Zero Degree Buttsled Ride From Hermit Lake

Locked in a cold spell I was finding it difficult to motivate myself to get out and hike a 4,000 footer in this frigid weather. I finally decided to do a short hike up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and buttsled down the Sherburne Ski Trail. I knew the trail would be well packed and I would not be out in the cold temps for an extended period of time. This was supposed to be the "warm" day of the long holiday weekend.

Christmas Eve Day Hike to Carter Dome

My hike today would take me up to the summit of Carter Dome (4,832') after some recent snowfall and mixed precipitation. This was the one day break between storms. The route to the summit would take me up Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to Carter Dome Trail and finally the Carter-Moriah Trail. Fellow hikers Jill, Amy and Jim were getting an earlier start so I would be trying to catch up to them at some point during the hike.

A Cold Sunday Morning on Mount Tecumseh

Today would be a long drive for a short hike up Mount Tecumseh (4,003'). This is one of my longest drives to a 4,000 footer. Last Sunday was the shortest drive but a longer hike to Mount Cabot. The weather forecast called for clear skies and cold temps. I wanted to get an early start to beat the Waterville Valley ski crowd to the parking area close to the trailhead. My hiking route would take me up the Mount Tecumseh trail to the summit and back down the same way for a 5-mile round trip hike.

First Tracks to Mount Cabot

I woke up this morning still undecided as to where I wanted to hike. It was a toss-up between Tecumseh and Cabot. I could do a short hike with a long drive or a longer hike with a shorter drive. Because I was taking my time getting ready I chose the short drive, about 15 minutes for me, to Mount Cabot (4,170'). I also didn't feel like getting into the Waterville Valley ski crowd and the parking hassle.

Capturing Clouds on Franconia Ridge

Today I would be joining Jill, Mark and Steve for a hike to Lincoln and Lafayette. Steve would be completing his 48 4,000 footers. The forecast called for clouds and seasonal temps. Appeared to be good weather for a hike across Franconia Ridge. Our route would take us up the Falling Waters Trail to Little Haystack Mountain then across the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Lincoln and on up to Mount Lafayette before descending Greenleaf Trail and continuing down the Old Bridle Path to complete the loop.

Hale Yes!

Sunday morning and I wanted to get one more hike in for the month of November. It was going to be another late start so I was looking for a short hike. Mount Hale seemed to be a good choice. My route for this hike would be the North Twin Trail to the Fire Warden's Trail up and back. The weather forecast was calling for cold and windy conditions.

A November Hike to Mount Moriah

A day after Thanksgiving and I needed to hike off some of that turkey dinner. I would be getting a late start so I wanted something close to home. I decided on Mount Moriah, it was a short drive and I had not hiked it in November. The forecast was looking good with clearing skies and warmer temps. My route would take me up the Carter-Moriah Trail and back down the same way.

Wintry Day on the Willey Range Trail

The past few days have been frigid here in the mountains but today was supposed to be a bit milder although still cold. The forecast was calling for temps in the 20's and cloudy skies slowly clearing over the course of the day. I would be hiking the Willey Range today with fellow hikers Larry, Jill, Jim and Amy. Our summits would include Mount Tom (4,051'), Mount Field (4,340'), Mount Willey (4,285') and Mount Avalon (3,442') with three of these being on the 4,000 footer list.

Hiking to Waumbek After the Storm

A strong storm that passed through New England early in the week caused widespread flooding, downed trees and power outages. I was anxious to get out there and get a first-hand look at some of the storm damage. I decided to check out the Starr King Trail to Mount Waumbek. This is a short hike and a short drive for me. I had also read a trail report that stated it was passable but with many blowdowns.

Jackson and Webster on a Beautiful Fall Day

Saturday was looking like the pick day for the best weather this weekend. I would be joining Christina, Eric and Jill for a hike to Mount Jackson (4,052') and Mount Webster (3,910'). Although Webster is not a 4,000 footer it makes a nice loop when hiking Jackson. We would do the usual loop of in on the Webster-Jackson Trail and up the Jackson Branch to the summit of Mount Jackson then across the Webster Cliff Trail to Mount Webster and down the Webster Branch to the Webster-Jackson Trail to complete the loop then a hike out to Route 302.

Monroe and Washington and Clay and Jefferson

I postponed my hike one day due to not feeling well. The forecast was calling for spectacular weather all weekend and I was hoping that Sunday was going to be as beautiful as Saturday for my hike. Today I would be solo hiking Mount Monroe (5,372'), Mount Washington (6,288'), Mount Clay (5,533') and Mount Jefferson (5,712'). Mount Clay is the only summit that does not meet the requirements to be counted as an official 4,000 footer. I needed the others for the month of October.

Zealand to Lincoln Woods Bonds Traverse

There was a somewhat ominous weather forecast this morning calling for cloudy skies and showers but no indication of any heavy rain. So the big hike was on. I would be joining Amy, Jill, Robin, Larry and Mark for a hike from Zealand parking area to Lincoln Woods. This trek would go over Zealand Mountain (4,260') to Mount Guyot (4,580')then out to West Bond and back to Mount Bond down to Bondcliff and the long trek to Lincoln Woods for a total of 19.7 miles.

Loop Hike to Adams and Madison

The weather forecast was looking good for a midweek hike. I would be joining Jill and Mark for a hike to Mount Adams (5,774') and Mount Madison (5,367"). Our route would take us up the Air Line trail across Durand Ridge and then the boulder hop to the summit of Mount Adams. We would then descend to Madison Hut and up to the summit of Mount Madison on the Osgood Trail. Our descent would take us down the Valley Way trail completing the loop.

Isolation via Rocky Branch

I was up and out the door this morning at zero dark thirty. Today would be a solo hike out and back to Mount Isolation (4,003') on the Rocky Branch Trail, a long hike but relatively easy. A cloudy day and warm temps with afternoon showers was in the forecast. I was hoping the early start would get me back before the showers arrived.

A Cloudless Day on Cannon

Good weather was in the forecast with sunshine and warmer temps. The plan for today was to join fellow hikers Jill and Larry for a hike up Cannon Mountain (4,100') via the Kinsman Ridge Trail. This trail was covered in snow the last time I was hiking on it. Today I would get to see what the bare trail looked like. This is the shortest route to the summit but it is a steady climb with lots of rock hopping and a few minor ledge scrambles. This would be Jill's first hike since breaking her toe, a good test to see how her healing toe would hold up during a hike.

Hancocks on a Warm Fall Day

There was another warm day in the forecast and I wanted to get an early start to beat the heat. I would be hiking the Hancocks today, both North Peak (4,420') and South Peak (4,319'). It would be my usual route up North and down South. I was tempted to go up the Arrow Slide on Hancock but was under a time constraint so would be saving that for another day.

A Sunday Stroll to Owl's Head

Another beautiful warm summer day was in the forecast and I decided to do the long hike to Owl's Head. I would be doing the usual route starting from the Lincoln Woods Trail to Franconia Brook Trail turning onto the Lincoln Brook Trail and finally the Owl's Head Path that follows a very loose and steep slide to the summit. It's eight miles of relatively flat, easy trails with some potentially challenging water crossings and then one more steep mile to the summit for a total of 18 miles round trip. It's a very long hike for a viewless summit.

Up Glen Boulder Trail Down To Isolation and Back

Today would be a solo hike to one summit, Mount Isolation (4,003'), a round trip of 12 miles. My route would take me up the Glen Boulder Trail then down the Davis Path to a spur path up to the summit of Mount Isolation then returning on the same trails. Partly cloudy, cool temps and a possibility of late afternoon showers were in the forecast.

Twins and Galehead on a Perfect Day

Perfect weather was in the forecast for today and I wanted to hike multiple summits. I would be joining Jill and Larry for a hike to North Twin (4,761') and over to South Twin (4,902') then descend to Galehead Hut and up to the summit of Galehead Mountain (4,024'). Our route would start on the North Twin Trail continuing on to the North Twin Spur down the Twinway Trail to the Galehead Hut then up and back to Galehead on the Frost Trail then down the Gale River Trail for 12 miles of hiking.

Field and Willey on a Fine Summer Day

A check of the weather showed a nice stretch of perfect days in the forecast with cooler temps and dry air. I looked to see what I needed for August. It had been awhile since I'd done Field and Willey and thought that would be a nice hike for today. I already had Mount Tom for this month so it would only be the two summits and of course Mount Avalon. My hiking route would take me up the Avalon Trail continuing on the A-Z Trail to the Willey Range Trail over Mount Field (4,340') and Mount Willey (4,285') then return on the same trail to the Avalon Trail with a quick stop at Mount Avalon on the way down.

Cool and Windy Along the Carters

The forecast had today looking better than yesterday with the exception of possible morning showers in the mountains. I would be hiking three of the Carters today. My usual route is a loop starting and ending at 19 Mile Brook trailhead and today would be no different. I would be starting with a road walk to Camp Dodge taking the shortcut trail to Imp Trail up to North Carter Trail and across the Carter-Moriah Trail to Middle Carter (4,610') over to South Carter (4,430') and then depending if there were views up to Mount Hight and Carter Dome (4,832') then down to the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail and back to the trailhead parking area for a 13+ mile loop.

A Misty Mount Monroe

After an exhausting week at work I changed my hiking plans to a shorter hike. My initial plan was to hike to Mount Monroe (5,372') via Tuckerman Ravine. I decided to do the shorter hike up and back on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. A check of the forecast indicated a few morning showers followed by clearing weather. I double-checked my pack and made sure I had my rain gear with me.

Windy Day on the Hancocks

After rain showers, warm temps and humidity on Saturday a change of weather was in the forecast. There was cooler temps and early clouds to clearing skies for today's forecast. My hike today would take me over the Hancocks. I was going to use the usual route that I have taken the last two times I have hiked these summits. The hike starts on the Hancock Notch Trail then on to the Cedar Brook Trail and around the Hancock Loop Trail clockwise.

A Magnificent Day for a Leisurely Hike to Garfield

Spectacular weather was in the forecast for this weekend. High clouds, warm temps and low humidity for Saturday with warmer temps and clearer skies for Sunday. Both days were a winner. I had some work to do around the house on Sunday so I would be joining Brian and Jill for a hike to Mount Garfield (4,500') today. This is one of my favorite hikes. It's a gradual 4.8 climb to the Garfield Ridge Trail then a short steep climb to the summit for a 10 mile round trip hike.

Sultry Hike to Whiteface and Passaconaway

The weather forecast was calling for a warm day with less humidity than yesterday and afternoon thunderstorms for Sunday so today seemed like the day for hiking. I would be joining Amy and Jill for a hike to Whiteface (4,020') and Passaconaway (4,043'). Our route would take us up the Blueberry Ledge Trail to Mount Whiteface then across the Rollins Trail and up to Mount Passaconaway descending on the Dicey's Mill Trail back to the Ferncroft parking area. This is a 12 mile loop hike that has some good ledge scrambling along the way.

Warm Hike Up Signal Ridge to Mount Carrigain

The forecast called for a warm day and partly cloudy skies with possible late day thunderstorms. This sounded like a good day to get an early start and hike Mount Carrigain (4,700'). My hike would take me out and back on the Signal Ridge Trail for a round trip total of ten miles.

Up Eisenhower Back to Pierce and Out Jackson

After some wet, warm and humid weather this past week there was clearing skies, milder temps and diminishing humidity in the forecast. My hike today would take me to three summits. Going up the Crawford path I would be hiking to Mount Eisenhower then backtrack over to Mount Pierce continuing on the Webster Cliff Trail to Mount Jackson and down the Jackson Branch Trail and finally the Webster-Jackson Trail. This would be an almost 12 mile solo hike.

Mount Moosilauke and South Peak Loop Hike

The humidity of recent days was gone and spectacular weather was in the forecast for this Fourth of July. It appeared to be a great day to hike Mount Moosilauke (4,802'). My route would take me up the Gorge Brook Trail to the summit then over to South Peak and down the Carriage Road to the Snapper Trail back over to the Gorge Brook trail completing the loop and back down to the trailhead.

Mount Cabot From Mill Brook

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain falling outside my window. I checked the weather radar and saw that the rain was moving out but there was another small colored blob of rain that would be arriving within a couple of hours. I planned on hiking to Mount Cabot (4,170') from Mill Brook. My route would take me up the Unknown Pond Trail to Unknown Pond onto the Kilkenny Ridge Trail past the Horn and up over the Bulge continuing on to the summit of Mount Cabot then return on the same trails.

A Wet Muddy Hike to Flume and Liberty

Early morning showers and mid-morning showers with clearing toward noontime was in the forecast for today. Not a total washout but it might get a little wet. I would be joining Mark, Jill, Amy and Jim for a hike to Mount Flume (4,328') and Mount Liberty (4,459'). Our hiking route would start at the Lincoln Woods Trail onto the Osseo Trail up to Franconia Ridge Trail over Mount Flume and continuing on to Mount Liberty then down Liberty Spring Trail to Whitehouse Trail where a car spot would be waiting.

Adams and Madison on a Beautiful Day

I took a couple of days off from work and used one day to go hiking. The weather looked very favorable for a hike above treeline and onto the Presidentials. I decided to hike Mount Adams (5,774') and Mount Madison (5,367'). My route would take me up Valley Way across Airline Cutoff to Air Line to Mount Adams back down the same trails to Madison Spring Hut then up the Osgood Trail to Mount Madison. My descent would take me back down Osgood to Valley Way and out to the Appalachia parking lot. Clear, dry air was moving in after several days of heat and humidity. Cooler temps and lots of sunshine is my kind of weather for hiking!

Solo Hike to the Twins

A check of the weekend weather and I decided to hike on Saturday to avoid the heat that was forecast for Sunday even though there was a possibility of showers this afternoon. I'm not a fan of heat and humidity so given the choice I'll hike on the cooler day. Saturday looked like a good day to hike up North Twin (4,761') and over to South Twin (4,902'). My route would take me up the North Twin Trail over the North Twin Spur and back down the same trails for an out and back hike.

Mount Moriah Traverse

With reports of winter conditions on some summits during Saturday it appeared that Sunday was the better day for hiking. I would be joining Jill and Larry for a hike to Mount Moriah. Our route would take us up the Stony Brook Trail from Route 16 to the Carter-Moriah Trail over Mount Moriah and down the Carter-Moriah Trail to Bangor Street in Gorham.

Up Old Bridle Path and Down Hard on Falling Waters Trail

There was beautiful weather in the forecast so it seemed like a perfect day for a Franconia Ridge loop hike. I would be joining fellow hikers Jill, Brian, Larry, Eric and Mark for a clockwise hike of this loop. I've always done it counter-clockwise. Our route would take us up the Old Bridle Path to Greenleaf Hut then up the Greenleaf Trail to the summit of Mount Lafayette (5,260'). We would then hike across the Franconia Ridge Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in the White Mountains, crossing over Mount Lincoln (5,089') and on to Mount Haystack before turning onto the Falling Waters Trail descending back to the parking lot to complete the loop.

Wildflowers and Waumbek

I was hoping to get in a hike today but it would have to be after my son's baseball game. Heavy rain was in the forecast for tomorrow as a Nor'easter would be forming over New England so there would be no hiking for me on Sunday. A late day hike would mean a short hike and short drive. Mount Waumbek (4,006') met these requirements and seemed to be the perfect choice. I also needed this summit for May.

Rain and Monorails to Mount Pierce

With nothing but several days of rain showers in the forecast the thought was to hike during a possible break in the showers and make a go of it. Sunday morning appeared to be rain-free with showers moving in for the afternoon. With all the rain there would be some water crossings on certain trails that are difficult and possibly hazardous. The decision was made to hike Mount Pierce and Mount Eisenhower. I would be joining fellow hikers Jill and Larry.

Gnarly and Nasty Trails to Mount Cabot

Spring hiking can be tough with the varying trail conditions and today was going to be no exception. I would be joining Jill and Larry for a hike up Mount Cabot via the York Pond Trail to Bunnell Notch Trail and Kilkenny Ridge Trail. The forecast was early morning sun to clouds and late afternoon showers with cool temps. I've said it before and it bears repeating, take the weather forecast with a grain of salt and be prepared for anything.

Fire Warden's Trail to Mount Hale Revisited

Today's forecast called for spectacular Spring conditions with warm temps and sunshine. After the rain and warm temps of last week as well as few trail reports the trail conditions were uncertain. I would be joining Jill and Larry today for a hike to Mount Hale (4,054') via the Fire Warden's Trail. Larry and I did this same hike back in January under very cold temperatures, -9°F to start. It was about 40°F warmer at the start of our hike today.

April Conditions on a Hike to Carter Dome

After not hiking this past weekend I decided to take a day off during the week for a hike to Carter Dome (4,832'). I would be joining fellow hikers Larry and Jill. Our route would take us up the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to the Carter Dome Trail and onto the Carter-Moriah Trail to the summit of Carter Dome. We planned on taking the same trails back down being concerned that the steep side of Carter Dome going down to Carter Notch would be icy and difficult.

Midwinter Snow On a Spring Hike to Ike

The weather report was forecasting a spectacular day of warming temperatures with lots of blue sky and sunshine. I've learned to take the weather forecast with a grain of salt because it can completely change when you get to the summit. It was sounding like a good day to go above treeline. The plan was to hike Mount Eisenhower (4,780') via the Crawford Path and also add the short hike up to Mount Pierce (4,310') along the way.

Lots Of Snow On Wildcat D

A snowstorm on Friday into Saturday brought 18" to the high summits. I was wondering where I might hike today that had the possibility of broken trails. I decided on Wildcat D (4,062') via the Polecat Trail. I figured this ski trail should be well groomed after all the new snow. It would only be a short hike on the Wildcat Ridge Trail to the summit and manageable even if it wasn't broke out.

Hike To Hermit Lake and Sled Down Sherburne

I spent Saturday laying low and relaxing due to not feeling well. Today I felt better but decided not to take on a 4,000 footer and instead find a short hike just to get some fresh air. It was supposed to be a beautiful day so I thought a hike up to Hermit Lake and sledding down the Sherburne Ski Trail would be just what the Doctor ordered!

Monroe and Washington on the Last Day of Winter

There was spectacular weather in the mountains yesterday and I was hoping for a repeat today. The forecast was looking like a great day to hike above treeline. This would be the last hike on the last full day of Winter. The summits for today's hike would be Mount Monroe (5,372') and Mount Washington (6,288). I would be joining fellow hikers Mark and Jill. These two summits would complete Mark's Winter 48 4,000 footers!

Solo on the Kinsmans

After a weekend of frigid temps and extreme windchills I decided to hike on Monday. While not as cold as the weekend it was still cold but without the strong winds. Today I would be hiking North Kinsman (4,293') and South Kinsman (4,358'). My route would take me up the Mount Kinsman Trail to the Kinsman Ridge Trail over North Kinsman continuing on to South Kinsman and returning on the same trails.

A Cool Crisp Hike to Galehead

It was a very cold Saturday with frigid wind chills well below zero. Although not as cold as yesterday, today's weather forecast was again calling for windchills below zero especially on the summits. I would be joining fellow hikers Jim, Jill, Robin, Amy D. and Amy L. for a hike to Galehead Mountain (4,024'). Our route would start on the Beaver Brook cross country ski trail over to the Gale River Loop Road and up the Gale River Trail to the Garfield Ridge Trail past the Galehead Hut to the Frost Trail and up to the summit of Galehead Mountain. We would return on the same trails.

Carter Notch After the Refreeze

This past week saw unseasonably warm temperatures with heavy rain last night followed by very cold temperatures. I was anxious to check out the trail conditions and water levels. After a very late start I decided to hike up to the Carter Notch Hut and would not be hiking any summits today. Just wanted to get out on the trail and stretch the hiking legs.

Mount Moosilauke For #48 Second Round

The weather forecast was calling for a windy day with unseasonably warm temps and a possibility of rain or snow showers in the afternoon. I would be joining up with fellow hikers Brian, Jill and Mark for a hike up Mount Moosilauke. Our route to the summit would be on the Snapper Trail and Gorge Brook Trail returning on the same trails. This summit would complete my second round of the 48 4,000 footers. It just so happens that Mount Moosilauke was #48 on my first round.

Wildcat D on the Edge of a Nor'easter

I had no firm plans on hiking today with a Nor'easter bearing down on New England. I would make my decision to hike when I got up to Pinkham Notch and evaluate the current weather conditions. My summit of choice was Wildcat D (4,062'). This solo hike would take me up the Polecat ski trail so I wouldn't need to concern myself with breaking trail.

What's Up Willey?

What's up Willey? I was up Willey today. After spending the last couple of days fighting off some sort of minor "bug" I was ready to get in a hike and some fresh air. I needed Mount Willey (4,285') for my Winter 48 4,000 footer list. Many hikers usually include Mounts Tom and Field but I'd already done those in the winter. My planned route would be up the Ethan Pond Trail to the Willey Range Trail then up to the summit of Mount Willey and back down the same trails.

Snowshoeing Tecumseh

Cold temps, wind and snow showers were in the forecast. I had narrowed my hiking choices down to three and at the last minute decided to hike Mount Tecumseh (4,003'). It's a long drive for me and a short hike but it is on the 48 4,000 footer list. Although this would be a solo hike I was expecting many hikers on the trail today.