Mt Wolf & Gordon Pond Loop Hike

On Saturday, May 12th, four of us (Rick, Chuch, Martin and myself) met up around 9AM at the Beaver Brook Trailhead at the top of Kinsman Notch.  Once we were all there, we drove down Rt. 112 to place a car at the Gordon Pond Trailhead.  The location was not obvious, as the landmarks provided in other trip reports were no longer signed (Govoni's Restaurant and Agassiz Basin...nor is the trail signed).  Luckily, Chuck knew of the restaurant, so we parked west of the buildings and headed back to Beaver Brook Trailhead.

Despite the weather forecast suggesting that the day would be partly cloudy, there wasn't a cloud in the sky!  It started out on the chilly side, but warmed nicely throughout the day. 

We finally headed north from the parking lot on the Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) at about 9:30.  Immediately, this was a relatively aggresive climb from the notch.  This persisted for about the first 0.6 mile with about 740 feet in elevation gain.  The next few miles (2.7 miles) there is barely any overall elevation gain, despite the fact that the trail does alot of up and down.  Along the way there were a couple of ledges, which provided nice views to the east and into the wilderness below (part of which was the Lost River Reservation).  After the junction with the Gordon Pond Trail, we continued and the trail once again became modestly aggressive on its way to the peaks, which make up Mt. Wolf.  Once again there were views just below Mt. Wolf.  We reached the wooded west peak of Mt. Wolf at about 12:45PM (just before this there was a view of Gordon Pond below).  We contined north along the trail to the eastern knob, where there was a short spur trail, which climbed to a view of Franconia Notch.  Here we enjoyed the views and had our lunches.

After lunch we re-traced our steps back to the Gordon Pond Trail junction and headed down off the ridge.  This was mostly modest in grade, but it became progressively muddier in sections as we made our way to the pond.  After crossing the brook at the effluence of Gordon Pond, there was a short spur trail, which led to the shores of the pond.  This was amazingly beautiful with its views back towards Mt. Wolf across the waters.  It was now 2:40PM and we took another extended break.  Afterwards we continued along the Gordon Pond Trail, where is got drier as it followed higher above a brook.  At roughly 3:30 we reached the point where the trail crossed the top of Gordon Falls.  It was a fairly impressive falls of about 30-40 feet in height.  Unfortunately, there was no path to its base, but it was nothing a short bushwhack didn't rectify (it was a fairly easy climb down the edge of the falls)!  After this we continued along the brook with a number of lesser cascades and falls.  By 4:30 we had emerged out where the power lines cross the ridge (I believe this was the approximate location of the old Kinsman Notch according to some reports).  After the trail re-entered the woods the trails coincided with wider logging roads/snowmobile paths, made a number of brook crossings and just a short distance before the end we passed a significant maple syrup collection station.

Upon our arrival back at the Gordon Pond Trailhead parking (at the old Govoni's Restaurant), we took the opportunity to explore the Agassiz Basin before heading back to the Beaver Brook Trailhead at the top of the notch (5:45PM).  Afterwards, we all headed back to the Woodstock Inn in North Woodstock for dinner before calling it a day.

This was a surprisingly beautiful hike.  While the views from the ridge are not quite as spectacular as the views from the Kinsmans, they are nice and the addition of Gordon Pond and falls made this a really beautiful hike overall.  The weather and group of guys of course just added to a very pleasurable day.  Big thanks to Rick, Martin and Chuck for joining me on a wonderful day out.

Martin and I continued the weekend by camping out overnight at Russell Pond Campground for the following day's Tripyramids hike.

Join me for this 11 mile hike along the AT and Kinsman Ridge to the summit of Mt. Wolf (3500').  There are a couple of ledges for views along this part of the trail and while the summit of Mt. Wolf is treed there are descent outlooks to the east and northeast.  On the return off of Mt. Wolf we will take the Gordon Pond Trail back to Rt. 112 (a separate trailhead, where we will leave a car).  Along the way back we will take a short spur trail to the shore of Gordon Pond with its dramatic view of Mt. Wolf's steep face.  We will also pass the picturesque Gordon Falls.  The lower portion of this trail follows sections of old rail beds.

Note:  One or two sections of this route are known to be muddy and wet at certain times of the year.  With the general lack of snow and rain this spring, this should not be a major concern.  If, however, there are issues with trail flooding or with heavy rains in the days leading to the hike, we will adapt our course as needed.  In the worse case, this may add an additional 1 to 1.5 miles.  Gaiters are highly recommended for this trip.

Accumulative elevation gain for the trip is approximately 2050' with a starting elevation of about 1890' (Beaver Brook Trailhead) and ending at an elevation of 890' (Gordon Pond Trailhead).

Rain or harsh weather will postpone until Sunday or another date, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Typical early spring hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, gaiters, extra layer(s) and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Please think about packing an extra pair of dry socks.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 6PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks at the Woodstock Inn.