Franconia Ridge

Franconia Ridge

Saturday, March 9, 2019

A Perfect Winter Hike to Mount Moosilauke


Summit: Mount Moosilauke (4,802')
Trail route: Ravine Lodge Road, Gorge Brook Trail, Carriage Road, Snapper Trail
Trail conditions: Ravine Lodge Road is plowed but gate is closed, hard packed trail and loose packed trail, wind blown above treeline with some rock exposure at summit
Weather: Cold with some wind below treeline to a steady wind at the summit, clear blue cloudless sky with lots of sunshine
Total miles: 10.5
Total time: 6:44

Saturday was the pick of the weekend for best weather day. I would be joining a large group of friends for Amy's Winter 48 finish. This group included Amy L (W48 finisher), Amy D, Jill, Robin, Kally, Guy, Larry, Jim, Marty, Scott and Lisa. It's always an exciting day when someone is completing a hiking list.

It was the day before daylight savings time and I could start to see daylight around 5:30 AM. It's always nice to have the sky brighten up on the drive to the trailhead. The drive got interesting when I turned onto Route 118. The frost heaves were incredible and it was a very slow drive. I thought the road was bad until I saw a sign indicating frost heaves, then it got really bad!

I was glad to arrive at the Ravine Lodge Road and get off that frost heaved road. The gate was closed and I parked alongside the road just below the gate and behind Marty who was the first one there. All the others soon started arriving and we were ready to start our hike at 8:00 AM.

The Ravine Lodge Road was plowed all the way to the Lodge and we bare booted to the trailhead. Along the way we passed by a large loader that explained how they kept the road plowed.  We all put on light traction at the trailhead and started up the trail. It was smooth going and the trail was well packed. The first views were incredible with the clear blue sky and not a cloud anywhere.

As we got closer to the summit the wind picked up and we added some layers before the final ascent to the summit. Amy L was the first one on the summit and we all followed. There was a cold wind blowing but we took time to enjoy the views and get plenty of photos. It was too cold for Amy's summit celebration so we started our descent down the Carriage Road. Once we were out of the wind it was time for a short break for lunch. Some changed into snowshoes at this point.

Continuing down the Carriage Road we met a lot of skiers coming up as well as skiing down. This trail is out of the wind and the sun was beating down on us, it was getting warm and the trail was softening. When we reached the Snapper Trail I put on my snowshoes. It was a nice hike back over to the Gorge Brook Trail. Almost back to the trailhead we met fellow hiker Adam on his way up Moosilauke to finish his single season Winter 48. He had hiked Mount Moriah before coming here.

We got back to the Ravine Lodge Road and removed our snowshoes for the walk out to the end of the road. After a final 1.6 miles we arrived back to our cars. As we got closer to the gate I thought  there was a familiar looking truck by the gate. It was Jason and Leah about to add another summit to their second single season Winter 48. They are incredible hikers!

It was a spectacular day for this hike. I was glad to be a part of this extraordinary group of fun hikers for this special day. Amy L had now officially completed her Winter 48. Congratulations Amy!

Enjoy the photos and video!


 A scenic view on the frost heaved Route 118

 Mount Moosilauke kiosk

 Everyone arriving at Ravine Lodge Road

 Gathering at the gate

 Starting the road walk to the trailhead

 The trail starts here

 First water crossing

 Heading up Gorge Brook down Carriage Road and across Snapper

 Another water crossing with a bridge

 The loop starts here

 Another bridged water crossing

Last sure water and it would've been tough getting to it

 First view from the trail

 Franconia Ridge

 Mount Washington in the distance

 Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln

 Moving closer to the summit

 A look back down the trail

 The Ravine Lodge is far below

 Zooming into the Ravine Lodge

Getting closer to the summit

Moving through the last trees below the summit

 The summit is up ahead

Leaving treeline behind

A sign that is probably needed in severe weather

Jim and Kally below the summit

 A view toward South Peak





 Amy on her Winter 48

South Peak in the distance from the summit of Mount Moosilauke

Cairns mark the way to South Peak

Summit view

Getting ready to continue on to South Peak

Franconia Ridge with the Presidentials in the distance

 Summit sign

Heading to South Peak


 Wind sculpted snow

A look back at Mount Moosilauke


Stopping for a lunch break on the Carriage Road

Turning onto the Snapper Trail

Bridge over a small water crossing

The loop is complete at the trail junction

Descending the Gorge Brook Trail

A bridged water crossing on the way out

Amy is happy to have completed her Winter 48 today

We meet Adam who is about to finish his single season winter 48




The new Ravine Lodge

The road walk out

The end of the hike is in sight






Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!

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