Iron Mountain Hike

A winter hike up to a summit that included explorations of an abandoned iron mine and lunch on the sunny south cliffs!

Everyone was on time and waiting for Jon and Mike, the trip leaders to arrive. The dirt road was free of snow so we were able to drive up to the trailhead that saved us 2.6 miles of hiking [roundtrip].

Iron Mountain is an off the beaten path peak that does not get many visitors. We reached the summit in one and a half hours that had the remains of an old firetower. It appears some sort of Bear Gylls character [from the Man vs Wild tv show] built a makeshift shelter using some boards and a chimney type campfire ring.

It was early for lunch so we decided to hike to the other side of the mountain to explore the iron mines and have lunch. We found evidence of the iron mines with a large dug out channel and big piles of rock debris.

We then ascended back up the mountain to the south cliffs since we were getting hungry at this point. We found the south cliffs to be broad granite ledges and sunny. Views extended to Mt. Chorocua, Mt. Carrigain, Conway, Attitash and much more!

We then returned the way we came. Bill had a tumble and hurt his shoulder. We took his pack and assisted with his descent. 

As we were finishing the full moon rose from behind the mountains and lit up our final steps. Bill decided to visit the ER to get a proper diagnosis while the rest of us went to the Red Fox Pub for some brews and dinner. 

Bill contacted us the next day and indicated he badly bruised his shoulder. We are relieved to find out he'll be skiing at Attitash real soon! 

The hike is 6 miles with 1,400 feet elevation gain. The Forest Service Road will be closed so we'll first hike 1.2 miles to reach the actual trailhead that will give us extraordinary views of the snowcapped Presidentials and Mount Washington in particular.

Moving on we'll see evidence of an old ski slope and then have to deal with a steep and very difficult climb due to trail erosion. The payback is reaching the northern viewpoint for lunch! The summit is wooded but has evidence of the former firetower. We'll move on to the southern cliffs with breathtaking panaromic views. We'll then check out the remains of the iron mines and then return the way we came.

Please bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks and dress in layers. No cotton!

Bring a change of clothes because after the hike we'll have dinner at the Red Fox Pub in Jackson, NH.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.