Mt. Cube (Orford, NH)

Mt. Cube (Orford, NH)

Cross-Rivendell Trail

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 4.51 miles
Elevation: 1545 feet
Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes (2 hours, 55 minutes)

Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View

View from Mt. Cube's south summit, just after clouds rolled in.

The Hike

Red Hill was step three, and now onto step four, Mt. Cube! This one was a bit longer, a bit higher, and a bit north-er, which would mean more winter-er. I was feeling good after Red Hill, so I made the hour drive from one trailhead to the other. The sun was surprisingly shining strong, and the temperate varied from the low 30s to the low 40s during the drive. Untimately, on the snowy dirt Baker Road that the parking area is on, it was 30 degrees with little to no breeze. I was an absolute mess getting suited up for this hike. I kept putting things on in the wrong order, spilled my water, spent what felt like six days putting the insulator on my bladder tube, dropped my buff, and had my shell on and off. EVENTUALLY, I did the short dirt road walk, turned left to the trail kiosk, and finally started my second hike of the day!

The trail had about an inch of snow on top of ice at the beginning, but was not slipper at all (thankfully, I was way too lazy and annoyed at myself to worry about spikes just yet). The lower stretch is full of bare decidious trees, which created a really beautiful early-winter forest. Like Red Hill, the incline never gets too intense on this hike, but I was still very bad at not sweating. My legs were definitely feeling tired since I've fallen out of hiking shape, but I continued on. There were also lots of, what I believe to be, Hairy Woodpeckers (I thought they were the red-bellied at first, but there was no red on any of them), which created a lovely soundscape for this hike. There were partial/seasonal views of nearby hills through the trees, and after a certain point, the trail immediately switches to an incredible conifer forest (Hemlocks, I believe), that truly resembled a winter wonderland.

The switch happened right at the first contonour before the first switchback, and WOW. The tree trunks were painted white and the smaller evergreens were completely powdered with snow. I took way too many photos, but it was so beautiful. I definitely caught the winter hiking bug at this point. I passed my first person of the hike right at the beginning of this section, and it reminded me just how much I enjoy hikers. Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and they never want to chat for too long - dream come true! There were rabbit prints throughout, and I was still able to bareboot this section, but the other hiker warned me it will start to get slippery. 

There was a "peek-a-boo" view around the first switchback (I can't remember if before or after) of Sunday Mountain, another Cross-Rivendell Trail peak, where I stopped to put my spikes on. Apparently, I picked the perfect moment to put them on, because just after this view was 80% ice. I couldn't stop gawking at how beautiful this forest was - and naturally, I had "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" stuck in my head the whole time. 

There is a second view at what I think was the last major switchback, which had a great view of Smarts Mountain, another snow-crusted peak (also on the 52 With-a-View list). I had originally planned to hike Smarts Mountain, but read that the trail was super icy and the 52 With-a-View Guidebook said the Cube via CRT was a great winter hike - I'll be back for Smarts! There was a group of three hikers deciding what their celebratory shot was going to be at the second view, so I skirted past them and continued on my way. I was curious why they didn't do their shot at the summit, but I'll learn why soon.

This last stretch of trail felt like an eternity. Mentally, I thought I was much closer than I was the whole time. The further I went, the longer it felt. It was much icier on this final stretch, and the closer I got to the summit area, the stronger the winds were (which explains why those hikers took the calm second view to celebrate their hike). When I finally broke above the trees, the winds were whipping with really strong gusts. There were also a few scrambles to hit the official summit. I was stressed, but took my time and followed previous hikers' footsteps to make my way. Just as I hit the summit, the clouds rolled in from Vermont and the temperature dropped. I found the summit sign, took a few photos, and quickly made my way back down. I wanted to hit the north peak, but I will save that for another, calmer day. 

Final push to the south summit.

View of Smarts Mountain with snow getting whipped up by the wind.

My return trip involved me moving quickly to stay warm on my tired legs. I only took a few photos on the return trip, but still enjoyed the scenery. I heard my only bit of wildlfie of the hike - one singular red squirrel with that indistinguishable chatter. I finished my water just after hitting the decidious forest, and my jelly legs were so excited to finally hit the trail kiosk, take off the snow-crusted spikes, and do the short road walk back to the car. 

The parking area was in eyeshot of someones house, so my changing had to be quick and as "view"less as possible. I managed to get it all done just as the residents returned home - yikes. I've been wanting to invest in one of those car changing room canopy things (a big sheet that attaches to the hatchback via magnets and cloth covers you) - I think I might try to make one. It doesn't seem too difficult. I just need a light fabric, some good magnets, and a sewing machine (which I already have). Should work? One way to find out. One final thing of note - I put on my hard shell in that final stretch of the climb and wore it all the way to the bottom. I did not realize how sweaty it was in there - it was a whole microclimate. I'll need to figure that out too before the next one!

Final thoughts: I am glad I'm finally getting back into hiking. I picked a good day to hike becuase the next day there was 1-2 feet of snow in the region. I'm excited to continue getting better at winter hiking. I don't think I'm ready yet for snowshoes? I need to do four more hikes to officially complete my 52 hike challenge, and I think I can accomplish that!

**Writing this sentence a week later - I just realized this was my 100th hike of the year!

Step-by-Step

• Park on the pullover on Baker road.

• Follow the blue blazes up Baker road, then turn left into the woods.

• Continue to follow blue blazes all the way to the summit of Mt. Cube.

 

Map of Cross Rivendell Trail 

"Mount Cube" by Steve Smith

Photo Album

Red Hill Fire Tower (Lakes Region Conservation Trust)

Red Hill Fire Tower 
(Red Hill Conservation Area - Lakes Region Conservation Trust)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Distance: 3.74 miles
Elevation: 1325 feet
Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes (1 hours, 57 minutes moving)

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest, Lakes Region Conservation Trust Explorer

The view from the summit behind the cabin.

The Hike

Halibut Point was step one, the Middlesex Fells were step two, and now I was finally on step three: driving up to NH to hike with some elevation gain. The plan was first to hike Red Hill in the lakes region, and then if I was still feeling good I would drive over to Mt. Cube on the 52 With-a-View list. The good thing about (almost) winter is that the sun rises so much later - so my alarm went off at 5:00am, I grabbed my things, and got my adventure started!

I had my first wildlife sighting of the day right away: a coyote running around the Hammond Pond Parkway in Boston. The morning's excitement continued at 5:45am when the Karson & Kennedy show on 104.1 played Dominick the Donkey without any warning - you know when you're driving and you fully disassociate for a bit? I was in the middle of doing that, and then I heard the "hee-haw" and came back into my body and had a WILD emotional reaction - I was SO HAPPY!

The mornings excitement continued when I had the "urge" about 20 minutes away from Hooksett, which was a blessing and a curse. I love getting my morning business done at Hooksett, but I hate fighting for my life for 20 minutes because I refuse to get off of the highway. Either way, I made it one piece (barely) and christened the family bathroom (the men's bathroom was too far away - about another 50 feet). Another pro to winter hiking and waking up later is that Hooksett actually has breakfast sandwiches at 6:20am (versus 4:20am in the summertime) - so I got lots of expensive food, enjoyed the orange horizone from the parking lot, and finally finished my shocklingly eventful drive.

There were two levels to the parking lot and not a soul to be seen. The temperate was chilly, but not too bad - 29° with a very light breeze. A big theme of the day was the layering system. I got started with normal athletic underwear, thin thermal leggings, tech pants, smartwool socks, and my winter boots on bottom, which worked very well! I was a little wam when climbing, but only my bum was actually sweaty. On top I had a polyester T shirt, fleece zip up, buff, liner gloves, and my puff and mittens in my pack. The fleece was on and off as my temperature fluctuated. I'm going to invest in some wool, long sleeve base layers for next time. The only reason the fleece went back on skin exposure, so I think the long sleeve base layer will be perfect. (As I am writing this, I think this is the most I've written without actually getting to the hike).

NOW it was finally time for the hike! The trail is incredibly well blazed from the parking lot, and there were footsteps to guide me when my brain turned off. The first part of the hike is on the Red Hill Trail, which is blazed with plastic red triangles. This section of trail is very gentle, windy, with snowy sections contrasted by bone dry sections. The trail crosses a snowmobile trail and then moderately climbs, crossing a beautiful stream on a bridge a the only slippery section of the hike, before coming to the junction with the snowmobile trail, the red-blazed Red Hill Trail, and the blue-blazed Cabin Trail. 

The junction had a kiosk with some intersting literature about the area, and right across from the kiosk was a cellar hole with some more information about past residents of Red Hill. Like I mentioned in my last post, I don't like how literature reminds you that you're not in full solitude/brings you back to reality a little bit, but I also love all the information and find the history fascinating! Either way, from this point you can take either the Red Hill Trail or Cabin Trail up, starting the loop section of the hike. I took the Red Hill Trail up and Cabin down, and I think I preferred this route.

As I climbed, there were nice seasonal views of the lakes and Belknap range through the bare trees. The trail alternates from gentle to moderate, but never gets steep - I was incredibly happy with my "step 3" hike choice. I was struggling still with the no-sweating rule, but still doing better than any other season? The higher up, the more the wind started to pick up. I never needed to add any laters minus the fleece back on, though. Toward the top, the trail starts to level out, and just before the summit you can see the fire tower through the trees, which was very exciting for my aching body!

The summit was WINDY and beautiful. There are views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknaps from behind the cabin, but I had to climb the tower to get the real views. There was a nice informational sign at the summit area, and there was a sign on the fire tower that said it was closed for winter. I took that to say "the cabin is closed for winter," becuase there was nothing blocking the stairs, and who comes to the top of a hill/mountain and not climb the firetower?! It was a shorter tower compared to those I've met in the Catskills this past summer, but boy the wind was STRONG from the top. The views made it worth it, though. You could truly see everything - the Belknaps, Lake Winni, the Ossipees, the Squam Range, the Sandwich Range (the 4ks and Chocorua were all in clouds), and a very bright, very which Moosilauke out in the distance. I would have stayed up longer, but I would have definitely gotten frostbite! I slowly climbed back town, gathered my things, and continued my hike. 

The blue-blazed Cabin Trail starts just behind the fire tower, and meanders through the woods for a while with an occasional elevation loss. There were some spots the trail wasn't super clear with the snow on the ground, but I was eternally grateful for the footsteps I was able to follow. Lots of partial seasonal views through the woods, and eventually the trail dips down to an old hunter's cabin that was very cool and very spooky. It clearly said keep out and was deadbolted, but it looks like the lock hinges were either broken off or rotted off, so it would be possible to peek inside, but I am a weenie who knows how to mind his business.

A little further down the trail there is a yellow-blazed trail that leads to more old cellar holes with some more literature that was actually very interesting. It's easy to forget that so many mountains/hills had people living on them and fully fledged hotels. I peek around for a moment before continuing down.

The rest of the Cabin Trail was uneventful, especially as it widened out and became part of a ski run. This part was very icy, but I was able to stay off to the side no problem. Soon enough I was back at the original junction, and finished off my hike! I only passed one person and his dog in the lower stretch, and the only wildlife I saw was one grey squirrel. Overall my legs were a little tired, but they had an hour drive to rest, becuase I made the decision to hit "step four" - climbing up Mt. Cube!

Step-by-Step

• Park at designated parking lot.

• Start hike on red-blazed Red Hill Trail.

• At kiosk/junction, continue on red-blazed Red Hill Trail.

• At summit, continue hike past fire tower onto blue-blazed Cabin Trail.

• Take a short side trip onto yellow-blazed trail to see cellar holes.

• Continue on blue trail.

• At junction, rejoin the red trail to close the loop, and follow red to car.

Map of Red Hill Conservation Area

Photo Album

Long Pond - Reservoir Loop (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Long Pond - Reservoir Loop (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 2.49 miles
Elevation: 194 feet
Time: 59 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

If Halibut Point was step one of me getting back into hiking and fighting daylight savings time, the Fells are definitely step two! I flew out the doors after school to the Long Pond parking lot, where it was 37°. Logistically, I was rusty. I forgot my fleece so I wore my marching band hoodie, my pants were too tight, and I didn't even think about my bladder - good thing I was only planning for a short hike in the fells and not diving back in head first! Either way, I got suited up as best as I could and headed into the woods.

 

The sky was blue through the leafless tree and there were areas of up to 1" of snow which made for some beautiful scenery. Soon into the hike there was a large junction with christmas ornaments, signage, and some literature. I took the western half of the yellow-blazed trail with had gentle ups and downs with occasional informational kiosks, which were fun to read. I always have mixed feelings on kiosks and literature on hikes - in my mind I want to be as disconnected as possible, but places like the Fells are so urbanized already, it didn't bother me. 

 

At the northern end of the yellow trail, I continued on the yellow loop, but soon left the loop to join Wyman Path at B3-3. This was a wide open woods road that curved around the topography. Eventually, I joined up with the orange-blazed Reservoir Trail, which was my return route. The Reservoir Trail was surprisingly hilly, only because I expected a shoreside trail. The map of the reservation shows trails that are in restricted areas, and there are many no trespassing signs on trails closer to the waterline. What's confusing is that there were dozens of footprints all around these paths. Is it one of those things that its a rule on paper but if you mind your business its okay? I'm very fascinated by it. I may have snuck to the waterline to grab a quick photo and then ran back onto the trail!

 

The hike finished up once I hit Molly's Spring Road, which leads back to the parking lot. I only passed a few people on this hike, and I maintain my stance that the folks in the Fells are significantly less friendly than those in the Blue Hills - maybe that's because of how densely populated the perimeter of the park is - so there's just that many more "normal" people? Another mystery! Either way - I soon made it back to the car and headed home. I was very happy that I got out on this day, and I can feel myself getting my excitement back!

Step-by-Step

• Park at Long Pond Parking.

• Hike into the woods, turn left at junction with yellow trail.

• Continue to follow yellow blazes (on map, always take the western side of the loop).

• Cross Gate 15 and follow to Hillcrest Parkway trailhead.

• Continue to follow yellow blazes.

• At B3-3, turn left onto Wyman Path.

• At B3-5, turn right toward B3-6.

• At B3-6, join orange-blazes Reservoir Trail.

• Remain on orange-blazed Reservoir Trail until B4-6 (Molly's Spring Road).

• Follow Molly's Spring Road to parking area.

Map of Middlesex Fells Reservation

Photo Album 

Halibut Point State Park

Halibut Point State Park

Hike Type: Figure-8 Loop
Distance: 1.65 miles
Elevation: 141 feet
Time: 41 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge

This side-trip was inspired by my favorite annual Christmas event - Santa arriving by lobster boat in Rockport! I missed the actual arrival due to some nasty weather, but I couldn't give up going to Rockport at all, so I just pushed it a day later. I had been to Halibut Point State Park before, but very briefly during a "Questival" in the pre-pandemic time, so I decided I'd stop here first to do some exploring before heading to the town. 

There is a large parking area and sign with porta potties, and a few options for trails. I took the main trail into the park (not the fire road), which brought me to a flooded quarry and a wide loop path around the area. There were numbers on some rocks for an interpretive trail, but I didn't have the literature with me sadly. Apparently Rockport was a bustling granite town, like Quincy, back in the day. 

About a quarter around the quarry there was a spur path that appeared to go down to the water, so in the spirit of adventure, I took it! It was a beautiful day with blue skies and passing clouds, and A LOT of cold wind. The spur path split at a fork, and I took the left side, as it looked like it went to the ocean. There were faint red blazes on some rocks, which I followed. This was a really pretty area, reminiscent of the Cape and some trails in Acadia. The trail turns right near the water's edge, and I followed, not wanting to get swept away by the angry seas. There is a really cool view of the quarry overlook from down here, too.

The trail paralleled the edge of the water at a fair distance before turning again at a sign for the "Halibut Point Reservation" and "Sea Rocks," which area a series of flat rocks that appear to be a nice sunbaithing spot in the warmer months. The red blazes continued, making this found trail a loop, eventually rejoining at the original fork. The return trail was more grown-in, which made me nervous for winter ticks, but I survived unscathed!

Now back at the quarry loop, there were nice views of the quarry and then another spur trail on the right, about halfway around the original starting point, that leads to a beautiful overlook. I didn't stay there for long becuase of the wind, and decided not to take the extra spur to the water.

I finished up my hike by closing the loop around the quarry, and following the fire road out to my car. This was a such a beautiful way to start my "me-day," and it turns out Halibut Point State Park is a great spot for Pokemon Go, too!

Map of Halibut Point State Park (MA DCR)

Map of Halibut Point Reservation (Trustees)

Photo Album

A break and some reflecting...

It's been over a month since my last hike... Not intentionally, and I'm finding myself really missing it. A main reason would be that I'm getting less exercise as of recent, which has been an ongoing battle my entire life, but also I miss the serenity of the woods and the challenge of the mountains (or at least the hills...). This time of year is always tough. I only had one free weekend in November and that was spent taking care of everything I had been neglecting during "bandtober." Now that we're at the end of the month, the sun is setting at 4:14, which just doesn't leave much time for hiking. I realize that the Fells are only 15-20 minutes from work and I can easily get there and do a 2-3 miler, but I'm feeling horribly unmotivated, to the point where it makes me sad. Is it because I'm in love with the Blue Hills and the Fells just lack a certain luster? Is it something deeper? I'm not sure. I also feel a level of disappointment with my 52-Hike Challenge. I knew I would hike more than 52 hikes in the year, so I made my own rules to get at least 4-5 a month, but I haven't hiked since October 28th, and now its November 30th, so November is already out of the question. Maybe I'll try to make it up in December and force myself to go to the Fells? Maybe I'll take the "L" and just retroactively apply some past hikes to the challenge for the last two months? I'm truly not sure. I'm maintaining my goal for having this blog contain all of my 2022 hikes - I have a backlog of about 10 from early this year and I am ready to get through.

Mopeyness aside, I'm really proud of my year hiking. My three main goals were to hike more miles, hike more feet, and hike more hikes, all of which were accomplished. I'll make a more thorough reflection later on. 

Puffer's Pond Loop

Puffer's Pond Loop

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 0.81 miles
Elevation: 39 feet
Time: 16 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge

Happy homecoming weekend! I had some grand plans to hike some of the mountains of Matthew's past, but ended up going the gentle road down memory lane. Instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to hike the Seven Sisters, I slept a little later, drove to Worcester, followed the beautiful MA-112 through North-Central Mass, skirted around the Quabbin, and found my way to the beloved Yankee Candle Village. I got lunch at Dunks, and then drove over the Puffer's Pond. 

Fall colors were past peak but still beautiful, and there was a stillness to their that can only come when the weather begins to dip. I parked on the backside of the pond and took the loop clockwise, only passing a few people enjoying the serenity. The trail is narrow in places, but easy to follow and always scenic. There is a road walk near the beach and over to the dam, and as quicky as it started, it was over and I was back to the car. Truly a beautiful morning, followed by a long nap at the Howard Johnson.

Map of Amherst Trails
Photo Album

Buck Hill via HQ, Doe Hollow, Bugbee, Pig Rock, and Summit Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Buck Hill via HQ, Doe Hollow, Bugbee, Pig Rock, and Summit Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: BH Loop (Loop w/ Spurs)
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation: 403 feet
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills 125-Mile Club (2x), Sunset Six

The Hike

This hike is filed under the usual category of "I just wanted to go home until I stepped foot in the woods." I had a long afternoon of meetings followed by a long, slow drive to the Blue Hills, and I was simply not having it, but thankfully once I got going I was thrilled to be back! I parked on the side of Chickatawbut Road at the Headquarters Path granite marker (not labeled on the map, but you can kind of tell where it is if you follow the Headquarters Path to where it seems to terminate), awkwardly got suited up as cars flew past me, and then dipped into the woods to start the journey.

It was a gorgeous, almost chilly, fall afternoon, and I knew I wanted to see some views from Buck Hill. I started by following the Headquarters Path back along the road for a little while, and when I hit the wide path, I turned left. I skirted around the base of N. Boyce, and then made a sharp right at 2151, to hike along the Doe Hollow Path, which was easy hiking through some scenic woods. It crosses the Skyline Trail and then coincides with the red-dot route for a bit. 

I turned onto the Bugbee Path at 2129 and hiked along "Beech Run," which is a swampy area, but had some beautiful fall colors, and then hit some other trails in the area, making a small speghetti moment, before ultimately hitting the Pig Rock Path and the Buck Hill Summit Trail, which I remembered is one of the most beautiful in the park. It meanders upward and then along a ridgy area with views south, then turns into a recently burned section of forest before crossing the red-dot route. Past that junction, there is a beautiful stretch of unique forest, and then the trail emerges to the "tree line" with beautiful views. The highlight of the view this day was the sun setting next to Big Blue, but also the ocean, Chickatawbut Hill, and the Boston skyline were all beautiful. Monadnock and Wachusett were also visible, but not crystal clear due to some clouds out west. I took some time here to take a million photos and enjoy the moment. 

To close out the loop, I continued along the Buck Hill Summit Trail, which zigzags down the north side of the hill through beautiful, changing woods. There is one great view of Boston near the top, and the rest is wooded. This would be a very gentle way to ascend Buck Hill, for people who don't hike as often but still want the good good views. As the sun set, the woods began to darken, and I may have spooked myself at one point, but we survived and made it home in one piece!

Step-By-Step

• Park on the side of Chickatawbut Road at Headquarters Path granite marker (unmarked on map).
• Enter woods, and turn right to hike on Headquarters Path. 
• Turn left onto wide path toward 2130.
• Continue toward 2151.
• At 2151, turn right onto Doe Hollow Path and follow to 2129.
• Turn left onto Bugbee Path at 2129.
• Turn left at 2140.
• Turn right at 2149.
• Turn right at 2154. 
• Turn left onto Bugbee Path.
• Sharp left at 2172 onto Pig Rock Path.
• Back at 2154, turn right onto Buck Hill Summit Trail.
• Summit Buck Hill.
• Descend all the way to car via Buck Hill Summit Trail. 

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album