Spring into Summer Hike 2: Kearsarge N.

Nine plus one of us met along the roadside of the trail head.  We were not alone.  There were many other people from several other, quite large, groups setting off around the same time.  We even had a big black bear stroll by as we waited.

At about quarter past the hour it was our turn to cast off.  Our trail was initially easy with a slight incline and very good footing.  Along this leg we passed, and were passed by, a group of twenty-five hikers at multiple occasions.  While we continued the incline increased and the terrain shifted from a rocky path to long stretches of ledges which gave small hints of the views to come.  Around the midpoint of the hike our “plus one” member, Mark, decided to turn back to make a personal engagement on time.  We encountered some rain requiring a stop to pullout the raingear and backpack covers.  Luckily the rain passed by and hints of sun helped to dry us out.  Eventually we crested the summit.  Our summit was only within ten minutes of our estimated time, not bad for the overall pace we kept.

We were greeted by spectacular views and random clouds that partially obscured the mountain ranges and valleys as they moved.  The summit also had a very nice fire tower which was open for us to have shelter and gain the best views possible.  We spent a half hour during our summit stay for before heading back down the trail we ascended.

After a much more sunny and moderate hike down we finished the hike shortly after 4pm.  It was a unanimous decision for all of us to cap the hike with a local brew and meal at the nearby Moat Mountain Brewery.

Welcome to RockJim, jc_mass, and Mark (username?) for their first GO hikes.  Meeting past hiking comrades and new members always makes for a great trip.

Join Mark and me on the second of three spring hikes which will become progressively harder.  On this trip we will hike Mount Kearsarge North, a 3268 foot mountain in Intervale, New Hampshire.  This mountain is known for having a fire tower which affords some of the best views of the White Mountains.

• Start Time: 10:00am
• Difficulty: moderate
• Hiking pace: moderate with breaks
• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2600 feet

We will begin at the trail head on Hurricane Mountain Road and hike the Mount Kearsarge North Trail 3.1 miles to the summit.  We will return the same way we ascend.  The trail will begin rather easily up to some boulders about a mile in.  From there it will ascend and climb steadily into a ledgy area with some views.  Shortly before the summit the trail will angle steeply upward.

Please bring plenty of water and the necessary snacks/lunch.  We will initially plan for a late lunch around 1pm on the summit, but if necessary we can stop along the trail to eat.  Be prepared for the possibility of annoying black flies.  The hike should take just over 6 hours, but it may vary depending on group dynamics.

As the trip date comes closer I will send additional information to everyone who signed up.  Please feel free to contact Mark or me with any questions you may have about the hike.