It was looking like a weekend of uncertain weather. Showers were in the forecast for Saturday afternoon. When I looked at the weather radar this morning it appeared that showers were approaching from the west and would be in the mountains shortly. I would be hiking with Robin and Jill today on a hike to Mount Moosilauke (4,802'). We would be taking the Beaver Brook Trail, one that I haven't done before. It's known for its long, steep climb alongside a series of cascades. I was hoping the rain would hold off as it would be a hazardous hike on wet ledges.
On the drive to the trailhead I saw the sunrise but it quickly disappeared in the cloud cover. I saw a deer run across the road up ahead of me. I also saw a dead moose beside the road probably hit during the night. It's always difficult to see these dead moose as the population is seeing a significant decrease from a tick infestation. I had seen two other dead moose this past week.
Going through Franconia Notch I noticed they were setting up for a triathalon. When I got to the Beaver Brook parking lot they were also setup for the triathalon, that's a lot of miles. Robin and Jill pulled into the parking lot shortly after I arrived. The skies were threatening and there was a few raindrops as we began our hike.
The trail started out flat and level but soon started its upward climb. There was one washed out section of trail that required careful footing to get across. When we reached the first cascades the trail began a very steep climb. There were wooden steps on some of the steeper ledges. I noted one set of iron railings to hold onto. It was a relentless steep climb until we got past the shelter.
Once past the shelter the trail leveled out with only a gradual grade after that. We started looking for the herd path for the bushwhack to Mount Blue. It was very easy to find and there was a well beaten trail to the summit. A few photos and we returned to the main trail. We reached the Benton Trail junction and turned left for the final four-tenths of a mile to the summit. Hikers that we met along the way told us it was cold, windy and raining on the summit.
Just before reaching treeline I put on my windproof/waterproof jacket anticipating the elements ahead. I know how windy it can be on top of Moosilauke as I have experienced it during past hikes. When we reached the summit it was not as bad as I thought it might be. It was windy and cool with a very light rain falling. After some photos we had something to eat behind the shelter of some rocks out of the wind.
After our summit break we began our descent back down the same trail. Once down in the trees again we were able to remove some layers. We were hoping the rain would hold off because it would be a precarious descent if we got down to wet ledges. We made good time getting down but light rain started falling as we arrived at the steep section of trail. It didn't last long and the ledges remained dry.
Shortly after arriving back at the parking lot a steady rain started to fall. It was a well-timed hike. I was glad to have finally hiked the Beaver Brook Trail, it lived up to its steepness and the beauty of the cascades. Thanks to Robin and Jill for an enjoyable hike!
Enjoy the photos and videos!
Back at the beginning
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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