Peak Above The Nubble

Summit: Peak Above The Nubble (3,813')

Trail route: Herd path to the summit

Trail conditions: Wet leaves, some mud, some snow and some icy patches

Weather: Cool temps, cloudy with partial sunshine 

Total miles: 3.6

Total time:  4:40

I got an invite to hike the Peak Above the Nubble and knew it would be fun hiking this with others since last time I did it solo. I would be joining Marty, Larry, Brent and Jason for this bushwhack to the summit. It's not much of a bushwhack anymore with all the hikers that have been up here creating a nicely beaten herd path most of the way to the summit.

We met at the forest service road off of Haystack Road. It's a short walk to the start of the bushwhack that is marked with a small cairn on the right side of the forest road. Even down this low there was a coating of snow on the ground. There is a clear path to follow except for a few areas that we momentarily veered off track but were able to quickly get back on course.

There was a short spur path to a good view below the summit. As we continued up there were some areas of ice that we easily navigated through or around. On the summit there was about an inch of snow. A short spur path on the summit leads to a very nice outlook with spectacular views. There was a cold wind blowing up here. After a couple of us signed the register we started our descent.

A pair of rock spikes would have helped on the way down from the summit. Larry and Marty put their microspikes on and I knew I would be bringing mine from now on. Careful, slow steps and some tree hugging got me past the icy areas. As the temperature warmed up the snow down low was gone. It was a pleasant hike back to Haystack Road.

When we arrived at our vehicles we found a lot of guys gathering for a hike up the forest service road to a camping spot. This group has been doing this every year about this time for the last forty years. We talked with some of them and they were a pleasant bunch that were planning on having a good time this weekend.

This was my first hike up into mild winter conditions this season. This is a tough time of year to hike the summits and know the proper balance of gear that will be needed. The microspikes will definitely be added to the backpack from now on!

Enjoy the photos and video!

Heading up the forest service road

 

A spur path leads to this view

 

Peak Above the Nubble summit up ahead

 

Getting into some snow

 

Mount Washington

 

View from the summit

 

North Twin Mountain

 

A sign of cold temps on the summit

 

Snow covered trees

 

Gnarly mushroom 

 

Which way out?

Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!