Fulling Mill Mountain * Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak * Goose Eye Mountain: 10/31/2015

Mileage: 9.4 miles
Elevation gain: 3250 feet
Trails used: Notch Trail, Mahoosuc Trail, Appalachian Trail, Goose Eye Trail.
Highlight(s): Appalachian Trail, register on the summit of Fulling Mill Mountain, 360 degree views from the summit of Goose Eye Mountain.


After our two day outing in Vermont last week, Brian actually came up with this suggestion for this weekend's hike. We had eyed this stretch of trail from up high when we did Goose Eye Mountain with Desi last year. It was supposed to be a nice day out, cool in the morning windy, but sunny with no chance of any kind of precipitation. This would be the perfect time to do a car spot and do a loop hike on an almost perfect day. The fun to start the day would be driving down Success Pond Road to leave one car at a trailhead and drive down to another trailhead to leave the other car.

Fulling Mill Mountain, Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak and Goose Eye Mountain are located in Riley, Maine. They are also a part of the Mahoosuc Range and is traversed by both the Mahoosuc Trail and Appalachian Trail. There are no trails that go to the wooded, view-less summit of Fulling Mill Mountain so it requires a short bushwhack. The Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail goes over the summit of Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak and Goose Eye Mountain where there are views from both summits.

Goose Eye Mountain is on the New England One Hundred Highest List, the Maine One Hundred Highest List, the Maine Two Hundred Highest List and Maine 3K List. Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak and Fulling Mill Mountain are located on the Maine One Hundred Highest List, the Maine Two Hundred Highest List, and the Maine 3K List.

We spotted a car at the Goose Eye parking area and drove down Success Pond Road to Shelter Brook Road. After 0.3 miles we came to a parking area and the start of the Notch Trail.

The Notch Trail follows old logging roads and you cross Shelter Brook several times.

Here Brian is preparing to cross Shelter Brook, which wasn't hard to do even after all the rain we received recently.

A cool cascade area of Shelter Brook right around where we crossed in the above picture.

The Notch Trail was probably the easiest part of the hike today, as the trail is easy to follow with a moderate amount of elevation gain. Plus, it was a nice walk in the woods.

The junction of the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail and Notch Trail. Turn left here and you head into Mahoosuc Notch. We would turn right and head towards Goose Eye.

The Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail was very steep and rocky as we climb up towards Fulling Mill Mountain. We also started encountering ice around this point.

You know its steep when on certain sections of the Mahoosuc Notch Trail/Appalachian Trail has ladders to help you make the ascent.

We started the short bushwhack to Fulling Mill Mountain. Initially our approach up was through semi thick woods, and we even marsh area, but we managed a better route on the way back to the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail.

Me rocking it out on the summit of Fulling Mill Mountain (elevation: 3440 feet).

Once back on the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail, we headed towards the southern summit of Fulling Mill Mountain through these bog areas on numerous bog bridges.

Looking back towards Fulling Mill Mountain, Mahoosuc Arm, Old Speck and the Baldpate Mountains from Fulling Mill Mountain-South Peak.

The views looking towards Mount Washington, Mount Madison and the ridge heading up to Goose Eye Mountain from Fulling Mill Mountain-South Peak.

The shelter at the Full Goose campsite area along the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail.

The Full Goose Campsite is set into a notch area along the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail and you had to climb these stairs (on both sides) to continue along the trails.

Another steep section of the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail this time with iron rungs set into the granite. There were several sections like this, but the second set was worse due to the ice we were encountering along the way.

Every so often, we would get glimpses through the trees of the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail as it snaked its way towards Goose Eye Mountain.

As we continued on the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail, we got views looking back towards Mahoosuc Arm, Old Speck, and the Baldpate Mountains. In the background, Sugarloaf Mountain, Spaulding Mountain and Mount Abraham can be seen.

The views from Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak of the peaks that are part of the Sunday River Ski Area in Maine.

The views from Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak of Goose Eye Mountain-East Peak and Goose Eye Mountain. The Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail can be seen snaking up towards Goose Eye Mountain-East Peak.

The Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail runs through this nice alpine area, our reason for doing this hike today as we get closer to Goose Eye Mountain-East Peak.

The views along the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail looking into New Hampshire at North Percy Peak, South Percy Peak, the Long Mountain range, Sugarloaf Mountain, Gore Mountain and Whitcomb Mountain.

Even more wooden steps and ice as we work our way along the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail as we get closer to Goose Eye Mountain.

A break in the trees along the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail looking back towards Fulling Mill Mountain and Old Speck Mountain.

There were several sections of ice covered bridges to help as you climb towards the summit of Goose Eye-North Peak.

The views of Goose Eye Mountain from Goose Eye-North Peak. You can almost see someone standing on the summit of Goose Eye Mountain.

The views from the summit of Goose Eye-North Peak looking towards Mount Madison, Mount Washington, Mount Success, The Carter-Moriah Range and Mount Carlo.

The junction of the Goose Eye Trail/Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail just below the summit of Goose Eye Mountain. We hit the summit of Goose Eye Mountain and then headed down the Goose Eye Trail.

Looking back towards Goose Eye-North Peak from the summit of Goose Eye Mountain (elevation: 3860 feet). You can get 360 degree views from here.

After a short road walk, we hit this Goose Eye Trail sign for the last section back to the car.

I didn't take many pictures from the summit of Goose Eye Mountain, nor the trip down and back to my car so that's the reason there aren't many pictures after we hit Goose Eye Mountain. We did this hike up to Goose Eye Mountain and Goose Eye Mountain-North Peak last year with Desi so this was a perfect day to complete this small section of the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail.

Long Trail Hike (Hazens Notch to Jay Pass) * Sugarloaf Mountain * Buchanan Mountain * Domeys Dome: 10/25/2015

Mileage: 7.05 miles
Elevation gain: 2880 feet
Trails used: Long Trail, bushwhack to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Highlight(s): Long Trail, register on the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.


After our overnight at Jay Pass Camp, where we were the only people staying, we packed up our gear and headed back to the cars to begin the drive over to the start of the Long Trail in Hazens Notch. First, we got our gear ready and had some quick breakfast which was tough since the wind was howling through Jay Pass and trying to get the camp stove to stay lit was a chore. We then left my car in Jay Pass, and drove around to Hazens Notch where we would do this traverse from south to north.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Buchanan Mountain and Domeys Dome are located in Westfield, Vermont. The wooded, view-less summit of Sugarloaf Mountain can be reached by a combination of trails and bushwhack. The Long Trail runs over the summit of  wooded, view-less Buchanan Mountain,  Domeys Dome and Gilpin Mountain (the northern bump is the higher summit, thus reached by bushwhack). There would be views all along the Long Trail but with todays weather, they were all but non-existent. 

We started the day at the parking area in Jay Pass at 730 in the morning and right after a night of almost constant rain. We then drove Brian's car to Hazens Notch so we would do the Long Trail from south to north this time.

The start of the Long Trail off of Hazens Notch Road. There's a spot just down the road for two to three cars, and then walk to the start of the trail.

We climbed along the Long Trail on the west shoulder of Sugarloaf Mountain, at first not gaining much elevation but actually losing it. The Long Trail then decided it wanted to go up, which it did until we began the bushwhack to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Despite the overnight rain, the few stream crossings were still pretty low along this section of the Long Trail.

Wide open woods on the bushwhack up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. We followed a flagged route that went directly to the summit area.

The jar register on the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (elevation: 2421 feet).

Brian working his way back down to the Long Trail, where we continued our hike on the way to Bruce Peak and Buchanan Mountain.

The junction of the Long Trail and short spur path to Hazens Notch Camp. We liked the mileage marker that tells you how close to Canada you are, or how far away from Massachusetts you are.

The Long Trail was a mixture of ups and downs and slight straight sections of trail on our way over to Bruce Peak and Buchanan Mountain.

In between Hazens Camp and the hike up towards Buchanan Mountain, the rain and winds hit us and the low clouds moved in which made the last three miles dismal.

The summit area for Buchanan Mountain (elevation: 2940 feet), which is right along the Long Trail. There were no views today, even if we looked around the summit for them.

Chet's Lookout, which consisted of this ladder and boulder. Unfortunately, we would get no views from it today so we didn't bother climbing up.

The summit of Domeys Dome (elevation: 2880 feet). It was a bit confusing on this summit to figure out where the Long Trail continued north.

It was rainy and overcast, which is why this picture of the summit area of Domeys Dome managed to come out blurry.

Brian walking along the Long Trail as we near the southern spur for Gilpin Mountain. We were both pretty much soaked and muddy from the rain.

The summit area for Gilpin Mountain-South Peak (elevation: 2920 feet). It was less of a summit and more of a southern spur of the south peak of Gilpin Mountain.

Heading down off of Gilpin Mountain we came across our nemesis for the past two days. Brian is showing his appreciation for all the mud.

Finally we make it back to Jay Pass and the finish of our two day trek along these two sections of the Long Trail.

We were glad to be at the cars so we could get some dry clothes on and warm up after the last few miles walking in the rain. This was an okay section to hike but not as nice as the first days ramblings in the woods. The weather also did not play a good role but we were well aware of how the two days would turn out. Two sections are complete but this ends our Long Trail jaunts for 2015. We will continue where we left off in May of 2016.

Long Trail Hike (Journey's End to Jay Pass) * Carleton Mountain * Burnt Mountain * Middle Jay (Doll Peak) * Jay Peak: 10/24/2015

Mileage: 12.4 miles

Elevation gain: 4780 feet

Trails used: , Journey's End Trail, Long Trail.

Highlight(s): Long Trail section hike, Canadian/Vermont border views, Jay Peak.

Every year for the past few years, Brian and I have done an overnight in northern New Hampshire right around this time of year. For this years jaunt, we decided to switch it up a bit and do something in Vermont. We had said a few years ago we wanted to section hike the Long Trail in Vermont, so this seemed like the perfect time to attempt and/or get a few sections done. Originally, we were going to do this as a backpacking trip but after a few days of planning, we figured since we would have two cars we would just car spot and move the cars as needed. This would allow us to use lighter packs and move along at a quicker pace. We left Brian's car in Jay Pass and drove my car to Journey's End Road, where we would began our two day journey.

Carleton Mountain, Burnt Mountain and Middle Jay (Doll Peak) are located in Jay, Vermont. Jay Peak (the summit area) is located in Westfield, Vermont. All of the summits are along the Long Trail, with various views and viewpoints along the way. Jay Peak is home to the Jay Peak Resort and Ski area, and offers 360 degree views from the summit and summit area.

Jay Peak is on the New England 100 Highest List, the Vermont 3k List and the Vermont 100 Highest List/Vermont 200 Highest List.

The start of the Journey's End Trail which is at the end of Journey's End Road. It is 1.3 miles from here to the start of the Long Trail.

We came across these mounds of rocks along the Journey's End Trail but we weren't sure exactly what they were for.

A metal cable spanned this small stream, which I guess could be higher with more water.

It was quite cool as we headed along the Journey's End Trail on our way to start our trip along the Long Trail. The woods were nice to start and the morning on the cool side.

The cabin at Journey's End Camp, which has bunks for eight people.

The views looking into Quebec, Canada of nearby Mont Burnt and Sommet Rond.

The views looking down what is commonly known as the border swath, which separates the United States and Canada

The views looking west along the border swath of Mont Brock in Quebec, Canada. Le Pinacle is just to the right of Mont Brock, in the background.

Line Post 592 along the Canadian-Vermont border.

The views of what I think is Mont Owls Head (ski area) in Quebec from the ledges at the northern terminus of the Long Trail.

Brian posing at the northern terminus of the Long Trail, where we would officially start section hiking the Long Trail.

My turn to pose at the northern terminus for the Long Trail.

Cruising along the Long Trail, which is also blazed in white like the Appalachian Trail, on our way to the summit area of Carleton Mountain.

Latitude 45 degrees. The sign says it all.

The summit of Carleton Mountain (elevation: 2651 feet). There are no views from the summit itself but so-so views from the lookout.

The views from the lookout on Carleton Mountain looking towards North Jay Mountain and Jay Peak. Burnt Mountain is behind the trees in the center of the picture.

We crossed this old woods road that has seen some recent ATV traffic.

Heading down towards Vermont 105 along the Long Trail.

The Long Trail crossing at Vermont 105, where they were doing road construction.

Brian looking at Jay Peak, the last stop on our first day of a two day Long Trail trip. It sure looks like it is still a long ways away.

Brian checking out the log book inside of the Shooting Star shelter. Every shelter has a logbook for people to sign into.

Brian starting another climb up as we make our way towards the summit of Middle Jay, or Doll Peak as it is called on some maps.

Some sections of the Long Trail are very pleasant, like this section.

A zoomed in view of what I believe is Mont Owls Head in Canada from along the Long Trail.

An interesting looking sub peak to the west of North Jay Peak from along the Long Trail.

The high point of Middle Jay (Doll Peak) (elevation: 3409 feet).

Jay Peak is getting closer and closer but it still feels like it is miles away.

Brian checking out the Laura Woodward shelter.

From the Laura Woodward Shelter, it was still another 3.5 long miles to Jay Pass.

Brian beginning yet another climb as we head towards Jay Peak.

Following the Long Trail as it crosses into the Jay Peak ski area.

Beginning the last climb of the day, which turned out to be the steepest part and the most wearing on our bodies. At this point, the wind was picking up and it was getting colder. You can see the summit ski gondola area as we climb along the ski slopes.

Looking back towards North Jay Peak as we climb up to the summit of Jay Peak.

Looking down the lift line of the Jay, Vermont area from the summit of Jay Peak.

The Atlas Valley shelter (not intended for overnight use) which is right along the Long Trail at Jay Pass.

On the steep climb up to Jay Peak, the weather turned from the nice sunny day we were having into a windy, cold day tinged with little bouts of the rain that was supposed to come later that night. We hurried our way down from the summit down to Jay Pass, but stopped at Jay Camp to see if anyone was in the cabin. Once we were back at the cars, we grabbed all of our overnight gear and food and headed for a nice evening in the Jay Camp cabin.