Summits: North Twin Mountain (4,761'), South Twin Mountain (4,902')
Trail route: North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur
Trail conditions: Wet with muddy sections
Weather: Blue sky, sunshine and warm temps
Total miles: 11.2
Total time: 6:59
The stretch of unseasonably warm weather continues and I wanted to hike the Twins before they closed the gate on Haystack Road. The trailhead is 2.5 miles at the end of this road.
I arrived at the trailhead parking lot at 6:00AM and it was full so I parked along the road. It was just light enough that I did not require the headlamp. I took the herd path and crossed the river at the third crossing. It was a little tricky but I had dry feet when I got to the other side.
The trail started its steady upward grade on the other side of the river. I met a few hikers on their way down that had caught the sunrise views early this morning. I arrived at the North Twin outlook and was rewarded with spectacular views.
I continued on to South Twin. There was plenty of mud between these summits but no snow or ice. The temperature was warming up and when I reached the summit there was only a light breeze blowing. There were many hikers on the summit but I found a spot all to myself. It was a nice morning for basking while I had something to eat.
As more hikers were arriving it was getting crowded and I started my hike back. I met many hikers along the way. It was back up over North Twin and down, across the river and out the herd path to the parking lot. It was a pleasant hike back.
These two summits completed my 6th round of the 48 4,000 footers. I hope to hike a few more summits this week while the great weather continues!
Enjoy the photos and videos!
Hike starts at first light
Little River
Fire Warden's Trail to Mount Hale starts here
Crossed the Little River here and maintained dry feet
View from just below the summit of North Twin
Presidential summits above a low cloud cover
Mount Washington
A view with lots of summits
View of South Twin
South Twin summit
View from the South Twin outlook
Galehead Hut
Crooked tree
South Twin is seen in the distance
Small patches of snow were seen beside the trail
Muddy section of trail
South Twin up ahead
A look back at North Twin
Presidential summits in the distance
Franconia Ridge and Mount Garfield from South Twin
Mount Garfield
Mount Lafayette
On the summit of South Twin
A great day for basking
This plane gets a bird's-eye view of the summits
Northwest view
Back through the mud
Back up and over North Twin
Around and up this ledge
Blue sky
A view of Peak Above the Nubble
A very convenient bog bridge over mud
Back across the river
Passing by the Fire Warden's Trail again
Passed by this water crossing on the herd path
Back at the trailhead
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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