The Twins: August 11, 2019

After tackling the Cats the previous day, the three of us hit the road again to take on the Twins.

We had a pretty good plan, to meet up with Eric's sister on North Twin, hit the South peak as a group, crack some champagne to celebrate her birthday (while bathed in sun, and while enjoying the stunning views!!) Solid plan. Off we went.

It was a chilly morning, but the sun was peeking out. The (free) lot was full at the base of North Twin trail, and we were about the 10th car on the road at 7:45 AM. Busy day.

Upsettingly, it seems the Thoreau bridge is OUT. Who knew?

WHO KNEW?

The trail started off pleasantly- and actually continued to be really nice and flat for almost 3 miles.

Off we go on a nice flat path!!

There are several river crossings, most of which are very poorly marked.

One of several crossings

Overall- this trail is not always the best marked, PERIOD.  Luckily, after a few steps on a perfectly decent washout you can usually sort things out (on the uphill stretch anyway.) There are many moments where it is very apparent that people took the wrong route- so you really need to have your eyes open.
The second river crossing on ascent is a problem- the trail confidently veers off to follow some blue surveyors tape hanging from trees. Luckily, I had just read someone's trail repost that mentioned that following this tape takes you the incorrect way.
*from what I understand, there is a bushwack that meanders along the river for about a mile. I'm really a fan of the actual trail, so while I sure this is totally valid info, I only bushwack when it is absolutely necessary.*
On decent- it is the final river (so, third) crossing that will get you. And the vast majority of your friends, from the looks of the trail. Go left. That's all.
I imagine these rivers would be significant in the Spring, or during a wet summer. On this particular day, they were very rock hoppable.

ANYWAY.
Around mile 3, the trail began to go up.

Just a normal up though

The ascent is not the madness of the Hancocks, where you mosey along a flat path for miles and then go STRAIGHT UP LIKE HAND OVER DAMN FIST. But the final two miles certainly gains some elevation.

Eric and I were not offended by the terrain, although both of us felt a bit less than fresh after getting beat up on the friggin Cats the previous day. Everything on this mountain is doable though, and would be downright pleasant on a pair of new legs.

The weather began to get pretty cold, windy and crappy as we neared the summit. This was a bit of a bummer- the second socked in day in a row. UGH!!

We popped above treeline, to a place where the obviously is a great view on a nice day. Evidently, when it is clear one can see Garfield, Lafayette, and the summit of South Twin easily.
On this day we saw nothing.

AMAZING!!!!!!!

However, steps later we did see Eric's sister Jyoti, and her friend Mia, who had made it to the Summit of North Twin, just a short distance away. Since the weather was crap, they decided to save South for another day. Wise, wise women. We gave them some tiny bottles of champagne to enjoy at home, and completely forgot to take a photo. BOOOO.

So, on we hustled to the actual summit. It was a great little path.

I love tiny trees

Actual Summit

Then, we continued on another 1.3 miles to towards the South peak.
It was a very pleasant walk, in trees and ferns and greenery. There was one somewhat rocky section, which I hesitate to call a scramble, because it was really very minor. Overall, we really enjoyed this section of the hike. (there were a few places where we had to hip-hop over some mud- but it was not catastrophic!)

And then, the second summit.

Ellie is zero percent amused

Evidently, on a nice day, one would have an amazing view of Guyot, the Bonds, and a great deal of the Pemi wilderness. On this day.... just a cloud.
Can't win them all.
It wasn't nice out so we got back on trail quickly.

Down into the tiny trees

Ellie and I love the tiny tree forest!!!!!

The walk down was generally uneventful. Steep enough in places to merit attention, but nothing disgustingly challenging.
At one point, we almost got a view!

We'll take it!!!

By the time we got to the flat section, we were all feeling a bit overcooked (we blame wildcat D)
At the final river crossing we were honestly irritated by the unclear trail. While it was so minor in the big picture (we have a map, there was plenty of daylight, we are prepared) it was VERY annoying at the time to feel disoriented. Just a good reminder to always have a map, and that every trail is not as clear as one might wish for.

We made it down, to find warm, warm sunshine......

Overdone Bradlowski Family

We were a bit wrecked. My ankles and left shin had been taking a beating all summer, and this was the final straw. This was really a perfectly enjoyable hike, but the whole group of us were feeling crabby.  So we had a beer and got over it. A tough weekend hiking is still a better weekend than most people get to have!!

Why is it so nice out now?!?

So, the moral of this story is that North and South Twin are not bad mountains at all. Mind the path, and know it is going to eventually get steep (and pick a sunny day) and you'll really love it.
It's a long one, and I would never suggest a high mileage hike for a first attempt at a 4k footer. It is easier than the Hancock's and MUCH easier than the stupid face Wildcat range. (still mad, haha.) I have a feeling that the views are probably outstanding on a good day-this might be one that we choose to do again.

Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 3,744
-miles covered: 11.4
-elapsed time: 6:45

Difficulty: Difficult. It is long, there certainly is some incline to deal with, and I imagine the river crossings are challenging/impossible in high water season. 

Views: Tough to know

Bugs: Nope

Dog friendly trail? Yes.