Long Trail Hike (Hazens Notch to Tillotson Camp) Haystack Mountain * Tillotson Peak: 5/28/2016

Mileage: 14 miles
Elevation gain: 3390 feet
Trails used: Long Trail, Frank Post Trail.
Highlight(s): Long Trail, register on the summit of Haystack Mountain, views from the summit area of Haystack Mountain, register on the summit of Tillotson Peak.


Brian had discussed a plan for Memorial Day's weekend with me. We would continue from where we left off on the northern part of the Long Trail, and do another 22-23 miles over two days (Saturday and Sunday). This particular section would take us from Hazens Notch, over the numerous summits of Tillotson Peak, down to Belvidere Mountain (where we would take the short spur path to the fire tower on its summit, head down to cross Route 118 and then camp around Ritterbush Pond and the Devils Perch overlook. Day two would take us from there, over the summits of Bowen Mountain, Butternut Mountain and then the long jaunt over to Laraway Mountain and finally, reaching Codding Hollow Road where we would park my car. We had the basic plan down, we had the gear to do this, now we needed to put the plan into play. I met Brian at the exit 17 Park n' Ride, we stopped for gas and snacks and made the long drive into Vermont. Three hours later, and we had my car set up at the southern end where we would end the hike Sunday. Sadly though, the weather and several other factors came into play.

Haystack Mountain and Tillotson Peak are located in Lowell, Vermont. The Long Trail runs near the summit of Haystack Mountain, where a short spur path leads to the actual summit area. The Long Trail runs near the summit of Tillotson Peak, where a very obvious herd path leads to its actual summit area. There are views from the summit of Haystack Mountain and various spots along the Long Trail but with today's humid weather, they were hazy and hard to make out. 

Haystack Mountain is on the Vermont 3K List, Vermont One Hundred Highest List, and Vermont Two Hundred Highest List.

We parked the car at the Long Trail hiker parking area in Hazens Notch and made the short walk to the start of the Long Trail heading south.

From Hazens Notch to Haystack Mountain, it seemed like it was pretty steep and with the heat and humidity kicking in, this was tiring for me already.

Brian going around this comical rock, pointing us in the right direction as we continue towards the summit area of Haystack Mountain.

A view from along the Long Trail looking back towards Sugarloaf Mountain, a section of trail we did last October.

There were quite a few blowdowns along this section of the Long Trail, and massive amounts of moose droppings.

We dropped out packs to make the short 0.2 mile trek over to the summit area of Haystack Mountain, via this spur trail.

The views from the northern summit ledges of Haystack Mountain looking towards Buchanan Mountain, Gilpin Mountain, and Jay Peak/Big Jay (in the clouds). 

Surprisingly there was a small jar on the summit of Haystack Mountain (elevation: 3196 feet), even though the spur path goes right over the summit.

The views from the southern summit ledges of Haystack Mountain looking towards the multiple summits of Tillotson Peak and Belvidere Mountain.

The views from the southern summit ledges of Haystack Mountain looking towards the Lowell Mountain Range with its wind turbines.

 We continued along the very PUD filled section of the Long Trail between Haystack Mountain and Tillotson Peak. We saw a rabbit around this section of trail.

The nalgene bottle summit register on Tillotson Peak (elevation: 2999 feet).

This very obvious herd path runs directly to the summit of Tillotson Peak and was a carpet of moose poop so it is a popular area for them.

As soon as we made it to Tillotson Camp, we headed into the shelter to get out of the heat and humidity, and to escape the bugs that only became worse as the day wore on. I, also, suffered as we made the climb to Tillotson Peak and it seemed like I ran into a literal wall. I had no energy, I felt sick, and with a heavy pack it was like I was carrying someone during the hike. We stayed inside the shelter for a good hour and a half, as I took a brief snooze. When I awoke, I had to make the difficult decision to end the hike here instead of carrying on, trying to gut it out and make it up and over Belvidere Mountain and see how day two would turn out. I chose option one and Brian did not complain about the decision, although I beat myself up about it all the way down and back to the car.

The view, through the trees, of Belvidere Mountain and its fire tower as we are leaving the Tillotson Camp to head back down.

We decided to bail off of the Long Trail and take the Frank Post Trail, and make the long road walk back to Brian's car.

The Frank Post Trail was easy to follow and moderately steep in its upper section but mild and very pleasant down low.

There are several water crossings (minor) and you walk next to a brook for a bit in the lower sections of the Frank Post Trail.

This weird looking creature followed us for a bit and reminded me of the depictions of cows on South Park. 

It was a tough, long six plus miles of road walking back to the car. It wasn't until we were almost a mile from the car that we decided to drop out backpacks on the side of the road, and come pick them up when we got to the car. The bugs only got worse, the heat was pretty steady and the humidity had us using all of our water reserves pretty much before we got back to the car.

Do I regret having made the choice I did to return to the car and end the hike after only one day? While I felt bad physically, it was a mental battle with myself as I feel I let Brian down by not continuing on but sometimes its better to cut your losses and not make the problems worse. Four and a half miles in and stopping is an easier thing to handle than being ten miles in with an even harder escape route. I know we were both relieved to be back at the car and heading home early.

Mount Kineo (NH) 5/22/2016

Mount Kineo

Location: Ellsworth, New Hampshire
Mileage: 4.45 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1520 Feet
Trails Used: Mount Kineo Trail, Bushwhack
Views: None, Wooded Summit

Hiking Lists: NH 200 Highest/NH 3000 Footers

I was off Wednesday (and hiked), I worked yesterday so I couldn't hike, and Sunday I wasn't sure if I wanted to hike or just stay home. If I did hike, I wanted something on the relatively easy side to hike and after some planning, I decided on doing Mount Kineo.

I have done the hike/bushwhack to Mount Kineo once before about five years ago, and it is an awesome area for moose and bushwhacking. I had a few objectives for the day: hike the section of the Mount Kineo Trail to the height of land, go to the summit of Mount Kineo, and look for moose antlers along the way. The weather was going to be nice with a slight chance of rain (which would make the day comfortable) but the bugs were out in force so I would need to do this rather quickly.

I drove up this side road off of Hubbard Brook Road that normally takes you to the Mount Kineo Trailhead but was stopped by two trees blocking the road. So, I had to walk 0.2 miles from where I parked to the trailhead.

The beginning of the Mount Kineo Trail on the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest side. I would start my hike on the Mount Kineo Trail to the height of land and then bushwhack in open woods to the summit of Mount Kineo.

The Mount Kineo Trail was moderately steep and easy to follow. Occasionally you see blue blazes, and there were quite a few wet areas with bog bridges that have seen better days sadly.

I hiked by this game camera that was right along the Mount Kineo Trail, which they use to monitor wildlife in the area.

Wide open woods as I begin the bushwhack to the summit of Mount Kineo. There was moose scat everywhere on the summit ridge, as you can see in this picture.

 

The canister and aged sign on the wooded summit of Mount Kineo, elevation 3311 feet

Instead of using the same route down, I decided to head northeast through open woods all the way back to the Mount Kineo Trail.

On the bushwhack down from the summit of Mount Kineo, I came across the last resting spot of a moose which consisted of hair and bones.

I found a really old gnawed on moose antler and not much else. It is a pretty moose heavy area as evidenced by the moose scat scattered everywhere as well as plenty of herd paths. I saw no other animals, nor did I see anyone else until I was driving on Hubbard Brook Road to leave. The black fly swarm was out in force and only got worse when I stopped or when I was back at the car. It was still just as nice of a hike/bushwhack as the first time I did Mount Kineo.

Mount Kineo is the highest point in the town of Ellsworth, New Hampshire and is located in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest.

Plausawa Hill * unnamed peak (Chichcester high point) * Garvin Hill: 5/11/2016

Mileage: 2.45 miles
Elevation gain: 595 feet
Trails used: old logging roads, forests roads, bushwhack.
Highlight(s): views from the summit of Plausawa Hill, views from the summit of Garvin Hill.


Brian and I had taken Tuesday off of work to attend a Corrosion of Conformity, Clutch, and Lamb of God concert at the House of Blues in Boston, and had Wednesday off as well to recuperate from the long night. Brian was going to take it easy and probably hike the Uncanoonuc Mountains which are near to his house, while I was originally not going to do much to do besides some grocery shopping. As I was going to be in the area in Concord anyways, I decided to do a few town high points. The first high point is visible when I drive from Contoocook into Concord and I had always wondered what exactly the peak was. Now I know. When I arrived at my starting destination, the black fly swarm was on me immediately and worse by the time I returned to the car.

Plausawa Hill is located in Pembroke, New Hampshire. Plausawa Hill is also the highest point in Pembroke. The Chichester town high point and Garvin Hill are located in Chichester, New Hampshire. Obviously the no-named peak between Plausawa Hill and Garvin Hill is the highest point in Chichester. There are no trails that go from Plausawa Hill to the wooded, view-less summit of the unnamed Chichester town high point, and then over to Garvin Hill so it requires a bushwhack to reach its high point. There are ledges around the summit of Plausawa Hill that provide views, and views can be had from Garvin Hill (although you should ask for permission to hike around on the property).

I started by walking up the access road off of Plausawa Hill Road towards the high point of Plausawa Hill. It is a very short road walk.

The views from the summit area of Plausawa Hill looking towards Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee and Mount Lovewell.

The views from the summit area of Plausawa Hill looking towards Crotched Mountain, North Pack Monadnock Mountain, Pack Monadnock Mountain and Wapack Range, Joe English Hill and the Uncanoonucs.

This vacant house is pretty much on the high point for Plausawa Hill (elevation: 1000 feet).

Just behind the house on the summit of Plausuwa Hill is this communications tower, which is visible from Concord and surrounding towns.

I made my way through a flagged ATV trail and across this swampy area in the saddle between Plausawa Hill and the un-named peak that denotes the Chichester town high point.

Along the way, I use several ATV/snowmobile trails as I made my way to the Chichester town high point.

The Chichester town high point (elevation: 1015 feet).

I made my way over to Garvin Hill, where the land owner was out doing some work so I didn't want to bother him and go to the high point which is roughly where the house is.

I followed the old roads back towards Plausawa Hill and came across this old stack of wood and bridge. Not sure why its out here in the middle of nowhere.

I also came across this hunting stand on the way back to the car, so it's a nice deer area.

A rather quick round trip hike with pleasant hiking weather and temperatures. There are views from Plausawa Hill and Garvin Hill, so besides doing the mediocre bushwhack to the Chichester town high point, it was a nice easy hike. I did manage to pull 5 ticks off of me during the hike and when I got back to the car, and the black fly swarm was out in full force. Not a bad bushwhack overall, even though I still had a headache from the night before.

Round Mountain - Slope Mountain (NH) 5/7/2016

Round Mountain - Slope Mountain

Location: Chatham, New Hampshire
Mileage: 8.10 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1580 Feet
Trails Used: Slippery Brook Trail, Bushwhack
Views: None, Wooded Summits

Hiking Lists: None

Brian was taking an off day from hiking, and Desi was doing trail work in the Belknap's, so I would be hiking alone. The days hike would probably not be too fun as the threat of rain would be around most of the day and the chance for views, if any, would be limited. Combine that with a road walk and bushwhack and it was going to be a long day in the woods for two peaks separated by about a mile. The drive to the trailhead for the Mountain Pond Trail was slow and when I got there and started to gear up the black flies were already swarming. They, along with drizzle and overcast skies, would be around for the majority of this hike.

I walked around the gate outside the parking area for the Mountain Pond Trail as I made my way to the end of Slippery Brook Road.

The actual start of the Slippery Brook Trail, which starts off as an old wood's road. I did not stay on it long before I headed into the woods to bushwhack to the summit of Round Mountain.

Easy walking along the Slippery Brook Trail with Round Mountain coming into view.

The woods were wide open as I approached the summit of Round Mountain.

One of a few possible summit high points for Round Mountain, elevation 2172 feet.

I headed down into a marshy area in between Round Mountain and Slope Mountain in open woods. I had to cross Mcdonough Brook which wasn't too hard.

The woods on the summit of Slope Mountain, elevation: 2026 feet were a bit scrappy and there were three bumps that could contend for the highest point.

 This small cairn is not the high point of Slope Mountain. Proof though that people have been up on this peak.

I followed various old logging roads and snowmobile trails down from Slope Mountain as I made my way back to the car.

One of several beaver ponds I had to hike around or climb across the dam so I could make it back to my car. It was very swampy and wet in between Round Mountain and Slope Mountain.

At first, on my way back, I wanted to angle more towards Mountain Pond and then use the hiking trail to get back to the car. The numerous old logging roads would make that task more difficult, so I just opted to make a bee line back to where I parked instead of trying to find the trail. Once again, while changing my shoes, the black flies were even worse at this point, so it was a hurry and get in the car and take off kind of thing, effectively ending today's hikes.

Round Mountain (Milan) * Location Hill: 4/23/2016

I would be heading out solo today, so I had a few peaks on the radar that I wanted to get done. I have seen the first mountain I wanted to do in Milan many times and have always had the urge to hike/bushwhack to it so today was the day. After asking my friend Keith about some information on access the night before, I made the long drive north Saturday. Another reason I was heading in this area was to look for moose antlers. The further north you go, the better your chance at finding moose sheds. I set out rather later than I usually head north but made it to Berlin in decent time. I think it took longer to drive down the old forest road to the place where I would park and begin my hiking day.

Round Mountain (Milan)

Mileage: 3.95 miles

Elevation gain: 995 feet

Trails used: none. road walk, bushwhack.

Highlight(s): register on the summit of Round Mountain.

I had heard there was some sort of bootleg trail or herd path that went to the summit area of Round Mountain, but I wasn't sure exactly where it started. I knew where I needed to go to start my search for it though, and it was an area in which Brian and I tried to get to several years ago but were stopped by misinformation and various closed gates. This time there were no gates closed and I managed to make it all the way to the old forest road that I would use to either find the trail, or bushwhack to the summit. I grabbed my backpack and headed up the forest road so I could try and find the bootleg trail.

Round Mountain is located in Milan, New Hampshire. There are no trails that go to the wooded, view-less summit of Round Mountain so it so it requires a bushwhack to reach its high point.

I drove down Forest Road 105 off of York Pond Road, to Forest Road 106 which I would use to hike towards the summit of Round Mountain.

The only water crossing of Fogg Brook, which was flowing nicely but easy to cross.

I made it to this old logging landing in between Deer Ridge and Round Mountain. I headed towards a boggy area on the way to the summit of Round Mountain and found a moose antler.

The woods on the summit of Round Mountain were a mixed bag but it was mainly like this.

The views from some ledges below the summit of Round Mountain looking towards the wind turbines on Jericho Mountain.

The pill bottle register on the summit of Round Mountain (elevation: 2181 feet).

I bushwhacked my way down from the summit of Round Mountain through these open woods, looking for more moose antlers. After finding nothing, I hit Forest Road 106 and hiked back out to the car.

I never did find the trail that runs to the summit of Round Mountain, nor did I see any trace of where it possibly could be. Regardless, walking back out on the forest road was quick. Once back at the car, I threw my backpack in and after a quick restroom break I headed off towards my next hike. It was nearby so in a short 15 minutes I was heading up the road and to my destination. The gloomy skies at this point turned into sunshine so it was going to get a bit warmer for this next bushwhack.

Location Hill

Mileage: 2.45 miles

Elevation gain: 935 feet

Trails used: none. road walk, bushwhack.

Highlight(s): register on the summit of Location Hill.

I saw a report from this over the winter so I decided to give it a go, since what little snow we received was all gone. The only issue was that I knew at some point I would probably pass through a clear cut area, and sometimes that means pricker bushes and slash leftover from the loggers, as well as muddy sections. I arrived at the spot where I parked my car and heard the local landowner cutting down some trees so I grabbed my backpack and headed into the woods. The sun was partially out so the heat of the day was going to be a real challenge for this hike.

Location Hill is located in Stark, New Hampshire. There are no trails that go to the wooded, view-less summit of Location Hill so it so it requires a bushwhack to reach its high point.

I parked at the end of Short Road, before it went to a private residence and began my bushwhack towards the summit of Location Hill. I came across this recent logged area which I picked my way through (massive amount of pricker bushes).

The views from the top of the logging cut looking towards the Long Mountain area, with North Percy Peak and South Percy Peak to the left.

After the logging cut, I walked through mostly open woods towards the summit area of Location Hill.

The pill bottle register on the summit of Location Hill (elevation: 1980 feet).

Open woods bushwhack all the way back to the car.

Finding another moose antler on my first hike was a neat find. Open woods bushwhacking for both of these peaks made for a nice time outdoors. I probably had time for another hike or two in the area but decided to call it a day and head home. Since I hike solo a lot now, it is kind of boring hiking all day like I used to and getting home late. It still beats working or staying at home, any day.

Ames Mountain (NH) 4/11/2016

Ames Mountain

Location: Wentworth, New Hampshire
Mileage: 4.30 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1480 Feet
Trails Used: None, Road Walk, Bushwhack
Views: None, Wooded Summit

Hiking Lists: None

I had an afternoon appointment, so I decided to check out a few peaks in Wentworth, New Hampshire, after hearing that a full moose skull and rack had been found there a day or two earlier. While aiming for the summit, I figured I’d also do a quick search in the area for any more antlers. I didn’t want to linger too long in the rain and wind, but the chance to use most of a recent logging road to reach the summit was too tempting to skip. Worst case, I wouldn’t be in the woods long enough to get soaked.

I parked at a gated logging road off East Side Road in Wentworth and followed it nearly all the way to the summit of Ames Mountain.

The logging road was still in pretty good condition, winding past more recent logging cuts as it made its way toward the summit of Ames Mountain.

Recent ATV tracks and a fire ring just below the summit of Ames Mountain suggest it’s a popular spot for locals. Unfortunately, the rain today obscured any chance of enjoying the views.

The jar register sits on the wooded summit of Ames Mountain, at an elevation of 2,066 feet.

I began the descent toward Currier Hill, so near yet still feeling so far away.

I decided to head back to the car as soon as I arrived between Ames Mountain and Currier Hill, mostly because of the cold rain and drizzle.

The rain wasn’t heavy, but the steady drizzle made it cool and a bit too uncomfortable for a long hike. That’s why I cut my trip short on Ames Mountain and skipped nearby Currier Hill, which was disappointing since it’s such a nice open area to explore. I’ll have to return on a nicer day and take the same route up Ames Mountain, with just a small variation.