Mt Moosilaukee: #29 of NH 48 August 31, 2019

In a very, very delayed hike report Eric, Ellie and I wrapped up the summer season of hiking with Mt. Moosilauke on August 31st.

We were nervous about parking because I had read reposts about people having to park a mile or more away from the trailhead. We got there late (8:00) but lucked out, and we were the 13th car to park on the road. For this trail, you can't park right smack at the trailhead, but instead, park along the road that leads to the Lodge (and trailhead too. all roads lead to the trail.)

Gorge Brook Trail for us

We headed out in some perfect weather. The really hot, summer weather had moved along, but it was still quite comfortable. The sun was shining, and it was shaping up to be a solid day.

After easily locating the trail (as well as an area that is NOT to be used for parking) we were on our way.

Just don't park here

While the first stretch was slightly steep, and a little rocky, it moderates quickly.

Slight steep at the start

Right off the top, we met many youth on their way down from a sunrise excursion. There were quite a few of them- evidently, it was orientation weekend for Dartmouth, and this event was being celebrated in the Lodge.

The number one thing that Eric and I noticed during this hike was the excellent trail condition. Basically, one could not hope for a more pristine trail. The footing was lovely, the signage was just adorable, and the hike was surprisingly straightforward for a 4k footer.

I loved the unusual signs

And do you get a nicer trail than this?? Rarely.

Right around mile 2, we popped up over a few trees for a nice view.

Hello lovely day!!!

This was a trail with elevation gain (obviously) but it was broken up so nicely by flatter sections, that it never felt like torment.

Ellie loved it too

Honestly, the entire hike was met with a lot of praise from us. Great trail, very manageable, nothing tricky, and such perfect weather!

More scenic overlooks around mile 3.

Pretty

About 15 minutes after the previous shot was taken, we came across a cairn big enough to make a hiker ahead of us question whether or not we had reached the summit. While we had not, perhaps this pile of stones could be considered misleading.

This is not the summit

The really cute signage continued, as we moved higher.

Yes, I was a fan

Even though we had a little ways to go before the summit, things were opening up nicely and the views became better and better.

We have climbed almost ALL OF YOU (well. not really)

We could see the summit in the distance, and (much to our dismay!) we could also see the clouds. Kind of a lousy break. While it was not socked in at the summit, it was indeed overcast and VERY windy and cold.

The final push!

It was a very busy summit. People coming in from all sides, which is to be expected on the last big weekend of the summer.

Ellie thought it was too cold for this. 

 At the summit there were several rock walls (so thoughtfully placed) one of which we huddled behind for a bit while we had a snack.

Windblock

It was not warm

Yeah. Too cold to hang. Certainly a jarring temp change in the final 1/4 mile or so (a good way to remind people to never leave the layers at home, even in august!)
We headed out via Carriage Road, in order to see a different route on descent.

Just look at that trail. And those cairns! Not gonna get lost here. 

Needless to say..... The chatter about the perfect trail never ceased. You just don't see such perfection all that often! (here's the thing- there are many, many thoughtfully maintained trails in the White's. But this one was honest to God easy. And you rarely get THAT!)

We took a quick out and back to south peak for another view.

Off we go to South Peak!

From here, we could easily see where we just had been!

It was nice of the cloud to lift for a moment!

Really not a bad day over here

Still windy. Look at Ellie's ear

And then, down we went through a tiny forest.

Always taking the tiny tree pics

The Carriage road trail used to be literally a Carriage road, as there was once a hotel on the top of this mountain. I mean seriously, how much more "The Shining" could we possible get here??

Take your Carriage to the Overlook......

The final leg of our journey was on the Snapper trail, which is a great name for a trail, if you ask me.

From here, we could easily hear the bedlam that accompanied the orientation weekend festivities at the Lodge. There was quite a bit of bass pumping music, and with the way sound carries, we basically felt that we were in the midst of things (ideal? no. reality? yes.)

When it comes to water crossings, we encountered none that were not nicely taken care of by some sort of bridge. I'm sure that there would be some extra h2o here and there during the spring melt, but all "major" crossings seem to be covered.

Obligatory bridge pic

So anyway! We made it down, and the sun came out. Typical.

Whatever

At this point, cars were parked for an actual mile along the road. It was insane. We parked out butts in our chairs and met the entire Northeaster Cross Country team when they got dropped off. It was a bit of a madhouse actually.

This goes on, and on, and on. 

This ended up being our final 4k footer of the summer season. It was a great way to finish up- a super straightforward hike, with an excellent view. Nothing sketchy, technical, or brutally challenging at all. I must admit, this is a hill that I would suggest for someone early on in the 48 4k journey.

Stats:
Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 2,676
-miles covered: 8.3
-elapsed time: 4:31 (a solid, solid 30/40 minutes minimum of faffing along today.)

Difficulty: Very little. A SOLID choice for 4k footer once you feel comfortable covering mileage. Excellent signage, lovely trails, perfect conditions. You will never, ever question where you are on this trail. Nothing technical, nothing horrifically steep. Exposed summit could be dreadful on a day with heinous weather, otherwise would be a splendid choice. 

Views: Great views even with clouds 

Bugs: Nope but honestly, it was too late season for most bugs

Dog friendly trail? Absolutely