Summit: Mount Hayes (2,555')
Trail route: Centennial Trail, Mahoosuc Trail
Trail conditions: Wet with some muddy spots, slick ledges, rocks and roots
Weather: Cool to warm and slightly humid with low overcast
Total miles: 6.6
Total time: 5:42
I have hiked to Mount Hayes a couple of times but this would be my first time hiking up the Centennial Trail. I would be joining Larry for this hike. There was supposed to be a break in the rain today with afternoon clearing skies but we were hoping it would clear earlier.
We met at the junction of Hogan Road and North Road. As we drove down Hogan Road to the trailhead there were some deep muddy puddles in the road. Not knowing what we would be driving into we decided to back up and park at the road junction.
It was a nice start to the Centennial Trail which is also the Appalachian Trail. While ascending we soon came upon a section of burned out forest from a fire back in May of this year. There was a wide swath of blackened trees and forest floor as it came down the mountain and actually down and across part of the trail. Further up we came out of the burned area.
As we got closer to the summit the cloud cover was low and there was a mist coming down, so much for clearing. We reached the summit and could tell there would be no views today so we decided not to go to the ledges where there are spectacular views when clear. A quick snack and we started the hike back, it was all downhill from here.
The descent was not much faster then the ascent with wet, slippery rocks, roots and leaves requiring us to take it slow to prevent a slip and a fall. Of course when we got back to the trailhead the clouds were clearing and the sun was out.
Although there were no views today it was an enjoyable hike on the Centennial Trail and nice to be hiking with Larry again!
Enjoy the photos!
The hike starts here
The mushrooms were out
Ramaria flava or coral mushroom
Orange jelly fungus
Found a section of burnt forest from a fire back in May of this year
The fire followed and crossed the trail
Lots of charred trees
Leaves changing color
More colored leaves
A nice section of unburned forest
Odd tree branch
Patch of reindeer lichen
Hobblebush leaves changing color
Wet and muddy
Almost at the summit
Larry crossing a wet ledge
Back at the trailhead
Hickory tussock moth caterpillar
Mount Madison pokes up through the clouds on the drive home
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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