Elevation gain: 1150 feet
Trails used: Ann Stokes Loop Trail, Mine Ledge Trail, bushwhack.
Highlight(s): Madam Sherri Castle ruins, views from ledges above Indian Pond, Mine Ledge and just after the summit of Wantastiquet Mountain.
Desi wanted to go for a hike Sunday and she mentioned a few peaks she could do, so I threw out one of my own that we had talked about for some time but had yet to do. The weather called for overcast skies and cool temperatures, but it was supposed to warm up and the sun was supposed to come out. There are nice views of Brattleboro, Vermont from some ledges just below the main summit of Wantastiquet Mountain but due to the undercast, we did not get the close views but some distant views.
Wantastiquet Mountain is located in Chesterfield, New Hampshire and is a part of the Wantastiquet Mountain State Forest. The southern peak of Wantastiquet Mountain is the highest point in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Word has it that rattlesnakes resided in this area but none have been seen in awhile. The actual wooded, view-less summit of Wantastiquet Mountain is trail-less so it requires a short bushwhack. The views are from Mine Ledge, and along some lower ledges just below the communication tower area. The Madam Sherri Castle (which was more of a nice house than a castle) is also in the area, and a nice little stroll from the trailhead parking area.
The trailhead kiosk off of Gulf Road, where this is plenty of parking. Desi is crossing over a small bridge at the beginning of the hike.
A small pond area at the beginning of the hike up towards Wantastiquest Mountain.
We made the short hike over to the ruins of the Madam Sherri Castle, which was cool to see especially with the early morning fog and dreary atmosphere.
The beginning of the Ann Stokes Loop. We would turn right and head towards Indian Pond.
There was incredibly wide open woods as you climb up towards Indian Pond along the Ann Stokes Loop Trail.
We passed over this small stream as we made our way up towards Indian Pond.
At the junction for the Ann Stokes Loop Trail/Mine Ledge Trail and right next to Indian Pond.
Early morning fog over Indian Pond.
The Mine Ledge Trail goes through these hemlocks just after Indian Pond as you make the one mile trek to the summit of Wantastiquet Mountain.
From the pond, the Mine Ledge Trail climbs up to this ledge overlooking Indian Pond.
From the ledges overlooking Indian Pond, which is hidden by the undercast, we got slight views of East Hill and Daniels Mountain.
Some interesting rock cairns on a minor summit of Wantastiquet Mountain, a short distance from the Mine Ledge Trail.
There were cairns sporadically placed all along the Mine Ledge Trail.
The views looking over to the main summit of Wantastiquet Mountain with its communication tower from Mine Ledge.
Looking down into the rock strewn gorge just below one of the Mine Ledge view points.
Which way do we go? It got confusing at this point as the arrows don't exactly point the right direction to go. You have to descend into a gully and then climb back towards the summit area of Wantastiquet Mountain.
The views from the lower ledges on the summit area of Wantastiquet Mountain looking towards Mount Haystack, Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain.
The views from the lower ledges on the summit area of Wantastiquet Mountain looking towards Styles Peak and Peru Peak. Due to the undercast, we could not see Brattleboro, Vermont which was almost directly below us.
The communication tower just below the main summit of Wantastiquet Mountain.
The high point of Wantastiquet Mountain (elevation: 1368 feet). There were two antenna's with wires on the summit, along with the cairn.
As I bushwhacked from the main summit back down to the trail, I came across this metal debris in the woods. I am unsure what might have been up there.
The undercast just refused to go away. I took this on the return trip back down to the car from the ledges overlooking Indian Pond.
The day started off dreary and on the cold side but quickly warmed up as soon as the sun came out, making this hike all the better. This was a nice hike up to the Mine Ledge area and on the summit of Wantastiquet Mountain, and we met a few people out enjoying the day. Although we didn't get the nice views of the Brattleboro, Vermont area due to the undercast, it was still nice to be in December and hiking with no snow.
No comments:
Post a Comment