Artist's Bluff & Bald Mountain (White Mountain National Forest)

Artist's Bluff & Bald Mountain (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 1.74 miles

Elevation: 476 feet

Time: 1 hour
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025

The Hike 

Okay - skiing at Cannon was absolutely dreadful, so time for a redemption adventure! I walked back to my car, which was already in the Artist's Bluff parking lot, did a quick change, and threw on my hiking pack. The cloud ceiling had risen maybe 50 feet since the day began, so I had low hopes for views, but anything would be better than fearing for my life down an icy ski slope! The last time I had hiked Artist's Bluff was one of the first times I had been in the Whites, and I don't have that strong of a memory from it, besides it being pretty, loving Bald Mountain, and getting a little lost at the views. I did remember that I hiked clockwise the first time and hated ending on the Loop Trail, so I opted to go clockwise this time. 

I got started on the Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path and immediately turned right onto the Loop Trail, which was averagelly flat and rugged with many small ups and downs. The Loop Trail parallels the parking lot and then the road, and I immediately noticed how much warmer I was now that I was hiking versus when I was skiing - I was soon down to just my base layer. The trail was well-blazed in red. I crossed paths with a family as the trail neared the Echo Lake parking area, which featured a young child moping along as the mother said "well that's what you get for stepping in a muddy puddle," which made my giggle to myself. 

The trail got a bit slushy near the terminus of the Loop Trail. I turned right first and hiked the spur to the road on the Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Trail, and then turned around to start the steep climb up to Artist's Bluff. The slushiness continued. I hiked bareboot for now, as spikes wouldn't have helped much, if at all. There was a neat view of the bluff in question through the trees. I crossed paths with another family of four and soon made my way to the stunning viewpoint (and met another lady who seemed very confused?). 

The clouds hadn't lifted at all, which helped validate my decision to switch gears to hiking. The lower slopes of Cannon Mountain and the Franconia Notch Parkway looked really cool with this low cloud ceiling, too. It smelled deliciously pine-y, but I didn't stick around too long and was soon back on the trail.

There were some newer granite steps on the way up to a knob/false summit from Artist's Bluff, and I soon put my spikes on. There was a partial view from the first knob plus a metal hook - maybe there used to be a tower here? Further down the trail, there was a second knob with another partial view of the Tuckerbrook Area and some turkey tracks off-trail.

Descending from the second knob, there was a neat tree view of Bald Mountain ahead and I noticed that I, yet again, forgot to wear deodorant - tragic! I eventually made my way to the Bald Mountain spur path, which climbed steeply with some fun scrambles to a beautiful, open summit with a panoramic view of the Cannon/Mittersill ski areas. The clouds were a little higher up now, but still not by much at all. 

After taking it in along with a few dozen photos, it was time for my final descent. I went slowly down the scrambles and once back on the Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path, continued down on a wide, muddy trail. I crossed paths with someone on their way up, enjoyed seeing the ski slopes through the trees, and soon enough, was back at the parking lot and my car! This was an EXCELLENT redemption hike - and turns out you just need to hike it on a crappy day to avoid the crowds!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on red-blazed Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path.

- At split, turn right onto red-blazed Loop Trail.

- At corner, turn right onto Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path, hike small spur to road.

- At road, turn around to climb up to Artsit Bluff.

- At Artist Bluff, continue to follow red-blazed Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path.

- At jct., turn right to hike Bald Mountain.

- At summit, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path.

- At jct., turn right and return to car.

"Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path" from AMC White Mountain Guide, 31st Ed. (2022)

NHDP/TW The cliff called Artist's Bluff and the open summit of Bald Mtn. provide outstanding views for very little effort. Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path begins and ends on NH 18 just west of its jct. with Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93) at Exit 34C, north of Echo Lake. The west trailhead (sign) is at the north edge of the large gravel parking lot for the Roland Peabody Memorial Slope section of Cannon Mtn. Ski Area, on the north side of NH 18, 0.5 mi. from the parkway. This parking lot is sometimes closed when the ski area is closed, at which times cars must be parked in a designated area just off the highway (sign), from which it is a 100-yd walk across the Peabody Slope parking lot to the trailhead. Plowed parking is available in winter. The east trailhead is on NH 18, 0.4 mi. east of the west trailhead. No parking is available here; the nearest parking is at the Echo Lake beach parking lot, 140 yd. to the west. Although the distances are short, several sections of this trail are steep and rocky.

        From parking for the west trailhead, the red-blazed trail follows an old carriage road northwest, passing a jct. (no sign in 2021) with the west end of Loop Trail on the right in 25 yd., and climbs steadily to the top of the ridge at 0.3 mi. At this point, a spur path to Bald Mtn. diverges left (sign) and climbs through the woods, with one scramble up a ledge, and then ascends steeply up the open rocky cone of Bald Mtn. with several short scrambles, reaching the top in another 0.1 mi. Views are extensive to the west and northeast, and there are nearby views of Cannon Mtn. and Mt. Lafayette. About 25 yd. beyond the jct. with the spur to Bald Mtn., the main trail turns right from the old road (avoid a false path that leads ahead) and runs over two wooded humps, passing a restricted outlook ledge on each. Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path then descends steeply, with many rock steps, passing another restricted outlook on the left, to the top of a gully at 0.7 mi., where a red-blzed path ("Bluff" painted on a ledge) leads left 50 yd. to open ledges at the top of Artist's Bluff, with fine views of Echo Lake and Franconia Notch. Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path continues steeply down the gully over rock steps, passes the jct. with the eastern end of Loop Trail on the right (sign), and in another 40 yd., at 0.9 mi., reaches NH 18.

        Loop Trail, rough in places, is 0.4 mi. long and makes a loop hike possible over Bald Mtn. and Artist's Bluff, avoiding a road walk along NH 18. From its eastern jct. with Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path, 40 yd. in from NH 18, Loop Trail winds past several boulders, climbs over a bank with a view of Cannon Mtn., and bears right at a fork at 0.2 mi. (sign). The unsigned Short Circuit path diverges left here, leading 0.1 mi. across a leach field to NH 18. Meanwhile, Loop Trail climbs on a rocky sidehill, leavels off, and descends slightly to its western jct. with Bald Mtn.-Artist's Bluff Path, just above the Peabody Slope parking lot.

Photo Album

Skiing Cannon Mountain

Skiing Cannon Mountain

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

Runs: 12

Distance: 7.53 miles

Elevation: 7,598 feet

Max Speed: 27.7 mph

Avg. Speed: 9.5 mph

Moving Time: 48 minutes, 32 seconds

Total Time: 3 hours, 21 minutes, 19 seconds

After a super fun day at Jay yesterday, I was definitely feeling tired, but wanted to make it to Cannon for closing day. My energy was definitely low, but the winter is fading, and I wanted to make the most of the time I have left! Sarah and I woke up both just before 7:00am, said goodbye to Emma and [REDACTED], and then we went our seperate ways (she had a birthday party to get to). My drive was nice and easy, but I did realize that I accidentally stole Emma's house key when I was just a little too far away to turn around... Sorry!

To my surprise, I parked across the street, booted up at the car, and made my way to the Peabody!

Conditions

It was the immortal Jeremy Bentham who once penned, "Though this season's final descents of Cannon are now upon us, let us not despair - for with each passing susnet, we edge closer to next season. The greatest happiness lies not just in your runs, but in the promise of fresh powder yet to fall."

Today marks the final day to ski and ride Cannon for the 24/25 season, and what a season it has been. Huge than kyou to Mountain Ops, Ski Patrol, The Snowmakers, The Groomer, The Tuning Shop, Rentals, Snowsports, and everyone else I've failed to mention who help keep this place going day to day. We wouldn't be able to have our fun here without you.

On a more personal note: It has been a real privilege this season to get the opportunity to spend some time (no matter how much) and get to know some of you. I am so grateful I have been able to witness, capture, and share your powder runs, your success on the racecourse, your stomping of a new trick, the smile on your toddler's face skiing Tuckerbrook for the first time, your new costume you wore to the summit, your DJ's laps, your onesie on 80's day, singing your faces off in the pub, and everything in between. It's been moving to see people from all ages, abilities, and walks of life travel from near and far to slide down a hill (some more gracefully than others) smile, laugh, (fall) and do it again. You are the characters in the story that is Cannon Mountain and your chapers are what make Cannon legendary. Don't stop being you. Keep your stoke levels high and take care of one another. I hope you have all found the morning reports informative and mildly entertaining. Thanks for a wonderful winter. Until next season... "catch ya latter Bill and Ted!"

- John M.

Run 1

Run 1: Peabody Express Quad - Easy Link - Middle Ravine - Lower Ravine - Brookside

[1.40 mi; 6:18; 1,506 ft; 22.3 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

The cloud ceiling was LOW. Hovering around 1,000 feet kind of low. It was also in the low 30s and there was ice on the chairs - what a wild closing day! I rode up into the clouds and attempted to make my way down... yikes. Finding Middle Ravine from Easy Link was like aimlessly wandering through a cloud. Visibility was maybe 20 feet max - I couldn't even find the Cannonball Quad! Definitely spooky. Middle Ravine had two options for surface conditions: death cookies or ice rink. It was a ROUGH descent. Lower Ravine was better, but by no means in good shape. This was a BAD time. Type-3 fun. It likely would have been better if I had any edges on my skis, but still! Once at the base lodge, I continued to descend on Brookside, which was LOVELY. Soft, spring snow. I would spend the bulk of my ski sesh' down here in the Tuckerbrook area, which was just barely out of the clouds.

Runs 2-8

Run 2: Tuckerbrook Quad - Rabbit Path

[0.35 mi; 1:27; 289 ft; 25.0 mph max; 14.6 mph avg]

Run 3: Tuckerbrook Quad - Turkey Trot

[0.32 mi; 1:08; 295 ft; 22.9 mph max; 16.9 mph avg]

Run 4: Tuckerbrook Quad - Moose Alley

[0.30 mi; 1:23; 292 ft; 26.8 mph max; 13.0 mph avg]

Run 5: Tuckerbrook Quad - Deer Run

[0.32 mi; 1:33; 289 ft; 25.5 mph max; 12.5 mph avg]

Run 6: Tuckerbrook Quad - Bear Paw

[0.42 mi; 1:34; 289 ft; 24.0 mph max; 16.1 mph avg]

Run 7: Tuckerbrook Quad - Fox Tail

[0.42 mi; 1:24; 279 ft; 25.6 mph max; 17.8 mph avg]

Run 8: Tuckerbrook Quad - Raven Ridge - Huckerbrook

[0.35 mi; 1:41; 151 ft; 24.8 mph max; 12.6 mph avg]

Allow this to be my highest endorsement for the Tuckerbrook Area. The top was still icy, but the bottom was lovely. It was quiet, out of the clouds, and I was still able to have some fun! I worked my way looker's right to left, hitting all the open trails. Rabbit Path was thin-covered, dirty, and icy. Turkey Trot was my favorite - wide and slightly edge-able. Moose Alley, the lift line, was rough. Deer Run was getting better! Bear Paw and Fox Tail were narrower, softer, and lovelier. My last run was a skate across Raven Ridge and down Huckerbrook, which was mostly melted at this part. This session in Tuckerbrook really saved the day! I also decided I'd likely wrap up early here and do the Artist Bluff/Bald Mountain loop to salvage the day. I had a great view of Bald Mountain from the top of Tuckerbrook, so it felt approrpriate!

Run 9

Run 9: Peabody Express Quad - Middle Cannon - Rock Garden - Lower Cannon

[1.04 mi; 5:23; 1,332 ft; 21.8 mph max; 11.6 mph avg]

I did head back to the Peabody to see if things had improved at all. Either surface conditions or visibility - both would have been good! Apparently the answer was neither, though. Middle Cannon actually skied really well, but I nearly launched myself into oblivion at the Rock Garden/Extension junction, since I couldn't see it! I was flirting with trying one of the fronts, but after skidding almost into the trail sign, I decided I'd put a bow on the day here. Rock Garden had patches of skiable cords and more patches of ice. I was able to pick and choose where I turned, thankfully, but I almost went down at least a dozen times. That pattern continued onto Lower Cannon until I was finally low enough to be out of the clouds and onto softer snow. Oy! 

From here, I popped off my skis, walked to my car, and changed into hiking gear to save the day!

Map of Cannon Mountain

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

Runs: 18

Distance: 23.09 miles

Elevation: 21,703 feet

Max Speed: 30.0 mph

Avg. Speed: 14.0 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes, 59 seconds

Total Time: 5 hours, 18 minutes, 37 seconds

Back up to Jay for another exciting (and wet) day! The weekend started Friday night, where my roommate hosted a Fiddler on the Roof-themed Seder, which was as fun as it sounded! Only issue was the Seder involved a LOT of wine, and in order to make it to Jay in time (by my standards), I had to be up at 3:30am... here we go!

The reason for the early wake-up and having to be at Jay was because Andrew was going to propose to Linnea! I had a long, sleepy drive. I christened the Hooksett bathroom and then got some breakfast (while making friends with the cashier who was surprised I knew the song "I'll Make Love To You" by Boys II Men, which was playing over the loudspeaker, which was also insane). It was raining in Boston, snowing in southern New Hampshire, raining again after Hooksett, and back to snow in Franconia Notch. Finally, the snow turned to rain one last time as I cleared the Whites, and I saw a moose in a drainage pond just before the Vermont border! Once in Vermont, the sun was up and the rain had subsided - it was looking beautiful! I stopped again at the Maplefields in Orleans and continued onto Jay (I forgot how beautiful the drive is from this side of the mountain). Once Jay came into view, I could see the Jay Cloud at work as morning fog began to rise off of the slopes. 

I was in the delightfully empty parking lot a little before 8:00am. I ran into the lodge to use the bathroom one last time and booted up in the car, just to avoid any possible accidental interactions with the soon-to-be-engaged couple (it was a surprise that Sarah and I would be there, I think?). Sarah spent the night in her car at the Echo Lake parking area near Cannon, and she slept until a reasonable hour, so I had some time to ski solo while she drove up and my patrollers patrolled. 

Snow Report

SATURDAY APRIL 12 AT 7:05 AM

We're looking at an indecisive weather pattern that starts off as a rain/snow mix later on this morning before changing to rain for the afternoon, so just like last weekend, early turns are best turns. Fog will likely play havoc with visibility higher up, but the wind is going to stay calm and temps'll hang in the mid-30s. Sunday looks to be drier with a chance of showers, and TK's latest update calls for some accumulating snow in the middle of next week.

All 9 lifts turning on time this morning, soft snow, and 76/81 trails. Jay Peak plays host to the Vertical Challenge finals today with a day full of ski & snowboard races, music, fun, and community on Tramside from 9a-3p. All races will take place on Interstate. Another Temps des Sucres weekend is upon us, so get your maple on from 12-6p today. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride down to the Clubhouse for sugar-on-snow treats and other maple goodness with local sugarmaker Kane's Sugaring Outfit. The Seth Yacovone Band plays the Tower Bar 4-7p, and, weather permitting, a dazzling fireworks show lights up the sky at 8p on Tramside. 

Runs 1-3

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.87 mi; 3:12; 571 ft; 29.3 mph max; 16.3 mph avg]

Run 2: Village Chair - Queen's Highway

[0.47 mi; 1:29; 312 ft; 28.4 mph max; 19.2 mph avg]

Run 3: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Half Moon - Queen's Highway

[0.72 mi; 3:48; 505 ft; 21.2 mph max; 11.3 mph avg]

It was wet and above freezing, so I assumed there would be slushy trails, but nope! I originally planned to ride Taxi and head over to Tramside to hop on the Tram, but once I realized the snow was still fast I GUNNED it to the Grammy Jay, hoping to beat Emma's PR. I did not get a faster time than she did, but I did beat my own PR by a second, so that's something! Run #2 was up the Village Chair and down Queen's Highway, and when I saw the line for the Tram was a bit longer than desired, I hopped on the Metro to get a run in Half Moon, which was ROUGH. Pretty much frozen over still. The groomed track was okay. I told Emma about my bad time in these woods, and she said she had an even worse time in the Beaver Pond glades, so at least that was validating.

Runs 4-6

Run 4: Flyer Express Quad - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.84 mi; 5:42; 1,677 ft; 29.8 mph max; 19.3 mph avg]

Run 5: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.68 mi; 5:51; 1,631 ft; 25.6 mph max; 17.3 mph avg]

Run 6: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.76 mi; 6:41; 1,686 ft; 23.9 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

By now it was 8:30, so I got onto the Flyer (also no line!) and had what was the most wonderful run down Ullr's Dream. The snow was immaculate packed powder with ZERO icy patches. Also, hardly anyone had been on it so far! I was in HEAVEN. Kokomo was also in pretty good shape, especially for mid-April! After that wonderful run, I called Emma to ask how she thought JFK would ski, and she gave the green light! She's been advising against JFK all season because it apparently gets notoriously icy, but it skied excellently today with the same snow surface as Ullr's. It was a fun trail! I do get how it could get dicey when icy, though. Run #6 was another lap of JFK, but from the second entrance off the Northway (apparently there are three), which was just as wonderful.

Runs 7-8

Run 7: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Queen's Highway

[1.73 mi; 6:33; 1,680 ft; 25.9 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

Run 8: Metro Quad - Subway

[0.37 mi; 3:58; 531 ft; 27.2 mph max; 5.6 mph avg]

Emma and Sarah's sit was at the top of the Metro watching over some vertical challenge race that involved older men in tight one-piece spandex suits... not too sure what was happening there. I was back on the Flyer for Run #7, which doubled as the only run of the day that I shared with a stranger (mostly... more on that later). I also checked a... certain location-based dating app on the lift and noticed my college RA was a half mile away?! I immedaitely texted him a screenshot saying "WHAT IS THIS" - turns out he and some friends got a condo for the weekend. He started skiing last winter, but we have never skied together (I wanted to on this day, but later events would dictate otherwise). Emma also mentioned she had gossip for me, so I followed Northway down to Goat to Lower River Quai, all skied well. Emma was busy patrolling and talking to the racers, so I snapped a picture of her and skied off. Once at the Perry Merril/Queen's Highway junction, she called me and told me to come back to discuss our gossips, so I made a sharp turn and hopped on the Metro.

I popped my skis off and joined her, meeting her friend Bonnie (who REALLY wants a "gay friend," as she kept saying), and then compared our respective gossips. I shared about the RA, and she shared that, without revealing too much, she made a connection last night with someone that was LONG overdue. How exciting! In this time, Sarah was on the Bonnie, so I waited for her. Patrol Sarah eventually joined the pod, my Sarah landed and started chit-chatting, and I went down Subway (a new trail for me) to use the bathroom for my 8th run of the day.

Runs 9-10

Run 9: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.84 mi; 7:05; 1,673 ft; 23.5 mph max; 15.6 mph avg]

Run 10: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Purgatory - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.90 mi; 11:26; 1,558 ft; 25.2 mph max; 10.0 mph avg]

Sarah joined me after I used the bathroom, and then we were both on the Flyer! I touted about Ullr's and JFK's awesome snow, so we opted to get a lap of JFK in (again, for me). This time, we took the third entrance (which I think exists so folks can get to JFK from the Bonnie). There was an impressive fog at this point, which definitely made things exciting! The trail was a bit scratchier now, too, but still skied well. We followed Ullr's to Kokomo and got back on the Flyer!

I really wanted to get over to the Jet side before the couple arrived (thank goodness 1) we share locations and 2) they like to sleep in). Run #10 was down the Northway to Purgatory - which was a bit like a chute - and then to Hell's Crossing and half of Sweetheart. We did a quick break at the lodge/car. I swapped my Pit Vipers for googgles, put toe warmers on my socks, and grabbed a Naturdays for the lift. The weather was WEIRD. It was starting to snow through the fog, though, which was fun!

Runs 11-13

Run 11: Jet Triple - Derick Hot Shot - The Willard

[0.79 mi; 4:41; 1,211 ft; 20.6 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 12: Jet Triple - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.71 mi; 3:41; 1,214 ft; 30.0 mph max; 11.6 mph avg]

Run 13: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Taxi - Queen's Highway

[1.69 mi; 7:06; 1,371 ft; 25.4 mph max; 9.4 mph avg]

We skied over to the Jet and in an act of bravery, I wanted to try Derick Hot Shot for the first time! The fog was THICK - maybe 30 feet of visiblity? I think this actually worked in my favor, though, because I didn't have the impending doom of what's to come to spook me at all. Derick's had some small bumps, but nothing too bad. I took it nice a slow, and actually really enjoyed it! The ONLY issue we had was some guy zooming down that almost killed Sarah. No deaths were recorded, but he did ski over her skis, which wasn't great. We opted to continue onto The Willard, which was similar but less steep, and then had a medium-tough skate back since most of the runout was melted. Another new trail = complete! I really liked this one, too.

Haynes was up next, which skied pretty well, but we kept it on the slow side due to the low visiblity. Mont L'Entripede, though, was EXCELLENT. I was able to get those wide, carving turns, AND I could see where I was going!

At this point, the almost fiancees were officially on Jay Peak property. Sarah and I decided we'd head back to Tramside and check out Poma Line (ANOTHER new trail - I was truly on a roll) while we waited for the green light. We followed Montrealer to Taxi to Queen's Highway, grabbed a pretzle and a cookie (the BEST cookie I've ever had) at the Tramside Cafe, and got back on the Flyer!

Run 14

Run 14: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Sweetheart

[1.46 mi; 6:42; 1,526 ft; 24.1 mph max; 13.1 mph avg]

While on the Flyer, we got the text that the couple was on their way up the Jet! Sarah and I scratched our plans and ZOOMED over back to the Jet. By zoom, I do mean carefully skied a bit slower than usual because of the visibility. We followed Northway all the way down to Sweetheart and right onto the chair. 

Run 15

Run 15: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.25 mi; 5:34; 1,214 ft; 22.5 mph max; 13.5 mph avg]

While on the chair, though, Andrew said "It's going to be a little later!" WHAT DOES THAT MEAN. We asked what "a little later" meant, because if it was like 20 minutes, we'd just camp out at the patrol hut, but it was going to be a couple hours, we'd ski some more. NO ONE RESPONDED. I called Emma and she said to just come to the patrol hut. I don't know why no one was texting us, because apparently that call blew our cover! Anyway... Sarah and I popped off our skis, walked onto the back porch, and found Andrew on his knee!! I gasped and dragged Sarah around the corner with me. It was so sweet. And it was snowing again! Tears flowed and then eventually we all cheered and celebrated. I was in charge of photos, Emma put sashes and the works on them, it was lovely! There was also a random man there? Turns out he was Emmas... connection! How fun!

After some standing around, Andrew firmly requested that we ski because that poor boy had some stress to release! My only demand was that we ski sweetheart, since it's LOVE. We got a few more pictures of them at the trail sign, and had a lovely lap.

Runs 16-18

Run 16: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Taxi - Queen's Highway

[1.68 mi; 7:14; 1,355 ft; 24.4 mph max; 13.9 mph avg]

Run 17: Flyer Express Quad - Poma Line - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.75 mi; 8:20; 1,631 ft; 26.5 mph max; 12.6 mph avg]

Run 18: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.57 mi; 3:13; 358 ft; 23.8 mph max; 10.6 mph avg]

Sarah and I had The Connection ride the Jet up with us, which was just fun for chit-chats. Emma, Patrol Sarah, and The Connection all went back to Stateside to wrap up their skiing, but Sarah, Linnea, Andrew, and I followed Taxi to Queen's Highway, because I was still hellbent on skiing Poma! Back on the Flyer, we ooo'd and ahh'd at the engagement while the precipitation precipitated on us (truly a little bit of everything). Poma was not as bad as the Patrollers had made it sound. It was narrow with bumps, but it was more of a chute than a narrow bump run at this point. I did not ski it well, but I skied it! The rest of Ullr's and Kokomo was lovely, and I got some adorable photos of Linnea and Andrew holding hands on the runout. 

At this point, though, we were SOAKED. Especially my gloves, and pants, and jacket. Fun was waining on my end, which was disappointing, because my body felt good! I called my two more skip the last as we took the Metro over to Perry Merril and Chalet Meadows. Sarah and the Fiancees got another lap in after me, and then we all changed and met Linnea and Andrew's parents in the Bullwheel to celebrate!

The celebration lasted a few hours, the RA came to say hello, and we really had a lovely time just hanging out and gawking over the ring. Eventually, the parents left, and then the happy couple after. Emma's Dad joined us for a bit, and truly the funniest moment of the day happened soon after. Patrol Sarah leaned over to me and loudly said "Oh by the way, if Emma and [REDACTED] keep doing what they're doing, you're welcome to stay with me in my guest room!" I did not react, Emma yelled "THANKS. SARAH." Emma's Dad covered his ears and then went to get a beer. It was EXCELLENT. 

Around 6:00pm it was time to go, as I was HUNGRY. Sarah and I left around the same time, and we thought the Patrollers had left soon after. Sarah and I had a full hour and a half at Emma's house alone before the rest showed up (including The Connection) - which was not happy about only because there was no communication and I was sure they were lost in a ditch somewhere. We watched "Hot Dog... The Movie" again and went to bed soon after. Minus that last snaffu, it was SUCH a wonderful day!

A quick epilogue - Emma's Dad called her the next day and said "Do you have some news to share with me?" to which Emma told him about her recent ADHD diagnosis. He essentailly said "Okay great but do you have anything ELSE to share with me?" to which she firmly said "NOPE." How fun!

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Waterville Valley

Skiing Waterville Valley

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

Runs: 12

Distance: 15.30 miles

Elevation: 16,988 feet

Max Speed: 30.0 mph

Avg. Speed: 14.6 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes, 34 seconds

Total Time: 2 hours, 48 minutes, 8 seconds

After yesterday's fun, I wasn't feeling my best, but still excited for another day skiing! The forecast said rain in the early morning and then turning into a lovely spring day. I slept like garbage (might have gotten sick AGAIN ((actual sick not booze sick))) and was up at 7:00am, so I started the slow process of getting up and out and headed to Waterville Valley! I love the locations of both Cannon and Waterville because they're basically half way between Emma's and my apartment, which is delightfully convenient. The drive on VT-15 to US-2 is just a delightful drive, and we can't forget Franconia Notch! It was on-and-off foggy, but the fog had cleared once I made it into Waterville Valley. The parking lot was pretty empty, which was also wonderful to see. Temps were in the mid-30s and it was cloudy. I booted up at the car and had to redeem my Indy at the rental shop, since they had closed their ticket office for the season. The cashier mentioned that I should save the RFID card, as they might start charging for them next year (as of this season, only Waterville Valley and Jay Peak had free RFIDs). After a quick bathroom break, it was time to get skiing!

Alpine Snow Report

UPDATED: 09:34AM, APRIL 06, 2025

Current Weather: 30° F, Mixed Precip

Good morning! While we are currently experiencing some warm wet weather this morning, skies are expected to clear up shortly, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s. Lifts will open today at 9am.

TRAILS AND LIFTS: We anticipate opening the following lifts: Tecumseh Express, Green Peak Triple, High Country T-Bar, and Lower Meadows. Please see lift hours of operation below. We currently have 56 trails open to the public, giving access to 249 acres of skiable terrain.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS: Temperatures are anticipated to reach a high of 38°F at the summit and 45°F at the base with cloudy skies. Please be aware of unmarked obstacles across the mountain at this stage of the season. Northwest winds are expected to range from 25-40 mph at the summit and 15-25 mph at the base.

Run 1

Run 1: Tecumseh Express - Oblivion - South Street - Stillness - Lower Stillness

[1.67 mi; 6:08; 1,637 ft; 26.9 mph max; 16.4 mph avg]

Instead of skating over the maybe 100 feet to the Green Peak Triple, where I had planned to start my day, I hopped on the line-less Tecumseh Express! My first run was the marked easiest way down, until I went rogue. At the exit ramp from the lift there are caution signs for variable conditions and unmarked hazards basically everywhere - exciting! The upper stretch of Oblivion was a little tough for my first run of the day - half melted with some bumps and deep pockets of slush. I just wasn't ready to ski aggressively, but alas! The headwall was good and the rest was lovely. Instead of going down Valley Run, I continued onto South Street and the Stillness/Lower Stillness parks that had a fun series of jumps (still working on my pops!), ultimately leading me to the Green Peak Triple - mission accomplished!

Runs 2-5

Run 2: Green Peak Triple - Governer's Run - Bourbon Street - Baseway

[0.83 mi; 942 ft; 25.7 mph max; 15.4 mph avg]

Run 3: Green Peak Triple - Ruffled Feathers - Piano Man - Bourbon Street - Baseway

[0.91 mi; 3:24; 1,027 ft; 22.4 mph max; 16.0 mph avg]

Run 4: Green Peak Triple - Clean Shaven - Bourbon Street - Baseway

[0.99 mi; 4:03; 1,037 ft; 25.2 mph max; 14.6 mph avg]

Run 5: Green Peak Triple - Chandler's Way - Valley Run

[1.21 mi; 4:40; 1,001 ft; 27.7 mph max; 15.5 mph avg]

The whole mountain was uncrowded, but the Green Peak side was especially empty. So empty that the lifty had to come out of the bottom shack every time I made it to the lift. Run #2 for the day was down the left side of the map, Governer's Run to Burbon Street and Baseway. The snow was nice and I was starting to get used to the spring snow on my already tired legs. I was feeling brave and went down the upper part of Ruffled Feathers (which was not challenging nor steep) and then followed Piano Man down, which was wide and super fun! Probably my favorite on this side. I was back to skiing like I knew how to ski, which was exciting, too!

The lift was slow, but playing some Pokemon Go helped it feel faster. Plus, the app thought I was walking, which was perfect for catching Pokemon! Feeling even braver than before, Run #4 was down Clean Shaven, which was a little sketchy up top with rocks and massive chunks of ice, but after ~50 feet of that it opens up to a delightful groomer with a nice pitch and fresh cords! One of my favorite runs of the day, for sure. I wrapped my stay on Green Peak with a run down Chandler's Way to Valley Run. Chandler's was flat up top but slowly gained pitch, and Valley Run was wide, fun, and uncrowded! I had only ever been on this run when it was swamped, so it was nice to have it all to myself!

Runs 6-9

Run 6: Tecumseh Express - Sun Run - No Grit - Oblivion - Upper Valley Run - Fun Run - Rock Island

[1.76 mi; 6:41; 1,640 ft; 26.2 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

Run 7: Tecumseh Express - Sun Run - Ciao - Fun Run - Rock Island

[1.42 mi; 5:24; 1,631 ft; 28.6 mph max; 13.3 mph avg]

Run 8: Tecumseh Express - Sun Run - True Grit - Fun Run - Rock Island

[1.33 mi; 6:02; 1,608 ft; 30.0 mph max; 13.2 mph avg]

Run 9: Tecumseh Express - Upper Bobby's Run - Lower Bobby's Run - Fun Run - Rock Island

[1.33 mi; 6:01; 1,611 ft; 25.4 mph max; 13.3 mph avg]

Valley Run brought me back to the wonderfully comfortable Tecumseh Express, which I comically had to myself for all but one ride. The goal was to explore the steep runs that I've historically been scared of! Run #6 brought me down Sun Run, past some "ungroomed terrain" signs, which I didn't internalize at all and was shocked to run into some bumps! I'm so glad I'd been practicing bumps this season, becuase this did not break me at all. I just said "whee!" From sun run, I went down the physically dirty No Grit, and then did Oblivion to Valley Run. This time, I scooted over to the Fun Run park, which had a few jumps followed by banked turns. These were actually perfect to practice my "pops," but the banked turns were slow and slushy, and there was no way to bail early. I conitnued onto Rock Island, which was thin cover but no problem.

Run #7 followed Sun Run to Ciao, which was my favorite of the steeps - I think because it wasn't just a straight-shot down. Some bumps, some groomed, all fun! I pulled over halfway down to let a stronger skier get ahead of me, but all was good! I did Fun Run again to Rock Island to wrap it up.

Run #8 I was nervous for, but I knew the spring conditions were optimal for steeps. Double-Black True Grit is the steepest run at Waterville Valley, and it felt like it! It seemed partially groomed and the slush kept me feeling safe. I did get the wiggles looking down, but no tears! To celebrate my survival, I had another lap down the Fun Run and Rock Island - my pops were starting to actually happen! That being said, I was getting over the slushy banked turns.

The final run of the steeps was Bobby's Run, which felt less-traveled than the rest. Upper Bobby's Run was in good, slushy conditions. Lower Bobby's Run was ungroomed and steep, but felt less steep than the others. This was also the bumpiest of the three steeps, and my legs were feeling it! I had my last lap on the Fun Run to celebrate afterwards. I was feeling super proud of myself to hitting these trails!

Runs 10-12

Run 10: Tecumseh Express - White Caps - Upper Sel's Choice - Tommy's World Cup Run

[1.19 mi; 5:12; 1,608 ft; 26.0 mph max; 13.8 mph avg]

Run 11: Tecumseh Express - Grimes Way - Periphery - Lower Tippy - Lower Periphery

[1.33 mi; 5:19; 1,604 ft; 27.2 mph max; 15.0 mph avg]

Run 12: Tecumseh Express - Sidewinder - Tippecanoe - Siegel Street - Lower Old Tecumseh - Lower Sel's Choice

[1.34 mi; 5:59; 1,647 ft; 21.4 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

And now to explore some familiar territoriy while I wrapped up my little solo jaunt! I wanted to ski as many open trails as possible, while specifically hitting trails that I had previously struggled with specifically Periphery because of last season's bumps, and Tippecanoe/And Tyler Too after December's ice sheet). Run #10 brought me down none of those, since the chair ahead of me went down that way. I followed White Caps to Upper Sel's Choice, which in fairness was another challenging run from December, and then Tommy's World Cup Run, which would be super fun to zoom down with fresh cords! The slush was DEFINITELY getting deep, though.

Run #11 brought me down to Periphery, which was groomed and not a problem (according to Strava, I PR'd this run by 10 whole minutes, which is very silly). Lower Tippy and Lower Periphery were in similar conditions, but a bit wider with deeper slush.

My legs were definitely starting to feel it! Run #12 brought me back to Tippecanoe, which I did a MUCH better job with. I mistakenly followed Siegel Street to Lower Old Tecumseh, which had the deepest slush of the day. My legs were borderline cooked at this point, but I still wanted to hit "And Tyler Too." Lower Old Tecumseh led to Lower Sel's Choice, and by the time I hit the runout back to the lift I had caught edges two seperate times and decided to maybe not push it too far, especially since I having a great, injury-free day! I basically pond skimmed down to the ticketing area, and walked back to the car, feeling good and tired!

Back at the car, I took some time to enjoy the weather and do a little tidy-up of the interior, since it had taken some damage from yesterday's festivities. Most notably, a 1/4 full bottle of butterscotch schnapps had spilled (thank GOD for floor liners!). I tidied up, did my 2 hour drive home, and fell right asleep. I can feel myself beginning to mourn the ski season, but thankfully Jay plans to be open until at least the second weekend of May!

Map of Waterville Valley

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Runs: 12

Distance: 7.53 miles

Elevation: 7,598 feet

Max Speed: 27.7 mph

Avg. Speed: 9.5 mph

Moving Time: 48 minutes, 32 seconds

Total Time: 3 hours, 21 minutes, 19 seconds

It's time for the anniversary of last year's total solar eclipse at Jay Peak! We joked about making it a tradition to have a "be-a-nuissance" day the first weekend of April, and the plans came to be! I drove up after school on Friday night, and although our crew was going to be a bit smaller, it was going to be fun! Emma and I got dinner at Daily Planet in Burlington before heading back to her place to watch RuPaul's Drag Race. Stevens arrived to Emma's around 10:00pm, and then it was bed time! 

Snow Report

April 5th | 6:16am

**COFFEE REPORT**

TK's latest forecast says that morning turns are your best bet before a wintry mix shoves in by lunchtime. Light winds with highs in the mid-30's. Monday and Tuesday are looking like good chances for snowfall, with the possibility for up to a foot by Wednesday morning.

Check back in a little bit for an official report while we get things rolling, gromming's still out doing their thing and patrol will be out shortly to check trails. The freeze/thaw of surfaces might require a little extra TLC and attention this morning, so sit tight and we'll get you out there as soon as we can.

We got up just before 7:00am, got coffee (well, they did, as I still don't drink coffee), picked up Patroller Sarah, and headed up to the mountain. The patrollers were free skiing to celebrate the holiday, but they had to get their stuff from the patrol room. I went to the rental shop with Stevens, and then we all got set up at the car, shared some Irish Breakfast Shots, and experienced our first eclipse of the day (which meant we put donut holes on skewers and held them up to the sun, which was behind a cloud... it was so fun and silly). 

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Jet Triple - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.71 mi; 3:20; 1204 ft; 27.4 mph max; 12.7 mph avg]

Run 2: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Cat Walk - Angel's Wiggle - Taxi - Lower Milk Run - Kangaroo Trail

[0.77 mi; 5:24; 1168 ft; 27.7 mph max; 11.8 mph avg]

There was finally a normal amount of people at the mountain (versus the insane crowds we've seen all season) and the only big event was a school's (possibly an international or foreign school based on all the English accents) vacation to learn how to ski. Emma, Patrol Sarah, and I dropped Stevens off at the magic carpet while we got  a couple laps on the Jet (I have to do my daily steeps). Haynes skied okay, a little hard, but okay. I didn't need to go back. Funny enough, this was my Strava PR for Haynes, since I haven't been able to ski it top-to-bottom yet this season!

Run #2 was down Montrealer over to Cat Walk and eventually to Lower Milk Run, which I'd never done in full before. It was fine - a little crusty, a little bumpy, a little dirty, but no problem overall. Once we were back at the Stateside base we found Stevens and Team Snowboard (Snowboard Emma and Elizabeth) chit-chatting, and it was time for the Taxi!

Runs 3-6

Run 3: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.77 mi; 4:03; 558 ft; 21.0 mph max; 11.4 mph avg]

Run 4: Village Chair - Queen's Highway

[0.45 mi; 2:41; 322 ft; 26.6 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 5: Tramside Carpet

Run 6: Tramside Carpet

Team Snowboard was parked on Tramside and no desire to head over that way due to wind and the fact that both the Flyer and the Tram were down, so we parted ways soon after coming together for a bit. Emma, Patrol Sarah, Stevens, and I all shared a chair on the Taxi, and Emma whipped out some Naturday's for us to drink from her jacket pocket - how fun! We brought Stevens down Queen's Highway and then to the Grammy Jay. He survived the "headwall!" He did say it was "scary as sh*t," but he killed it. He survived getting off the Village Chair at full speed and then made it over to the Tramside base!

Emma and Patrol Sarah had to run into customer service so Sarah could drop off some papers, so Stevens and I went over to the Tramside Carpet for a couple of runs. He was flirting with linking turns and making parallel turns while I was still trying to figure out how to ski backwards. We went in to use the bathroom afterwards and saw a text saying that the patrollers dropped their skis off for a free sharpening and are getting coffee (**eyeroll**). We eventually met back up and headed back to find the snowboarders!

Runs 7-8

Run 7: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Shakedown

[0.61 mi; 5:27; 354 ft; 20.2 mph max; 6.7 mph avg]

Run 8: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.29 mi; 8:24; 1,391 ft; 23.9 mph max; 9.2 mph avg]

We made it back to Stateside via Perry Merry Ave and Shakedown (TikTok told me I need to work on my "pops" when I jump... tbd on that). I did hit a couple of boxes, but did not pop when I finished them... sad. We did a quick pit stop at the car for another breakfast shot and the second eclipse of the day, now featuring team snowboard! We played "Total Eclipse of the Heart" while holding up our donut holes, and afterwards a man came up to us and said "wow thank you for the free entertainment, I have never met meatball worshipers before!" - which was WILD. 

Stevens was feeling good and was ready for a challenge, so we headed over to the Bonnie for his first upper mountain run! We had another Naturdays on the way up. It was WINDY up top - even the recycling bin had been knocked over! Emma coached him down the Northway, and he killed it! He fell once in the middle of the run and came to a stop at the "SLOW" gate, but I do think he would have stopped on his own if he didn't see the gate as a safe hammock that he could run into at a gentle speed. We got him back up and Emma coached him through the two headwalls at Angel's Wiggle before a solid finish down Hell's Cross and Paradise Meadows. Feeling ballsy, I even dipped into the easy, flat part of Hell's Woods like a daredevil! At this point, some frozen precipitation began to fall and it was PAINFUL.

Runs 9-10

Run 9: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Half Moon - Queen's Highway

[1.33 mi; 9:24; 1,503 ft; 26.7 mph max; 9.8 mph avg]

Run 10: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.53 mi; 3:13; 322 ft; 21.3 mph max; 9.8 mph avg]

Stevens was satisfied with his one upper mountain run, but I was itching for one more. Stevens and Emma went off to the Taxi while Patrol Sarah, Team Snowboard, and I hopped back on the Bonnie (apparently in good time, as it went down for the day soon after!). We decided to hit up Goat Run, which... wasn't in GREAT shape. At least the upper stretch. More or less a glacier with some edgeable patches. Thankfully, the S-Turns were in good shape, and I proposed we go down Lower River Quai and hit one of the moons. Lower River Quai was LOVELY and Half Moon was just a treat! I hadn't gone off-trail in these woods before, so that was fun, too! We did a QUICK pee stop at the Tramside lodge and then hopped on the Metro, which had a comically long line due to the school group. We followed Perry Merril to the junction with Chalet Meadows, where we ran into Emma and Stevens! We all followed Chalet Meadows back to the Taxi for a few more runs.

Runs 11-12

Run 11: Taxi Quad - Rusch Park

[0.32 mi; 2:26; 354 ft; 29.8 mph max; 7.9 mph avg]

Run 12: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Boulevard

[0.46 mi; 4:01; 407 ft; 21.8 mph max; 6.9 mph avg]

My heart wanted to keep the day going, but I was getting HUNGRY, and the painful precipitation was starting to pivot over to rain. We called a "three more skip the last." Run #11 was down the park, which was MUCH more built up than before! I went over a box right at the start, but got scared and slowed down a ton. Got over it fine, but tipped forward at the end (instead of popping!) and dug a ski into the snow and went SPLAT. Elizabeth said she was actually worried about the fall because of how my leg twisted, but I felt completely fine (and am still fine a few days later, so seems like I'm in the clear!). I tried to go over one of the jumps, but it was VERY high and I got scared again. Next time!

Our final run was another delight. We sent Stevens down Boulevard and the rest of us went into Doe Woods, which was surprisingly in fantastic shape. Only issue was that I stayed in too long and got stuck on the wrong side of water pipes, so I had to pop my skis off, step over, and click back in... silly. Afterwards, we caught Stevens and enacted operation: Tramside! 

Since it was raining and we had our hearts set on hot dogs, the patrollers went to the patrol room to change, Stevens dropped off his rentals, we all took a bathroom break, and then we drove from the Stateside lot to the Tramside Lot, which has a little mini-garage under the main lot. We set up camp there for an hour or so, folding table and mini grill and all. This was my first time using this grill, so there was a small learning curve (like letting it burn off all the plastic residue), but the mission was successful! We had one more total eclipse (note for next year: more munchkins) and eventually decided to part ways. Team Snowboard went into the water park while the rest of us started the trek home, stopping for snacks at Maplefields. Emma and I introduced Stevens to GNAR and Hot Dog... the Movie! as any good ski friends would, and it was a delightfully early bed time for all!

I don't usually drink while skiing because it's dangerous as hell and I just don't really care to, but it is still fun to have a ragamuffin day once a year!

Map of Jay Peak

Great Blue Hill, Circle Trail, Bartol & Carberry Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Great Blue Hill, Circle Trail, Bartol & Carberry Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 5.27 miles

Elevation: 750 feet

Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; Trail Trace the Blue Hills, Great Blue Hill Summits

The Hike 

Another warm, grey day in the Blue Hills during another long, stressful week. The plan was roughly to get some cardio in while waiting for an important phone call from a friend - super fun (sarcastic)! I parked at the north Trailside Museum parking area and followed a herd path to the trail that wraps around the Trailside Museum before making my way to and climbing up the Eliot Path, which was wet and slippery from the rain and humidity. I realized a few minutes into my hike that I, yet again, forgot to start my Garmin and AllTrails... ugh. There was a little snow left on Patriots and I swam my way through the humidity to the summit, which thankfully had a heavenly breeze. 

I continued down Skyline North and some spring peepers cheered me on as I climbed up Wolcott. I got the call I was waiting for as I climbed up Hancock (naturally, when I was out of breath), and then I kind of zoned out for a while, slowly meandering down Circle Trail and Chestnut Run Path. The call ended very well and I continued onto Bartol Path, where I lost service. I love the Bartol Path on a cloudy day - it has a really unique, seculded energy to it. There were yellow daffodils just off the trail at the terminus, and then I continued around Rotch Path, passing my first humans of the day (two off-leash dogs and two humans, one of which was barefoot...), and made my way to Carberry Path, which was still delightfully mowed.

I was feeling much better after that phone call, and I played some Pokemon Go as I made my way out of the woods on Wolcott Path. Happy spring!

Step-by-Step

- Park at north Trailside Museum parking.

- Start hike on Wolcott Path.

- Soon after starting, follow herd path on right.

- Join path and hike south around Trailside Museum fence.

- After jct. with Abigail Adams Trail kiosk, turn left onto Eliot Path.

- At 1055, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At road, turn left onto Summit Road.

- At jct., turn right onto spur.

- Summit Great Blue Hill.

- From summit, follow path east.

- At terminus, turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At 1063, turn right onto Skyline Trail North.

- At jct. after 1170, turn right onto Circle Trail.

- At 1180, turn right onto Breakneck Ledge path.

- At 1203, turn right onto Chestnut Run Path.

- At 1175, turn left onto Border Path.

- At 1135, turn right onto Bartol Path.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 1135, continue straight onto Five Corners Path.

- At 1140, turn right onto unnamed path.

- At 1121, turn right onto Rotch Path.

- At 1114, turn left onto Border Path.

- At 1100, turn right onto Carberry Path.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 1100, turn right onto Wolcott Path.

- Follow Wolcott Path to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Chickatawbut Hill; Sassaman, Glover, Lee, & Slide Notch Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Chickatawbut Hill; Sassaman, Glover, Lee, & Slide Notch Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 4.66 miles

Elevation: 873 feet

Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; Trail Trace the Blue Hills

The Hike 

First hike of April! I wanted to get out yesterday, but as April Fools would have it, there was absolutely brutal traffic. I made it to the Chickatawbut Tower trailhead and got hiking around 4:10pm, just aiming to do some tracing around the Chickatawbut area. It had been another draining week, so I was excited to get out and blow off some steam! It was a cold 44 degrees with a breeze and overcast and my legs were TIRED from my first leg day in a few weeks. My internal soundtrack for most of the hike was "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," but with the lyrics "Chick-a-taw--but, Chick-a-chick-a-taw--but" - classic. 

I forgot to turn on my watch until the tower, which was annoying but literally fine. Sassaman Notch Path was in good shape and the eastern branch of Thayer Path was steep and leafy, but short. I made my way across the road to the closed summit and noticed someone found a pair of old sunglasses that seemed to have been through a war - the finder hung them up on a fence.

I continued down to the water tower, hiked on the gravel road (which had new gravel on the half closest to the tower!), and then continued down to the Braintree Pass Path trailhead. There were lots of frog eggs in the little swamp there! It did look like they might dry out, but rain was coming to hopefully help. I saw my first person of the day later on on the Braintree Pass Path, and realized my slightly slower-than-usual hiking pace was the same tempo as "Children's March" by Percy Grainger, so I had a new song in my head!

I scrambled up the Skyline Trail to the first view off Chickatawbut, and then scrambled again up to the second view. The third climb is the easiest of the three, which led to the fence around the summit area. My hamstrings were FEELING IT. On a clear day with better lighting, the view to Buck Hill would actually be really cool, especially with people on top.

I continued around the fence briefly and then descended on Carve Path and made my way over to Glover, which is a favorite of mine. Quiet, open woods, and old stone walls. Lovely! Actually, most of the "deeper" paths in this area are just wonderful. The clouds were getting darker and the breeze was picking up, which gave me some post-traumatic stress from the last time I was over near Hawk Hill and it started to rain, but thankfully I was safe (minus someone's dog's massive poop they left in the middle of the trail). 

I wiggled around to Lee Path, which was a little wet in spots, and then climbed back up Slide Notch. I had grand plans to add Squamaug Notch to the hike, but I was TIRED. I found a couple of deer in the burnt area on the left of the trail, and then continued back to the Tower Path. I ran into a hiker coming down the footpath from Nahanton. He asked me how to get back to the parking area. I pointed to the Tower Path and he said "well I'm going this way, I'm not f***ing walking that again" and took off towards the road. I don't think this stretch was all that bad, but to each their own!

He and I made it to the parking area at the same time, and just a few minutes after someone had blown a tire driving through, which made for some interesting traffic. Thankfully, I was up and out of there in no time, and soon on my couch eating dinner!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Chickatawbut Tower parking.

- Start hike on Tower Path.

- Turn right at Tower to continue on Tower Path.

- At 3075, turn right onto Sassaman Notch Path.

- At Chickatawbut Road, turn around.

- At 3075, continue right onto Sassaman Notch Path.

- At second jct., turn right onto east branch of Thayer Path.

- At jct., continue left/straight on Thayer Path.

- At jct., continue right/straight on Thayer Path.

- Cross road, continue on Thayer Path.

- Hike gravel road from water tower, then descend via unnamed path along power cut.

- At terminus, turn left onto Headquarters Path.

- At 3024, turn left onto Braintree Pass Path.

- At jct. after 3042, turn left onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At jct., continue onto Skyline Trail.

- At 3065, turn right onto Carve Path.

- At 3051, turn left onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At next jct., turn right onto unnamed path.

- At terminus, continue onto Slide Hill Trail.

- At 3040, turn left onto Glover Path.

- At 3044, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.

- At 3072, turn left onto Braintree Pass Path.

- At 3155, turn right onto Lee Path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At 3073, turn left onto Slide Notch Path.

- At first left after 3094, turn left onto Tower Path.

- Follow Tower Path back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album