direction (including Mt. Washington!), and the only sound I could hear was the swishing of the alpine grasses. It was really amazing - I needed it.

[8:59am - Mt. Lafayette Summit]

Once on top, I was again shocked and delighted to see only two other people! I had a nice shelter from the breeze in the old foundation, where I had my snacks (including but not limited to leftover pizza and creme brulee almonds). I found the two survey discs, and it looked like there used to be a third at some point. I was so happy to be up here. 

[9:15am - Greenleaf Trail]

After about 15 minutes, though, many more people began to arrive and I was getting chilly, so it was time to head on down the Greenleaf Trail. There were impressive scree walls guiding the trail as I descended wearing my windbreaker and gloves. The hut looked so close, yet so far! This stretch of trail was similar to the upper Jewel Trail, but a LOT nicer on the knees (not 100% nice, but definitely nicer). 

I loved seeing the false summits north of Lafayette from this angle, and I soon was taking my layers back off as I got out of the wind. It was such a beautiful, perfect day. I really couldn't believe it! I didn't want it to end (also because I had just learned that my toilet at home was broken). I was feeling more sensation in my bad foot, but it wasn't pain, yet. 

The Greenleaf Trail eventually entered the scrub and I went a nice bit of time without seeing anybody else, which was lovely. I did patch one insane patch of super loud flies that I did not care for, and I passed an interesting revegatation sign at "the beach" - a sandy area with what looks like used to be a view, but I guess they're letting it grow back in? 

[9:41am - Greenleaf Trail/Forest Protection Area Sign]

The trail continued to ruggedly descend as it exited the Alpine Zone and entered the Forest Protection Area, eventually briefly ascending to an open area with a nice view back towards Mt. Lafayette. I caught a nice view of the hut and then descended again to the low point of the trail, which was a bridge over the outflow of the Eagle Lakes with partial views around and a nice view to the hut.

[9:55am - Greenleaf Hut]

There was a wonderful view of Lafayette and the lakes from the hut, but I didn't spend time there. It wasn't that I wanted to go home, but I wanted to keep moving and see new things before more people showed up! I did a quick lap around the hut and then turned left onto the Old Bridle Path.

[9:57am - Old Bridle Path]

The Old Bridle Path ascended easily away from the hut, providing a better view and then continued the long descent in well-traveled, mossy woods. 

[10:04am - Old Bridle Path/Forest Protection Area Sign]

The trail soon entered another FPA (I think there's basically four on this hike: Falling Waters Trail, Alpine Zone, Greenleaf Hut, and Old Bridle Path) and continued on a nice, descending trail with mildly rocky footing. I was thinking "this really isn't too bad," just as the trail began to plummet! Thankfully, views began again! I first caught forward/on the right to Haystack, Liberty, I-93, Moosilauke, and the Kinsman Ridge.

A view soon after showcased nearby slides, and then even more views appeared in a scrambly area with super smooth rocks that were a little tricky to navigate. The trail traversed a walking break lined with wonderful white flowers before descending again to a wonderful view of the landmass I had just descended and the Lincoln-Lafayette Ridge. I met a cute dog just after this viewpoint, which was followed an even better view of the full drainage, which was wonderful. The great views continued on this stretch of trail, which was nice as I was beginning to pull over more frequently for folks hiking up. 

There was one big, eroded slab after the last view, and the fun was officially over! We were back on badly eroded, dusty dirt! The trail then flattened, again (not complaining, but I was noticing a pattern!). I saw this adorable blue-ish bird with a gold-ish belly and little white halo-ish type line on it's head - no idea what it was, but it was cute! The trail continued to be dreadfully rocky as it passed a sign about the trail restoration project. After this sign, I was basically on a whole different trail. It was delightfully crafted with easy stone steps and easier grades - it was wonderful!

...and then it got bad again! I realized that the trail workers are building new trails and slowly closing down the existing route in segments, so I was just on a new segment but now I was back on an old one, while the one they were currently working on was on the right. Soon, it was lovely again!

The trail turned a corner and I could hear water agian, but I never saw it. I rambled about in a flatter area, and then a crazy squirrel welcomed me to my final mile, which was back on bad footing. And then it was better! And then it was bad! I descended past a trail worker splitting rocks (I would have said hi, but he was DEEP in his work) - I realized he's working on another new segment that looked almost complete.

NOW I was close! The trail flattened out after this stretch and I could start to hear water again. There was a switchback onto a reroute (the trail crews did a SERIOUS job brushing in the old route!), and then I was suddenly back at the Old Bridle Path/Falling Waters Trail split!!

[11:14am - Old Bridle Path/Falling Waters Trail]

The last stretch of trail was short, sweet, and new! I passed MANY people beginning their adventures, dressed in an... interesting array of clothes. 

[11:18am - End of Hike]

It was now a TOASTY 64 degrees at the car and I had just completed another leg of my farewell tour! I'm not too sure how long this tour will last. I know I want to do the Tripyramids via the slides and maybe the Flume Slide too for good measure, but I have no set dates as of now and plan to just enjoy my time! Now... time to go fix a toilet...

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Old Bridle Path.

- At jct., turn right onto Falling Waters Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Franconia Ridge Trail.

- At summit of Mt. Lafayette, turn left onto Greenleaf Trail.

- At hut, turn left onto Old Bridle Path.

- Follow Old Bridle Path back to car.

Photo Album

Mt. Moosilauke Traverse via Beaver Brook & Glencliff Trails (White Mountain National Forest)

Mt. Moosilauke Traverse via Beaver Brook & Glencliff Trails (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Traverse

Distance: 9.18 miles

Elevation: 3,202 feet

Time: 6 hours, 17 minutes (5 hours, 23 minutes)
Hiking Challenges: Terrifying 25, Operational Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Day three of my little hike-a-palooza and day two in the Whites! Sarah and I are both at the end of our 48 journies, and we've basically been procrastinating our finishes. It was going to be either a lovely day or a cloudy day, and we ended up planning a Mt. Moosilauke Traverse via the Appalachian Trail (we both wanted to hike the Beaver Brook Trail, but we simply did not want to have to descend it). It had been almost five years since the first time I hiked Mt. Moosilauke, and it felt special that I was revisiting it before my big finish. I spent the night at the Days Inn in Lincoln and it was a CHILLY 45 degrees when I left the room! I stopped at the Dunkin in Lincoln for breakfast and a summit sandwich, passed more gas than I had in my entire life, and wiggled my way over to the Glencliff Trailhead.

On the way, along NH-118, was an INSANE sunrise viewpoint. I remembered it briefly from when Gen and I hiked Moosilauke the first time. The "sun pillar" was strong, but unfortunately I couldn't dilly-dally, as Sarah and I planned to meet at Glencliff and we were on a time crunch with marching band in the afternoon. It was looking like the "clear" forecast was going to be the winner, which was super exciting! I met Sarah around 6:20am, we hopped my car, and had a wonderful, scenic drive back along NH-118 to the Beaver Brook Trailhead!

We suited up at Beaver Brook just after 7:00am. Unfortunately, the payment electronic kiosk was out of order, so I had to spend $10 instead of the usual $5 (I only had a $10 bill) for the day pass (which is truly fine - the money goes back to the Forest Service). We got our chores done, and then we were off!

[7:15am - Start of Hike on Beaver Brook Trail]

The Beaver Brook Trail began by passing the inflow (or outflow, not actually sure) of Beaver Pond and meanders through these lovely woods, crossing a couple of bridges in the process. There were some early morning colors in the sky above, but the woods remained dark. We passed some ghost pipes and the characteristic bright-orange signage of the Dartmouth Outing Club.

[7:27am - Beaver Brook Trail/Departs Forest Protection Area]

We left the Forest Protection Area and continued to work our way through the woods, now starting to gain elevation on a really well-constructed trail. There were some wonderful waterfalls on the right, some we could see through the trees and others we could carefully walk out and get a great view of. 

The famous wooden stairs started soon after leaving the Forest Protection Area, but I wouldn't describe the trail as "terrifying," yet. The trail climbed similarly to the Wildcat Ridge Trail from NH-16, but with less open exposure. It was very steep, but we were moving so slow due to the technical nature (and waterfall views) that we didn't feel it too badly. There ended up being two sketchier sections. The first was some wooden stairs followed by a medium-tricky scramble (we both made it up completely fine), which led to another fantastic waterfall view.

The second was a longer series of stairs over a wet slab that led to another wonderful view. Once higher up, we began to get little peek-a-views out to the surrounding mountains. We passed a guy who was taking a break here and then he followed us for a bit before eventually leap-frogging us later on.

[8:17am - Beaver Brook Trail/Enters Forest Protection Area]

[8:40am - Beaver Brook Shelter Spur]

We hiked for another ten-ish minutes through beautiful forests, away from the Brook, and entered the Forest Protection Area of the Beaver Brook Shelter. The climbing was rugged, wet, and rocky, but didn't feel like it lasted for too long. The spur was clearly signed, passed a privy, and had a shelter and a few tent platforms. We heard people in the shelter, so we took a snack break on one of the tent platforms and just enjoyed the woods - it was such a beautiful, chilly day! One camper in the shelter came out and asked if either of us had duct tape for his water filter - sadly neither of us did. 

[9:00am - Beaver Brook Trail]

[9:10am - Beaver Brook Trail/Departs Forest Protection Area]

We continued on the much-easier Beaver Brook Trail after our break, which had transitioned from a rugged, rocky climb to a nice easy-moderate one through mossy woods, eventually leading to the junction with the Asquam Ridge Trail. Just before, there was a cool sign by the DOC that read (traveling northbound on Beaver Brook): "THIS TRAIL CAN BE EXTREMELY SLIPPERY WHEN ICY OR WET. BE CAUTIOUS AND CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE."

[9:16am - Beaver Brook Trail/Asquam Ridge Trail jct.]

The hike basically became an easy walk in the woods after the Asquam Ridge Trail junction. Footing was great, plants were lushious but not intruding, and all was great! We traversed a non-obstructive blowdown patch that provided tree views, passed a few flowers, and eventually came to the unofficial herd path to Mt. Blue. We decided to go for it for funsies!

[9:38am - Mt. Blue Herd Path]

[9:55am - Mt. Blue Summit]

The herd path to Mt. Blue was delightfully loamy (as Sarah put it), with a soft pine footpath surrounded by green undergrowth. There were a couple confusing spots that were like a comical fun-house of pine trees, but there was always a way around (or through it). The trail was also lined with bluebead lilies (according to our apps). The "summit" was marked by a rock cairn - if there was a canister, we didn't see it. The herd path continued for a bit longer, I followed it for maybe another 100 ft until it started to descend, but I didn't catch a canister or any views. It was a fun side quest! Our return was quick and easy, and then we were back on the Beaver Brook Trail!

[10:01am - Beaver Brook Trail]

The Beaver Brook Trail descended to a col after provididng a nice view into the Jobuldunk Ravine, and we could also see Mt. Moosilauke towering ahead. The trail started to climb more moderately as Sarah and I began to reflect on our 4000-Footer journey - talking about favorite hikes, favorite peaks, ones that were awful, etc. The trail had a brief car-washy moment and then gave us a standing view of the Franconia Ridge on top of a rock before arriving at the Benton Trail junction!

[10:29am - Beaver Brook Trail/Benton Trail]

We got cruising once at the Benton Trail junction - the summit was only 0.4 miles away! The trail climbed moderately but soon entered the Alpine Zone and broke treeline.

[10:32am - Beaver Brook Trail/Enters Forest Protection Area]

[10:33am - Beaver Brook Trail/Alpine Zone Sign]

I was borderline emotional when we were officially above the trees - it was insanely beautiful. Sarah started to twirl and sing "the hiiiiills are aliveeeee, on Mt. Moosilaukeeeeee...." The grass, which was starting to brown for autumn, was dancing in the wind. We started to take a million photos, but reminded ourselves that the summit was within sight and the view simply will only get better.

[10:46am - Mt. Moosilauke Summit]

We continued on until we made it! We parked right before the summit proper to enjoy our snacks, take some photos, and just be silly. To our delight, there were only a few other people on the summit. The weather was absolutely perfect - chilly with a breeze, but not too much that we needed anything more than a wind breaker. There were wispy clouds high above, but views were completely clear. It was a DREAM. I found two USGS discs, we explored the area a bit, got our summit selfie, and eventually started packing it up around 11:10am when more people began to arrive (also we were still on a time crunch...).

[11:14am - Carriage Road]

We continued onto the Carriage Road, which was just beautiful. It easily descended past a few blueberry bushes (still with free snacks!) before flattening out. There were lovely views back to Mt. Moosilauke before the trail descended into the treeline with flat, rocky footing. 

[11:41am - South Peak Spur]

[11:47am - South Peak Summit]

We eventually hit the spur to South Peak and obviously opted to go for the final climb of the day. The trail was narrow, steep, rugged, and short! The view from the top was just wonderful, especially looking back at Mt. Moosilauke. I found a plaque off to the side dedicated to Penn Hale, "who loved this mountain and made possible the purchase of scenic trails on it for Dartmouth College." We couldn't stay long, though, since we had to get back for marching band...

[11:58am - Glencliff Trail]

We had a quick descent back to the Carriage Road and then turned onto our final trail of the day (although they've all been a part of the Appalachian Trail, sans the Mt. Blue herd path and the South Peak spur), the Glencliff Trail. The initial descent was steep, but very pretty with tree views to the right. We passed a talus field that we briefly scrambled up to get one last view (it was a little sketchy, not going to lie!) before continuing our descent.

Much lower down, the trail gradually eased up as we continued along and descended into a lush, green forest. We took bathroom breaks in this area (we had been forgetting to pee for the past couple of hours), and continued on, eventually coming to and crossing a few small brooks.

[1:27pm - Glencliff Trail/Hurricane Mountain Trail]

[1:35pm - Glencliff Trail Terminus]

We then made it to a series of meadowy fields with partial views - the final push! We traversed the field, following signs for the Appalachian Trail, and eventually followed a woods road out to High Street, just down the road from the Glencliff Trailhead!

[1:37pm - Glencliff Trailhead/End of Hike]

Once back at the car, we drove back to Beaver Brook, I blasted off (first to McDonalds) to Westford, and Sarah took a dip in the pond before we rendez-vous'd at the high school to teach band - we were both delusional with how sleepy we were. Worth it!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Beaver Brook Trail.

- At jct., take spur to Beaver Brook Shelter, return to trail.

- Continue on Beaver Brook Trail.

- At jct., turn right to continue on Beaver Brook Trail.

- At unmarked jct., turn right to hike Mt. Blue.

- At summit, turn around.

- Turn right to continue on Beaver Brook Trail.

- Summit Mt. Moosilauke via Beaver Brook Trail.

- At summit, continue on Carriage Road.

- At jct., follow sign to South Peak spur.

- Summit south peak, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Glencliff Trail.

- Follow Glencliff Trail to other car on High Street.

Photo Album

Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 10.58 miles

Elevation: 2,293 feet

Time: 4 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 15 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Bear Mountain Trail Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New York Appalachian Trail

The Hike

I had an open morning, so I decided I'd head up to Bear Mountain State Park and work on my (actual) summer hiking goal - make some progress is connecting the dots with the New York Appalachian Trail (my goal has seem to shifted to getting/maintaining my local legend status at the Tourne, but I still want to make SOME progress). I figured it would be a busy day, so I was up and out at 6:20am, getting breakfast at Wawa at 6:25am, eventually getting to the main Bear Mountain State Park area around 7:15am. The area was a bit confusing to navigate as a first-timer, but I eventually landed out of the way in Lot 2. I didn't have to pay the parking fee due to getting there early (the toll booth said "TOLL BOTH CLOSED," which was a nice surprise. It was in the mid 70s with clouds and ample humidity. There were a group of trail runners also getting ready nearby and one shouted "ALL I REALLY WANNA DO IS GO TO THE ZOO," which made me laugh and also emphasize. 

[7:30am - Start of Hike]

I was soon starting my journey by walking across the state park area - Lot 1 would have made more sense for me, but it was nice to be out of the way. My neck and shoulders were a bit crispy from my solo beach day yesterday, but overall I was feeling good! The Bear Mountain Inn was a really cool building, and I soon landed at the three-way trailhead for the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Major Welch Trail.

[7:37am - Appalachian Trail]

This area was well-signed for naviation and for information. I was initially taking photos of the informational signs to transcribe below, but I soon realized that there were simply too many - I ultimately just got the ones that detailed the Appalachian Trail and Bear Mountain State Park:

"WELCOME TO THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

You are standing on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the most famous hiking trail in the United States - maybe in the world! In 1921, Benton MacKaye, a Massachusetts forester and regional planner, hatched a big idea: a footpath from Maine to Georgia. The Appalachian Trail, he said, would be "a sort of backbone, linking wilderness areas to dwellers in urban areas along the Atlantic Seabord." Today, the Trail runs nearly 2,200 miles along the East Coast range known as the Appalchian Mountains.

BUILT AND MAINTAINED BY VOLUNTEERS

Inspired by MacKaye's vision, hikers and wilderness lovers soon began planning and building the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the assistance of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. In 1921, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers completed the very first piece of the A.T. here at Bear Mountain. The A.T. is a unit of the National Park System, and is maintained primarily by volunteers who continue to keep the Trail open, safe, and enjoyable for all.

PATHWAY TO BEAUTY

Whether you walk just a short section or hike all the way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalchian Trail connects communities and offers people access to scenic beauty, quiet forests, and wildlife habitat along its entire length. The A.T. also links up with thousands of miles of connecting trails. Here in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, you can explore more than 225 miles of trails." from trailside kiosk.

"PRESERVING A NATIONAL LANDMARK

CARING FOR A 2,200-MILE FOOTPATH

Managing a hiking trail that passes through 14 states and an even greater number of communities and parks along its 2,200-mile length is a complex responsibility shared by numerous, regional, and local agencies, as well as volunteer-based non-profit organizations. At the national level, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is the responsibility of the National Park Service, which oversees and safeguards more than 400 natural and historic places for the public, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the preservation and management of the A.T.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) strives to ensure that the Appalachian Trail's "vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come." ATC, founded in 1925, works with federal, state, and local agencies and 31 "maintaining clubs," such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, to cooperatively manage the Appalachian Trail. ATC provides education, resources, and inspiration for hikers and trail volunteers from around the world.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

In 2006, the Bear Mountain Trails Project was established to make Bear Mountain State Park's trails more sustainable for the high level of use they receive. This initiative has been made possible through a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and New York-New Jersey Trail Conference." from trailside kioks.

"BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION

BUILDING NATURE PARKS FOR PEOPLE

Parks preserve and celebreate nature, but they are not entirely natural. Hundreds of workers - led by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager of Harriman-Bear Mountain - built roads, lakes, youth camps, and recreation facilities throughout these two parks. In 1913, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) formalized a group camp program - the first in teh nation - that introduced thousands of urban children to nature. In 1915, the Bear Mountain Inn opened and served over 100,000 guests in its first year. Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks were a huge success, with hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving year after year, first by steamship from Manhattan and Yonkers, and later by bus and car. Today, 3.5 million people annually visit these parks, which are still managed by PIPC and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

BEAR MOUNTAIN: RESCUED JUST IN TIME

The fate of Bear Mountain could have been very different if not for the work of early conservationiists. In 1909, New York State purchased 740 acres on the mountain for the purpose of relocating Sing Sing Prison. The project outraged the environmentally concerned citizens who had helped form the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), created to preserve land and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, just years earlier. Mary W. Harriman, widow of railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman, offered the state a deal: She would donate $1 million and 10,000 acres of her private estate to PIPC if the state would discontinue work on the prison and provide money for further park expansion. Her parcel became Harriman State Park, while the state land became Bear Mountain State Park, inspiring a parks movement nationally - one where nature would be protected and people of all walks of life would be welcomed." from trailside kiosk.

"BUILDING A PARK FOR GENERATIONS TO ENJOY

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE BACKCOUNTRY

The Palisades Interstate Park system is a lasting monument to the conservation movement of the early 20th century. Hiking trails that offer public access to the backcountry of these parks are the work of generations of dedicated volunteers. This public-private trail-building partnership was conceived by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager and chief landscape engineer of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). In 1920, he encouraged volunteers from New York City hiking clubs to cooperatively form the Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference, now known as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Together, they built 100 miles of trails in seven years, including the historic first 20-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, across Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. In partnership with PIPC, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers today maintian more than 2,100 miles of hiking trails, including those in Bear Mountain and Harriman.

WHEN A MOUNTAIN IS LOVED TOO MUCH

Early trails tended to go straight up mountains, inviting erosion caused by rain and the impact of thousands of feet. Today, trails are designed to resist these destructive effects and to respect and preserve the environment through which they pass. Protecting our native habitats against foreign plants and insects unknowingly brought in by hikers is another challenge facing conservationists. New collaborations focused on controlling these damaging invasive species and protecting our natural resources continue to the legacy of successful public-private partnerships that have preserved precious wildlife habitats and built and maintained trails for people." from trailside kiosk.

I followed the signature white blazes of the Appalachian Trail into the woods on a ridiculously well-manicured and constructed trail, complete with stone steps, log railings, and cobblestone walkways. The trail was lined in wildflowers and seemingly endless wineberries. I put bug spray on 10ish minutes in (fresh can, too!). The trail began to gain elevation still on the maticulously built path through some nice rocks - the pathway made sense for a very busy park - I was wondering how old this edition of the trail was.

I passed an under-construction junction with a blue-blazed trail as I continued to climb what was now a stairmaster, soon passing a family trio that was not having a great time. The trail alternated climbing with walking breaks, hugging the mountainside. Overall, it was an enjoyable walk, but it just didn't have much of a "woodsy" feeling. I crossed paths with some trail runners coming down the mountain and one pointed at this buddy and told me joking to "get a picture of this guy falling," which was funny. 

I passed a nice overlook toward the Hudson where there was a guy picking up some garbage, and it was at this point where I decided I wouldn't keep counting the people I saw, since it was already over a dozen. 

The Appalachian Trail traversed a neat storm-damaged area - I was wondering if this area was ravaged by the storms that shut the park down a couple summers ago? After the storm-damaged area, there was another nice walking break that led to a nice, open area that continued on a crushed gravel pathway with some tree views. Soon, the Appalachian Trail crossed power lines and something that looked like an access or a service road that connected to Perkins Memorial Drive. 

I saw some standing views over to the Timp and some blueberry bushes that were SO CLOSE to being ripe, or so I thought... Just a few more feet down the trail I got my first handful of wild blueberries! I was genuinely so happy! I truly only eat blueberries when they're free in the woods. I enjoyed another obstructed standing view to the Hudson while gobbling up the berries, also noticing what I assume is remnants of the old path from time to time. 

Once near the top, I enjoyed some different wildflowers and could soon see the Perkins Memorial Tower through the trees, and soon enough, I had summited Bear Mountain!

[8:21am - Bear Mountain Summit]

I was very grateful to be at the summit before the road opened. There were plenty of ledges with views overlooking West/Dunderberg Mountains - I wandered about for a bit looking for a benchmark disc with no luck, oh well. There was fog rolling in over the Hudson now and I could notice lots of drill holes and what looked like old tower footings on these ledges. I circled the closed tower and eventually took a quick snack, water, and wring-out-the-shirt break where the Appalachian Trail reenters the woods.

[8:31am - Appalachian Trail]

From here, the Appalachian Trail continued back into the woods on an accessible trail (which could be bypassed by a shortcut trail). The accessible trail was on a wide crushed gravel path and went right past a large bouder that had some more old fire tower footings and TWO USGS discs! I was thrilled in the nerdiest way!

I continued along, crossing another (or the same) access/service road and traversing what appeared to be a burned area. The Major Welch Trail continued on the right while the Appalachian Trail turned left and soon landed at a foggy overlook with a concrete-and-stone chimney-like footing. The accessible path ended here, and I saw some reptilian or amphibious creature with a shiny blue trail run under a rock? (EDIT: I have discovered through the power of Google that it was a five-lined skink!). 

Now on a narrower, grassier footpath, I could hear some blasting off in the woods - I'm guessing a gun range or a sportsmen's club or something along those lines. Thankfully, I did not encounter any riffraff. The trailbed continued to be well-maintained, but far less manicured than what I had been on all day today (this was not a bad thing). There were some lovely, twisting mountain laurel lining the trails (but not suffocating the trails) and I caught a deer who was only ~30ish feet from the trail!

[8:50am - Appalachian Trail/AT Shortcut lower end]

The Appalachian Trail circled a massive rock and soon came to the lower end of the AT Shortcut; the trail that bypassed the accessible trail.

[8:53am - Major Welch Spur]

Not much further down the trail was a really cool ledge that had a ton of little poles eroded into it. I said "good morning" to a presumable AT thru-hikers sitting on a bench as I turned to follow the faded blue blazes of what I guess is an distant extension of the Major Welch Trail (at least according to the NYSDEC map). The trail rambled over ledges with just a couple small scrambles, eventually terminating at an inconsequential ledge with a nice view over to West Mountain and Jackie Jones Mountain. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this side trip, but I guess it was nice for a solitude. I used this time to wring out my shirt again and fuel myself before easily returning to the pothole ledge, as I decided to call it. I did see a black squirrel, though!

[9:04am - Appalachian Trail]

From the better view back on the Appalachian Trail, I could identify Jackie Jones Mountain, which is always fun to see. The trail traversed an unfortunately overgrown stretch, but that was the only bummer (for now...). I crossed paths with a large but very friendly group of folks, felt some hip pain, and ate some more blueberries!

The AT descended on MANY stone steps, eventually steeply and narrowly winding down between some large boulders. The trail bottomed out on the old access road that I passed while ascending a while ago.

Following the  deteiroating-but-paved access road, there was a steep drop off on the left and some really impressive stone work on the right, which I think serves the purpose of preventing further erosion/sliding on the ledges above - I wonder if this is CCC work? The pavement eventually ends with pleasant views into the woods below, and soon crosses Perkins Memorial Drive.

[9:22am - Appalachian Trail/Perkins Memorial Drive]

After crossing the road, the Appalachian Trail entered the classic open, grassy "Harriman Woods" - as I've begun to call it. The trail rose over a hump and continued to meander as I crossed paths with some more thru hikers - one notable duo was a southern couple who just seemed like the happiest folks in all the land! I crossed paths with another who was picking blueberries, descended on some more tight stairs, past some more thru hikers, and the trail flattened out before crossing the Seven Lakes Drive.

[9:36am - Appalachian Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

[9:37am - Appalachian Trail/1777W]

After crossing Seven Lakes Drive, the Appalachian Trail continues a few feet before joing the 1777W trail. The two coincide for a few minutes - I was excited to had been here before! The trail wiggled through a mountain laurel tunnel for a bit before the Appalchain Trail turned left, leaving 1777W.

[9:40am - Appalachian Trail]

Back on a new-to-me stretch of trail, a continued along and was soon scared by a guy who camped on the side of the trail and was sitting up in his tent. I had been feeling some hip pain for the past mile-ish, but I noticed if I just don't take MASSIVE steps, I'd be fine. I came across a guy with a Poland Spring water bottle and over-the-ear headphones. We exchanged nods, went our seperate ways, but then he turned around and asked where the parking lot was. I asked him which one, and he had no idea. I told him the nearest one was the 1777W one and directed him there... hopefully that's where he wanted to go and not to Anthony Wayne... I never heard or saw any missing persons report, so I guess he made it back!

[9:48am - Appalachian Trail/Fawn Trail]

Just after my... encounter I landed at the Fawn Trail junction and the Appalachian Trail began to climb, soon entering an area of young birches. I was officially dripping in sweat again! I did a short snack-and-sit at a fantastic viewpoint of Bear Mountain. It was especially fun to see the ledges I was traversing not too long ago. I crossed paths with another hiker here who was playing motivational speeches on his phone...

I continued along, climbing more steadily, questioning my life choices, but soon made it to the junction with the Timp-Torne Trail.

[10:06am - Timp-Torne Trail]

I initially got confused at this junction, because the AT was turning right, but I was pretty sure I had to turn left. I had completely forgotten that I was leaving the AT! I turned left onto the Timp-Torne Trail to start a long stretch of familiar hiking. I passed some nice views down to Anthony Wayne as the sounds of cars on the Palisades Interstate Parkway ushered me along as I waved to Jackie Jones Mountain again!

My shoes were yet again soaked from my sweat as I passed a junction with an orange-blazed trail. I didn't get a photo/timestamp because a group of men were chilling there - at least they told me "you probably want to go left" (they were right!). 

[10:27am - Timp-Torne Trail/Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

A few minutes after, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined the Timp-Torne Trail as the trail rambled around a rocky-slabby stretch. The trail(s) eventually came up to a confusing cairn that made it look like one of the two trails turned, but no, both trails continued straight. I felt validated by an older man at the same cairn who was also confused. I was rewarded by the world's weakest and shorest breeze that added a solid five minutes back to my life!

[10:35am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

The trailbed started to get a little grassy near the split of the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail and the Timp-Torne Trail. I was nervous, because I remembered being a little miserable in this upcoming stretch when I hiked it in the spring. Thankfully, I didn't expect any lingering winter conditions. To my absolute dismay, I was about to hike on the most overgrown trail I'd ever been on. 

The grass was so grown-in that I couldn't even see the rocks beneath my feet, which made for some slow hiking and interesting footing challenges. A dislodged rock eventually hit my shin, BUT there were plentiful blueberries, so I guess that's a win? I was nervous about ticks, but I was so sweaty that I'm pretty sure they'd drown upon first bite. 

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail turned into a more shaded area and the trail conditions improved... for about a minute before getting bad again. It steeply descended on an eroded footbed before climbing over a knob and getting even grassier. The trail continued to ramble about with another pathetic breeze that still felt good, alternating between steep/eroded and flat/grassy. 

A longer, steeper, awfully eroded pitch tragically felt amazing after pushing through the grass for a while, but not to worry, I was soon back in the grass again! I reminded myself to be grateful because I'd had great conditions all day...

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined a stream in a familiar area, crossed the stream, and then continued through a grass-free eroded area. I remember this area had a lot of running streams in the spring, but it was mostly dry this time of year. 

After leaving the dried wet area, the trail becomes only slightly grassy again and begins to follow an old road grade, which it left at the Fawn Trail junction to climb up and over a pud. The trail descended to cross a couple of mossy streams and then began to rise again with rough footing to the junction with 1777W - finally!

[11:18am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/1777W]

I took a water and snack break at this junction while wondering if I actually even liked hiking anymore. Just as I got moving again, I almost stepped on a black snack that sent my 6 feet into the air! My camera lens was fogged up due to the thicker humidity in this area, and I was solidly cranky at this point.

I passed a sign for the "Doodletown Walking Tour" along the trail, which I'm sure has an interesting history. 

"WALKING TOUR. Follow this map to the homesteads of the long-gone hamlet of Doodletown. Homes are numbered as they existed in 1957. Those circled in red have a sign-post on the trail with a photo of the house. A book, Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Vanished Hamlet on the Hudson, by former resident, Elizabeth "Perk" Stalter, is available at the Park Visitor Center on the Palisades Parkway." from trailside sign.

There was a slight breeze and dash of sunlight, attempting to keep me alive. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail began to climb again, mostly easily but slowly due to tired legs, past some mid-stage spotted lantern flies (DEATH TO THEM!), past a couple of deer, and soon to Seven Lakes Drive - progress!

[11:36am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

I was OFFICIALLY in the home stretch now! The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail crossed Seven Lakes Drive onto an access that road that may or may not have connected to the one from before. The sun was HOT at this point in the day, and abundant now that the access road began to follow a power cut. I could hear a comical amount of motorcycles blasting "Low Rider" from the road down below as I climbed up the height-of-land, my final climb of the day!

At the height-of-land, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail veered right off of the power cut for the final descent, which closely paralleled the power cut with decent footing. I caught a small peek-a-view to the Bear Mountain Bridge from this area, and I could soon hear people down below at the state park!

I began to emotionally prepare for my reentry to society as the trail began to zig-zag down, crossing the power cut many more times. I came across a lone turkey, that was soon joined by another turkey and a BUNCH of babies, which was super fun to watch! I caught a glimpse of another five-lined skink before landing on another access road, where the trail turned left.

According to the lack of track on AllTrails, it looked like that stretch of trail was a relatively recent reroute. I veered right at a split and passed some overgrown stairs before finally exiting the woods and making my way to the trail's official terminus back at the junction with the Appalchain Trail and Major Welch Trail!

[11:57am - End of Trail at Bear Mountain State Park]

All that was left was my final walk through the state park, which was BUSTLING with people, cookouts, and overall energy. I was sweaty, tired, and stinky, which was in stark contrast to the 99% of people who were all around. The main parking lot was completely full, but the lot I parked in was only half full. My sausage fingers were full present, and I made it back to my car at the same time as the trail runners who I started the morning with!

[12:02pm - End of Hike]

There was a long line of cars trying to enter the parking lot at the toll booth, which was collecting payments now. Overall, this was a nice hike, and with a bit of trail maintenance, the whole trip would have been a blast!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Bear Mountain State Park.

- Start hike on Appalachian Trail.

- Follow Appalachian Trail to summit of Bear Mountain.

- Descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., hike out-and-back on blue-blazed Major Welch Trail to view.

- Continue to descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Continue to follow Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

- Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joins on right.

- At split, turn left onto yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Follow Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail back to car.

Map of Bear Mountain State Park (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Lost River Gorge & Ecology Trail (Lost River Reservation)

Lost River Gorge & Ecology Trail (Lost River Reservation)

Hike Type: Figure 8 Loop

Distance: 1.61 miles

Elevation: 307 feet

Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes (55 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Our final adventure of vacation and some rain brought Gen and I to the Lost River Gorge! We had both done the Flume Gorge, so it only makes sense to explore this one, too! We ordered our tickets online during dinner last night and were on the road a little before 8:00am to drive across the Whites for our 9:00am tickets! Tragically, we got there 15 minutes early and the parking lot was still roped off, so we parked at the Beaver Brook Trailhead to chit chat for a bit before starting our adventure.

This adventure was FUN! We were the first ones there and got the run-down by the cashier - the TL;DR was 1) stay on the path, 2) read the cave descriptions for committing, 3) watch out for velicoraptors! We started our "hike" by following the well-manicured path down to the base of the gorge, down many, MANY steps (thankfully none were slippery). 

Then, the fun began! The gorge itself was very wild and mossy, and the caves were fun! Some were tricky for full-grown adults, but we had a blast! The Sun Altar was an easy one, and the Cave of Odin, Dvil's Kitchen, and Cave of Silence got a bit more interesting, with some wiggling involved. 

The caves did a good job slowly progressing with "difficulty," if you could call it that, and I personally vetoed the Lemon Squeezer, especially after watching Gen try to get through the gauge! Not for me, and that is okay! In the same area as the Lemon Squeezer was the Valley Viewpoint, which probably had a lovely view, but the rain fully enveloped us.

I skipped the Dungeon and Bear Crawl, but got back into the caves for the Judgement Hall of Pluto, which was personally recommended by the cashier. He said it was only open when water levels allowed, and we noticed we were likely on the cusp of what was "allowed," as the water came right up to the floorboards.

We climbed up to the Suspension Bridge and took a loop around the Forest Treehouse and Birdseye Viewpoint. We took a quick intermission in the gift shop afterwards, and then worked toward the parking lot to find the Ecology Loop.

The Ecology Loop is a free loop trail that meandered through misty, moody forest. Less manicured than the gorge, it felt more like an "actual" hike. One neat part of this stretch was when the trail came up to the land burned in the Dilly Fire (and with some bonus research, it turns out that the Dilly Cliffs Trail originated from this parking lot before the fire!

The trail ended in a marshy area on boardwalks that had metal grating, which made them not nearly as slippery as they could be.

This was a great way to get outside and still be active on our last day of vacation! We concluded the Flume Corge is much more beautiful, but this Lost River Gorge is more fun to experience becuase of the caves - they compliment each other well!

Photo Album

Iron Mountain & South Ledges (White Mountain National Forest)

Iron Mountain & South Ledges (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 4.48 miles

Elevation: 1,165 feet

Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes (1 hour, 47 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

My drive from Cannon Mountain to Iron Mountain was wonderful for 60 of the 65 minutes. Up through the northern tip of Franconia Notch, enjoying the views of the Presidential Range from US-3 and US-302, and Crawford Notch. Once I drove through Jackson on NH-16, I turned left onto Green Hill Road and later Iron Mountain Road, which was signed as a Class VI road, and BOY did it feel like one. It climbed comically steeply and narrowly with constant ruts. I was STRESSED. I'd take driving in the snow to Jay Peak any day over this (that's an exaggeration, it was still rough). Thankfully, I was rewarded with a parking spot in the main lot (room for 4-5 cars). There were two other cars in the main lot and one car in the overflow lot, and two of those cars were claimed for in the time it took me to re-suit up.

[12:11pm - Iron Mountain Trail] 

The trail began just a few more feet down the road from the parking area, signed as land preserved by the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust. From the road, Iron Mountain Trail climbs up wooden and gravel stairs to a meadow that was a bit more overgrown than I would have preferred but with EXCELLENT views. I'd heard the rumor that the Iron Mountain parking area has one of the best views in the Whites, and the rumors were true! Immediately on the right was a private residence with Stairs Mountain towering above.

Not much futher up the meadow was the most impressive view: the Presidential Range from Washington to Eisenhower on one side of Pinkham Notch and then the Wildcats and Carter Dome on the other. This was a solid start to the hike!

The trail continues into the woods and over boardwalks, through a second meadow, and then over some more boards before continuing on one of the most lovely footpaths I've had the pleasure of trampling. The forest the trail climbed through was full of young birches and rose at very easy grades. There were a few pockets of unproblematic gnats, and other than that, no bugs! I was so delighted at how lovely this hike was (apparently it was significantly rerouted in 2021, I am curious what the old trail was like). 

The trail slowly left the young forest via switchbacks and traversed a few spots with rougher footing, but this was absolute paradise, especially after the Kinsman Ridge Trail this morning! There was a small wooden staircase around 0.92 and a morning dove cheered me on as the trail slightly got steeper.

The final swtichback is where the Iron Mountain Trail joins the old route and soon there is a side path that leads to a ledge view that is really just spectacular - the same view from the meadow but from a much better and higher vantage point. The sun was reflecting off of the summit lift at Wildcat Mountain and there was just a small patch of snow visible in Oakes Gulf. I could also see Isolation, which was extra fun!

[12:47pm - Iron Mountain Summit] 

The trail climbed moderately, but again, completely lovely, and passed a side path to a little crag that looked like it might have had a view in the past, but it had nothing. Just further up the trail was a really neat summit area - it reminded me of the abandoned trails on Youngs and McFarland Mountains in Acadia National Park. There were old fire tower footings with some wood still attached (one theoretically could get up and stand on the wood, but I was NOT going to tempt fate. There was a USGS disc on the ground and fire tower remnants scattered about. It was a really neat area!

From the summit, the trail continued on, feeling slightly less-traveled with many butterflies and dried out lichens, eventually reentering the woods. The White Mountain Guide mentioned that the blazing stopped after the summit, but I noticed new blazes painted through the whole route. There was a steeper descent after the flatter summit plateau, and I crossed paths with the folks from the last car in the parking lot! 

The trail continued over soft, flat ground, traversed a dry, sunny ledge, and then went back into the woods before descending steeply again. I wrote in my notes "man this view better be good I'm going down a lot." Eventually, the canopy opened up again as the footbed became slabbier. The trail passed some blooming sheep laurel, and soon landed at the trail split! The White Mountain Guide mentioned that the trail to the ledges continued right while an unofficial trail turned left to the iron mines, but there was a relatively new USFS sign indicating the trail split, implying both spurs are "official" now. 

[1:04pm - Iron Mountain Ledges Spur] 

[1:06pm - Iron Mountain Ledges] 

The trail is short and open from the sign to the actual ledges, and WOW - they ARE worth the trip! The area is wide open with just a few cairns, so it is possible to get a little lost, but it was super fun to explore. There were more sheep laurel, many butterflies, and of course, views! The primary view was to Attitash Mountain and the peaks of the Moats. From some vantage points on the left, I could see Kearsarge North. To the right were countless other peaks, including Carrigain and the Tripyramids.

[1:13pm - Iron Mountain Ledges Spur] 

[1:15pm - Iron Mountain Trail] 

Still with the goal of not wanting to keep Gen waiting for too long, I didn't stick around and soon got on with my return! I passed a few dried up Lady Slippers and started blasting off back toward the summit. I am really glad this wonderful mountain is back on the 52 With-a-View list, I just hope the road gets improved!

A buzzing bug got stuck in my hair during the blast-off, and I also blasted off slightly off-trail at one point, but beside that it was smooth sailing! The steep climbs got my heart pumping and really did kick my butt, but in fairness I had already hiked Cannon this morning and was hiking faster than usual to make time. I also passed a old, rusted red disc nailed to a tree. Maybe an old blaze?

I crossed paths with two individuals seperately and then a duo afterwards. My poor chafing nipple was hurting yet again, but soon enough I was back at the top!

[1:32pm - Iron Mountain Summit] 

The final part of my blast off was easy, breezy, and beautiful. The gentle grades throughout this stretch made for great power-walking. I even passed the two folks from before (the woman made a comment, "That was fast!") in the young birch area. I eventually made my way out to the meadow where I noticed Black Mountain (my favorite ski mountain) and what I believe is a ledge from Bald Knob of the Baldface Range. 

[2:01pm - End of Hike]

Soon enough I was back in my car and driving slowly in low-gear down the dreadful road with white knuckles. It was now a warm 70 degrees out, climbing towards 80 as I made my way back to North Conway. I showered, scooped up Gen, and then we had a lovely playdate in North Conway! We played some Pokemon, went to the 5 and 10, the General Store, the Ski Museum, and got dinner at the Beef & Ski, which was just an incredible name for an eastablishment. We finished up our day going to REI, going to the Columbia store, and getting me a toothbrush from Market Basket becuase I accidentally dropped mine into the toilet after brushing for Cannon...

Step-by-Step

- Park at Iron Mountain Trailhead.

- Summit Iron Mountain.

- At jct, turn right onto Ledges Spur.

- At ledges, turn around and retrace steps to car.

Photo Album

Cannon Mountain via Pemi, Hi-Cannon, & Kinsman Ridge Trails (White Mountain National Forest)

Cannon Mountain via Pemi, Hi-Cannon, & Kinsman Ridge Trails (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 7.60 miles

Elevation: 2,487 feet

Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes (4 hours, 3 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: New Hampshire 4000 Footers, Terrifying 25, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Day 3 of vacation! Having hiked Mts. Washington & Isolation on Day 1 and the Royces yesterday on Day 2, my legs were HURTING. That being said, the forecast changed from "rain all day" to "freaking beautiful," so I simply had to rally. Gen decided to sit this one out to spend some time working and recovering, so I was riding solo! I was up at 5:00am to drive across the Kanc to Cannon Mountain. It was delightfully chilly out as I enjoyed watching the sun rise - first just casting some alpenglow on the mountains and then shining brightly at the Sugar Hill Overlook. I drove past a deer and a man running up to Kancamagus Pass. I took a pit stop at Dunkin Donuts for some breakfast and a bathroom christening and soon I was at the Cannon Mountain Tram parking lot! I wasn't fully sure where to park, as there were many "Tram Parking Only" signs, but I parked in the one corner aisle of the parking lot that didn't have one (I think the gravel lot to the left of the porta potties is also hiker parking, but there weren't any signs that I saw designating that). I christened the porta potties again, and got started on my adventure!

[6:20am - Start of Hike] 

My plan was to follow the Pemi Trail over to Lafayette Place, hike up and over Hi-Cannon, and descend back to the car via Kinsman Ridge Trail. It was a wonderful 48 degrees out (which was in stark contrast to the 100+ weather we had on Tuesday). I followed the gravel road to the Kinsman Ridge Trailhead area and then walked on a mowed path through the trees to the paved parking lot for the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, which I followed until I was near the building and then officailly began my hike on the Pemi Trail.

[6:27am - Pemi Trail] 

The Pemi Trail was missing a sign, but began on a blue-blazed staircase into the forest. My puffy was on since it was so chilly out, especially with a breeze. The great news was that this also kept the bugs at bay! There were some loud crows screaming at each other overhead as I crossed a dry brook, took a few webs to the face, and took a quick detour onto a bridge near Profile Lake to remove my puffy (to no surprise, I warmed up quickly). There was a nice view through a meadow to the lake on the right and up towards the series of cliffs north of the Greenleaf Trail.

Back in the woods, I came across a sleeping cecropia moth, which apparently is the largest moth native to North America! It was really pretty, and I was THRILLED that it was not moving.

There were patches of trail that were a little grown-in, but never too problematic. There was another bridge at the far end of Profile Lake that had a comical soundtrack of trickling water, trucks on I-93, and screaming crows. 

The next stretch of trail was wetter, muddier, and sketchier, but I made it through fine. There was one water crossing on a thin, old plank of wood ~2' above the water, which did not make me feel great! On a similar note, I had an awful stomach sensation in this area, too. I did see fish, though!

[6:50am - Pemi Trail/Bike Path] 

The Pemi Trail briefly coincided with the Franconia Notch Recreation Path before turning back into the woods (super clear sign). Tragically, my body needed to perform an exercision, so off-trail and into the woods I went, carefully trying to keep equidistant from both the Pemi Trail and the Recreation Path. In hindsight, it was my first code brown in quite a while, so I'm grateful for the cooperation my body has shown me in recent months. 

ANYWAY. The trail proper was becoming quite lovely. I could make out the Cannon Cliffs through the trees and I crossed paths with two trail runners which indicated two things: 1) I would not have to take down any more spider webs and 2) if I waited to take care of my code brown at all it would have become even more of a bummer.

I noticed some side paths with blue plastic blazes, maybe ski trails? Maybe climbing trails? Near one, I noticed a concrete post with an NH on the top. Further down, there was a nice bridge over the Pemi, leading me to hike next to the highway down the embankment. I also felt myself starting to get a little emotional now that I was getting fericuously close to finishing my 48 (and my 52!). 

The trail on this side of the Pemi was lovely and easy, gently descending. It skirted a wetland area with a stunning view of the cliffs shining in the morning sun and the summit tower to the left. 

This informally started my countdown to Lafayette Place. I passed a rock with trees growing through the cracks and a #4. Next, I crossed the Pemi again on a series of bridges - the first crossed a gentle stream, the second seemed misplaced, and the third crossed the Pemi proper followed by a #3. More crazy crows were cheering me on in this stretch. I passed a #2 at a longer series of boardwalks, and soon landed at the Recreation Path again!

[7:24am - Lafayette Place Campground] 

A pathway across the Recreation Path and toward the campsite said "NO ACCESS," so I followed the paved Recreation Path over a bridge with nice views toward the Cliffs and the sun shining over the Franconia Ridge side of the notch. The Recreation Path led to the Lafayette Place Campground. I followed the paved roads to a bathroom to take care of some unfinished business...

I was successful in the bathroom, and I was joined by a North American luna moth just chilling on the ground. It was big and unmoving, hopefully just sleeping! 

On my final walk to the Lonesome Lake Trail, I passed a third and final moth on the road (I do not think this one was alive) - a polyphemus moth. This was my third, large, unique moth of the day, and considering I'd never seen any of them before, I was thrilled!

[7:35am - Lonesome Lake Trail] 

I continued to walk past many campsites with campers doing their morning chores with the smell of campfires filling the air. I was soon on the Lonesome Lake Trail, officially beginning my climb! The Pemi Trail was an excellent warm-up, the Lonesome Lake Trail was a great "next step" to that warm up. My quads were definitely still tired from the past few days, but grades on the Lonesome Lake Trail weren't too bad. I was passed by a guy hiking with no pack on his phone as I crossed a couple of bridges, one over a lovely stream, one over rocks, and was soon at the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail!

[7:44am - Hi-Cannon Trail] 

Now the warm-up was OFFICIALLY done - the Hi-Cannon Trail immediately got narrower and steeper, soon crossing the previously crossed lovely stream on foot (little slippery but overall fine) and passed some faded blue blazes. 

This was a "calf" climb - mostly just steep dirt, which gradually got steeper, eroded, and gravelley. The trail had a few s-curves and switchbacks, and some over the sharper switchbacks were nearly eroded through. The climb was slow and steady, and boy was I relieved to make my way to the Dodge Cutoff Junction!

[8:13am - Hi-Cannon/Dodge Cutoff Junction] 

I had a lovely sit and snack at this junction, daydreaming of visiting Lonesome Lake, but wanting more to get to the summit of Cannon and MAYBE also hike Iron Mountain in Jackson afterward... decisions! My shirt, to no surprise, was soaked. I noticed the Hi-Cannon Trail description in the White Mountain Guide (31st Ed.) said after the junction "soon, Hi-Cannon trail becomes significantly rougher and steeper" and my only thought was "HOW?!" Anyway, I had a lovely break, swapped out my nalgenes, had a peanut butter tortilla, and soon got back to work.

[8:23am - Hi-Cannon Trail] 

There were a few blowdowns on the narrower-er trail and then a lovely fern-filled area. I was able to make out Franconia Ridge through the trees as the trail pivoted from lovely to steep and rocky. Due to the rocks, the trail was now quad-steep instead of calf-steep, but I would argue that it was not steeper than anything before! 

The sounds of morning birds and large trucks using their engine breaks through Franconia Notch ushered me on and up past some impressive erratics and a small wet, slippery spot (which might have been the gravelley washout mentioned in the guidebook). Just after was a rugged-but-short flat stretch and then a view! Lafayette was the main star of theshow, but I could see from Lafayette to Lincoln to Little Haystack. 

After the view the trail gets a little scrambly as it passes under "cliff house" - a rock formation described to be above the trail, but I didn't notice it. Just afterwards was the famous ladder! Truly, I thought the ladder would have been sketchier and there would have been more... I was a bit underwhelmed! The ladder looked rickety, but it was completely fine. There was a described narrow ledge just after, but it was also no problem at all. 

After the ladder I put my poles away as the trail continued to get scrambly-er. There were some tree views to the Franconia Ridge and Loon Mountain from the top of the ladder followed by a couple of views on sketchy down-sloping ledges with very nice views. The I-93 corridor looked especially scenic from these viewpoints, and I could just make out Lonesome Lake around a few trees, but I was not feleing brave (or dumb) enough to explore the ledges.

The climbing resumed up a steep slab after the second viewpoint, but I was rewarded again for my hard work with two more views - the second of which had a full view of Lonesome Lake, the dam, the Lonesome Lake Hut, and North Kinsman!

After enjoying the view, I climbed up some more slabs as the trail became wetter and turned away from I-93, almost immediately quieting the noise from the highway far below. I caught up to people and passed them in an area of more wet slabs (my shoes were gripping well, thankfully, but these could be tricky on the descent), and had one more steep push until things began to mellow out.

The Hi-Cannon Trail treversed a plateau-like area with some typical plateau-area mud, but none of it was problematic. The trail rose to a height-of-land with some shorter (but still taller than me) trees and then descended to the Kinsman Ridge Trail! Things were getting exciting!

[9:21am - Kinsman Ridge Trail] 

Once on the Kinsman Ridge Trail, the hiking was beautiful and easy. Super obstructed tree views were on the left, like the kind where you're reminded there's views out there but you simply cannot see what they area. I crossed paths with a few folks in this short stretch, and soon I was at the junction with the Rim Trail!

[9:30am - Rim Trail] 

[9:32am - Cannon Mountain Summit] 

[9:41am - Rim Trail] 

I turned right onto the Rim Trail, enjoying the multiple signs in this area...

"STOP. THIS TRAIL DOES NOT GO BACK TO THE TRAM. TURN AROUND NOW UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED FOR STRENUOUS AND DIFFICULT HIKE."

and...

"WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST. THIS MARKS THE LINE BETWEEN NATIONAL FOREST AND STATE PARK LANDS. THE AREA IN BACK OF THIS SIGN IS THE MULTIPLE USE AREA FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE, PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF TIMBER, WATER, AND WILDLIFE.

The Rim Trail was gravel, well-graded, and short. It soon arrived at the shockingly massive summit observation tower (I was expecting one similar to the one on Carrigain, but no, this was HUGE. 

I did hope over some ropes fencing off the area underneath the tower so I could get a photo of the USGS summit disc (I figured the ropes were mostly for the tourists taking the Tram anyway...).

There were magnificent views and a decent amount of non-hiking folks up on top. I loved getting to see the Kinsman Ridge lead over toward North and South Kinsmans, the whole of Franconia Ridge, the Cannonball Quad and Mittersill Peak, and of course Willoughby Gap and Jay Peak. The rest of the Vermont high peaks were vaugely in view, and even little Black Mountain of Benton, NH was in view behind North Kinsman!

I must have looked insane to the recently-showered Tram folks, I even heard one say "people hike all the way up here??" which was my cue to leave. I did a short snack at the base of the tower and then made my way back to the junction of Rim Trail & Kinsman Ridge Trail.

[9:42am - Kinsman Ridge Trail & Rim Trail] 

From here, the Kinsman Ridge Trail and Rim Trail coincide, which meant that there were some tourist crossing paths with me, which was FINE, but not overly enjoyable. I was able to get on the phone with Gen here and mentioned that I wanted to hit Iron Mountain too, and she said we can meet up afterward and play in North Conway (aka she didn't want to join, but that's okay!). There was a good view here, so at least that made up for it.

Right before the Kinsman Ridge Trail leaves the Rim Trail, there is a nice diagram of  the Franconia Range ("The Franconia Range is the next in height to the Presidential Range in the White Mountains with a timberline at about 4400 ft. The Appalachian Trail (Maine to Georgia) runs along the crests of both these ranges."), a memorial bench that reads "If you love someone tell them. Most importantly, stay close to your friends. Let it make a difference in your day and theirs. - Jerry Warlop" and "This bench is dedicated to the spirit of the mountain and to those souls who mirrored its beauty," followed by another stop sign stating that the trail does not go back to the Tram.

[9:49am - Kinsman Ridge Trail] 

From here, the Kinsman Ridge Trail zig-zags down an open, scrubby, rocky area with truly brutal footing but truly wonderful views, especially back to the observation platform at the Cannon Mountain summit. 

The open stretch was longer than I thought it would be, and the trail eventually descended into the trees. I put bug spray on here for good measure. The trail rose again to another nice view of the summit and then went back into the woods to traverse some muddy stretches. 

[10:03am - Outlook Spur] 

I eventually made my way to a spur trail to an outlook and WOW - this one won! The outlook has the best view up toward the summit, down the I-93 cooridoor, and of course, the Franconia Ridge. I wanted to stay here for a while, but I was officially on a time mission: aka, don't make Gen wait too long for me!

[10:05am - Kinsman Ridge Trail] 

Back on the Kinsman Ridge Trail, I had the distinct displeasure of the beginnings of nipple chafing. That wasn't the only pain I was in, though, the Kinsman Ridge Trail had truly brutal footing from this point until the bitter end. It started with rocky, steep footing in pretty woods. At least the woods were pretty!

Then, the Kinsman Ridge Trail hit the first of MANY slab stretches in various stages of wetness and dryness. The trail joined the Kinsman Glade (a gladed ski trail from the ski area) in a pretty open area with truly awful footing. There were tree views to Echo Lake and a Blackhawk helicopter low in the notch (as of the time I'm writing this on 7/1 I haven't seen an accident report, so most likely just transit or training).

As I continued to suffer downshill, I heard a new sound... the Tram! I was extra lucky to get the Tram that is yellow and says "CANNON" on the side. I wrote in my notes "footing is absolutely horrid it's lucky it's pretty" as I threw my body down a super washed-out section. 

The trail criss-crossed with the glade a few more times, and I could not fathom skiing it in the winter! Eventually, the trail changes from broken rocks and wet slabs to steep, eroded dirt. And I don't mean any kind of eroded dirt, the kind of eroded dirt that will slip if you look at it wrong with banks 5-6 FEET high on either side. My god.

I basically had to trail run down the rest of this trail to avoid slipping and falling (which feels counter intuitive, but whenever I walked I'd slip...). I wiggled through a recent blowdown, plummeted down a bit more, and EVENTUALLY bottomed out for a final stretch to the gravel parking lot! SUCCESS!

[10:50am - Kinsman Ridge Trail Terminus] 

I followed the gravel lot and road to the porta potties, took care of some unfinished business, and made my way back to the car. I cannot stress how much I loved my ascent of this mountain and I cannot stress how much I hated my descent of this mountain. I'm truly torn on how I would want to tackle it a second time, but that is a problem for another day!

[10:55am - End of Hike]

I hiked past a few people with climbing ropes in the parking lot and another woman who joked "oh, you're done already?!" as I inhaled a PopTart and started my drive over to Jackson to hike Iron Mountain!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Cannon Mountain Tramside lot.

- Start hike by following signs for Kinsman Ridge Trail.

- At back gravel lot, follow path through grass, then pavement to Pemi Trail.

- Turn right onto Pemi Trail.

- At Lafayette Place, hike to Lonesome Lake Trail.

- Turn right onto Lonesome Lake Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Hi-Cannon Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Kinsman Ridge Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Rim Trail.

- Summit Cannon Mountain.

- Retrace steps, then continue on Kinsman Ridge Trail.

- Follow Kinsman Ridge Trail back to car.

Photo Album