Caribou Mountian

Wow, an amazing day in Maine for a great hike and great company. While southern NH and much of MA was getting soaked, we had a mostly cloudy day with occasional sun. Cool temps were perfect for keeping the bugs at bay. The hike ascended the Mount Caribou Trail, very gentle path following the river most of the way. Several waterfalls and pools were beautiful and would be great for hotter summer hikes. Caribou Trail eventually meets the Mudbrook Trail which finishes the ascent to the summit with the same gentle climb. I highly recommend this trail for access to and from the summit. The views on top were GREAT! Parts of the NH Presidential Range were visible despite the cloud cover. Views also included Mahoosuc Range, Sunday River and many other lakes and mountains of Maine. Wide open ledges to explore and predictions of a bumper blueberry crop later in the summer. After a lunch break the hike continued down the Mudbrook Trail. This trail has a rougher and wetter aspect but was just as enjoyable. I would recommend this trail for descent in later months when it most likely will be drier. Both trails complimented each other making an ideal loop. The company was great, the conversation excellent and the pace remained steady. This was a great trip, and I enjoyed all aspects. Looking forward to more adventures with everyone. I recommend this trail to anyone seeking an easy to (closer to) moderate trip.  

Caribou and Mud Brook Trail: elevation (highest point) 2850ft, distance to highest point 3.5 miles, total trip distance 6.9.

This trip is considered MODERATE. Some steep grade and distance are factors.

Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail at 10:20.

Hike begins at the Caribou/Mud Brook Trail head, located on ME Route 113 (directions below). Following the Caribou Trail at a steady climb, crossing Morrison Brook SEVERAL TIMES (no bridges). At 3.0 miles the trail junction for Mud Brook. This trail leads to several open ledges and summit of Mt Caribou. The decent back to Rt 113 is gradual passing more open ledges and crossing several brooks.

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. It is recommended that hikers have extra dry clothing, wind, and sun protection. Always have water (no guarantee for places to refill) and food. If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!! For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.

Black flies and ticks will be out by this point in the season. Bug repellent is recommended. Remember the one thing worse than annoying bugs is people complaining about annoying bugs. Helpful hint: Avoid perfumed scents in soaps, bodywash and shampoo. These tend to attract bugs.

Covid – Please bring a mask for the use when in close proximity to others. Respect people’s space, there are a variety of mask styles to match the variety of covid options. Let’s be safe and respect others. We are not the only people on the trail.

Group Size (not to exceed 12): It is not fun leaving folks out of trips. If you cannot attend, PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into two smaller groups. Dogs are the FULL responsibility of the owner and cannot interfere with the hike or the participants. This hike may not be ideal for dogs because of other dogs and hikers. This trail is narrow and steep. It is up to the owner. A leash (close at hand) is highly recommended (also required in WMNF). Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

Weather: If weather is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Thursday prior by 6pm. If it is a cancellation it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

After trip social: No formal plans are in place yet, possible tailgate social could be possible.

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts. No one wants to be injured or put other in harms way. Always be prepared. Know your limits. Any questions feel free to contact me.

Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail at 10:20.