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 

Isolation! August 25, 2019

The night before this hike, we had decide not to attempt Isolation. The Saturday weather had not been as good as forecasted, we were a bit tired from Zealand: the extended version. And REALLY, who wants to get up at ass o'clock every day??

So, when Eric got out of the tent at 6:45 on Sunday morning and said "SHIT. We need to hit Isolation today!" I was both excited, and freaked out because one would have planned on an earlier start.

But yes, the sun was shining gloriously and there was not a doubt in our collective minds. It was a day for some above treeline nonsense.

We managed to get on trail exactly 9:30- which is a hideously late start. Thankfully, sunset is still on the later side so were not too worried. I had heard wildly varying times for this hike but calculated that we should/could be able to do it in 8.5.

And off we went.

Not too gross after a couple days in a tent

We chose the Glen Boulder trail to start with, and it gains some serious elevation right from the beginning. However, it tosses in some switchbacks, and moderate sections (so as long as you don't go out habanero- you will make it. We certainly saw some humans around mile .75 who were DONE for the day. Don't be those guys.)

Just normal up and up

As the trail pops above the treeline for the first time, there is the only technical scramble of the day. Our typically fearless dog took a good look at this little rock slab and asked for a boost. She was then on her way and had no other issues (this is just good to keep in mind if you have a cautious/old/arthritic/non-athletic dog. they might not make it up this.)

The view looking towards Glen Boulder was stunning. It was a perfect weather day, in beautiful surroundings.

Just a small rock on a hill 

It's kind of amazing that such a large rock decided to settle in this exact place. Let's hope it stays put.

Ellie is like, 50 feet away for perspective

After checking out the boulder, we continued to go up. A stretch of above treeline hiking, then  transitioned into some more wooded path.
There is a spring off this stretch of trail: be aware, this is the only easy place to get water for the remainder of the hike. If you have a dog, make sure to bring a LOT of water!

On the way to the intersection of Glen Boulder Trail, and Davis Path, you pass over a summit which is called Slide Peak, or Gulf Peak depending on what map you look at. While it is right at 4800 feet, it doesn't "count" because it doesn't have prominence. BUT- it has some killer views.

Right at about 5100 feet, 3.2 miles in, you come to the intersection with Davis, and make the left turn towards Isolation. (by the way, this was Ellie's highest climb!)

Can't beat the weather, or the view!

And then. YOU GO DOWN.
Might as well enjoy it though. The sights just don't get any more gorgeous.

Isolation, here we come

The little above treeline stretch was just glorious, but luckily, we both really liked the wooded sections too. You really drop like a rock, losing over 1k elevation pretty damn quick. You're going to hoof along in the woods for about 2 miles- and they aren't bad miles at all!! Then, you'll come to a fork in the road and take the right hand trail towards Isolation. Only another 0.9 to go at that point...!

A pleasant trail!

There are some pretty muddy areas on the Isolation trail, and I imagine it is a gross mess in the Spring. But I didn't take any pics that weren't pretty, haha.

And just like that (well. after almost 4 hours) there is was!

Yay!

Just a small climb and POP, above treeline you go.
To some of the best views you can hope for.

BEST VIEW

Just kidding. It was lovely.

Gotta get back up that, though

We could not have asked for better conditions. Save this one for a glorious day!

We made it!

We made it to the summit in almost exactly 4 hours. We did have to stop several times to water and feed the dog, and for minor outfit changes. Nothing major though.

After enjoying about 10-15 minutes at the summit, we were off again. Knowing we had a pretty solid climb in the way down was a good motivator not to dilly-dally.

The return trip was, honestly (and thankfully!) uneventful. Yes, there was a climb to get back to Glen Boulder trail. But: it was such a nice day, the surroundings were so fabulous, and we are in decent shape, so it was not at all horrible.
We retraced our steps, as I have heard that Rocky Branch is not in good shape. Plus, we don't always trust our hitchhiking skills.

BACK UP WE GO!

Gotta take a few to check out the view.

Just out of the tiny woods

Shadows were beginning to fall by the time we made it back to the big big rock.

Casts a large shadow

It was a good walk down. We had braced ourselves for being really tired, which never actually came to pass. We braced ourselves for some level of frustration, which also never happened! The dog got a little crazy at the end, but saved it for the final stretch so that wasn't even an issue. We had prepared for a real level of struggle (especially after hiking 12 plus the prior day) but it never was that bad. We had some good laughs on the way down, the trail is impeccably marked so we never had the "oh shit where do we go" feeling, like we had on the Twins, and it was a fine ending to a truly fine hike!

Elle is so embarrassed 

This was a great one.
Don't do it if you aren't in shape.
(good to note: there really is not a "bail out" option on this hike. so if you can tell it is not your day, head down earlier rather than later.)
Save it for a nice day!
AND ENJOY.
Also, this brought us up to #28 on the NH48 list (I believe, the 21st one we have done in 2019!!)  I really have to appreciate the list for being a motivator to get out and do a hike like this. Otherwise, I might have said "11.6 miles for a little mountain?!? NO WAY!!" And thus, would have missed out on a really fun day.


Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 5,007 (HELLO!!!!)
-miles covered: 11.6
-elapsed time: 7:58

Difficulty: Strenuous. Very long, lots of vert. But amazing!!!! Very exposed in places, not a great option for a bad weather day. This route avoids major water crossings, but it can certainly get very muddy. You are, indeed, isolated out there. No viable bail out routes that would help you in a bad situation, so you must be smart to do this one. I did find some cell service in a few places, but it's very spotty. 

Views: Unbeatable. Even if you only go to Glen Boulder. 

Bugs: Nope

Dog friendly trail? Ish. One tricky scramble, and very long with very little water. Our little buddy loved it, but she's nuts. 

Zealand: The extended version. August 24, 2019

Eric, Ellie and I went camping over the weekend.
Since we were already ON the Zealand Road, we concluded that it only made sense to hike Zealand.

It seems to be a little talked about Mountain- people seem to tie it in with Hale (smart) or snag it during an extended Pemi (less smart??)

We got up, the weather was decent enough (cold!) we drove a couple miles up the Zealand road to the Zealand Trail lot ($5, packed, typical) We parked in the Zealand lot which connects to the Zealand trail and takes you to the Zealand hut and Mt. Zealand, BECAUSE EVERYTHING AROUND HERE IS CALLED ZEALAND! I think this is very amusing.

And we made a STARTLING DISCOVERY!!!!!

OH MY GOD?!?!?! IT IS??? 

I admit, the Thoreau Bridge closed signs are mostly a joke between Eric and me (and maybe not even a funny one...) But Eric and I find it very amusing, every time we come to a bridge, to politely ask one another if it is the Thoreau Bridge. And then shout "IT IS OUTTTTT!"
We think we are funny.

Anyway. It was like 45 degrees and off we went. 

Zealand Trail was very polite.

Yes please

THEN. Zealand Trail went through a swamp, and I LOVE SWAMPS!!!

Thoreau bridge!!!! Nope...

OMG stop. I love it.

It was a bit cloudy though to be honest. 

Anyway. We chugged along on the flatlands for a few legit miles, and then the trail turned upward by Zealand Falls, and headed to the hut. The trail to the hut which covers 2.8 miles, literally goes up 700 something feet. It is the least hard thing you will do all summer.

The only steep stretch in the first part

After passing by the hut you transition to the Twinway (the AT) which continues to be very reasonable, although somewhat more uphill. You pass over some little flumes, along some pretty rocks and through a lovely forest.
There is a viewpoint just before the Zeacliff trail that should not be passed by! This is right around 3.7 miles, by a sign that says "view". The sign is correct.
From what I understand, this is "Zeacliff" which makes sense, as it is a cliff. This is a tad confusing, since on the actual Zeacliff trail is another perfectly good Zeacliff. who knows.

Beautiful!!!

From there, the trail continued to be so enjoyable! Well marked, so obvious, perfectly maintained. Just delightful.

Doesn't get much better!

There were, as expected, a few uphill stretches but they were broken up perfectly by easier terrain. There were a couple (few) rock hops, the smallest of teeny baby scrambles, and one steeper section with a very doable little climb, and helpful ladder.

Mostly though, it was fun and straightforward.

Ellie approved

And soon: there we were!

YAY!

A pretty low key peak.

Another one in the books

We met several very friendly and interesting hikers at the top, and spent a while talking about our shared  experiences. We were in no rush on this particular day and thus, spent a decent amount of time talking to fellow hikers.

Now one might think that the best choice for the return trip would be the same sensible, enjoyable, easy to follow, pristine trail that we had just taken.

But no. We wanted a view, and some rugged, wild, messy wilderness.
So we took Zeacliff....

It did not disappoint!!

On a cliff. ANOTHER ZEACLIFF WHAT THE HELL. 

In stark contrast to the friendly for all, almost Disneyesque features of Zealand Trail and Twinway, Zeacliff was a wild little adventure. Plummeting into a valley that leaves you staring into the face of whitewall, there is little question that you are taking the path less traveled.

Jurassic Park??

The trail is mostly easy follow but infrequent blazes should merit some caution. The trail is plenty full of adventure- and would be a cardio nightmare to ascend!

After plummeting into the lowest point on the planet, you go up a bit (steeply) cross a river, and come face to face with Whitewall Mountain (which I did NOT want to go up!)

Straight UP

After a bit of "find the cairn" and some rock-hoppity crap:

Rock Hoppity CRAP

...we ended up securely, as planned, on Ethan Pond Trail (actually passing by Thoreau Springs trail- don't tempt us to find the bridge vacancy!!!)

Ethan Pond trail brought us back to a very practical place on a totally sensible path. Very pleasant.

Very nice. 

Back to Zealand trail, back through the glorious swamp, and back to the campsite!!!!

Fun!!!

This was a very enjoyable day. What a great hike!
While I hesitate to call any double digit hike "moderate" this is what a moderate long hike looks like, in my opinion. (probably a great idea to tag Zealand and Hale- another hill I like- together. But I'm actually pretty happy that we did them separately! They can be enjoyed in their own right!)
For the easy route, skip Zeacliff (the trail. not the scenic viewpoint. I know..... ) We had the time/fitness and it was fun. I imagine going up is good workout, and going down could be a bit gross if things are wet. Be mindful of where the trail is in the overgrown places!!


Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 2,867 (not at all bad for so many miles!)
-miles covered: 12.6
-elapsed time: 6:47- includes all time chit chatting 

Difficulty: Moderate. But only if you skip Zeacliff and the extra mileage 

Views: Nothing from the summit (people hate this!) but a GREAT viewpoint 

Bugs: They seem to be gone

Dog friendly trail? Stick to the basic route- VERY dog friendly! Zeacliff has a pretty good sized slab/scramble/climb which, while very short, could be a pretty big question for most dogs.