9/11 Memorial Hike

JT led a group of five GO hikers up Mt. Moosilauke for the 22nd Flags on the 48 hike.  Started in 2001, this is an annual event where an American flag is raised on all of the 4,000-footers of New Hampshire as a memorial to the September 11th attack.  The GO group met at 8 a.m., with thick patches of fog covering the region.  We took the Beaver Brook Trail up and down Moosilauke.  This is a fairly technical trail in the White Mountains, engineered with iron rungs and wooden steps throughout the steeper sections.   The trail runs parallel to a cascading waterfall, offering spectacular views.  Mountain ash trees, a favorite of JT’s, are also common in this area.  Their bright red berry clusters, also known as Rowan berries, can be seen as pops of color peppered on both sides of the waterfall.

When the group reached the summit, a thick cloud was still obstructing most views.  There were about 45 people at the summit for the raising of the flag.  A speaker shared the history of the Flags on the 48 event and a touching reflection on why it is important to remember those affected by the events of 9/11.

After lunch and a break at the summit, we started our descent.  The sun finally burned off the last of the clouds as made our way down Beaver Brook, revealing blue skies and a warm late-summer sun.   The descent was even more challenging than usual because of the drenching rains from the night before.  The group took their time and offered support to each other as needed.  This trail is part of the Appalachian Trail, and we enjoyed chatting with a number of friendly thru-hikers throughout the day as well. We made it back to the parking lot around 3:30 p.m., then went to the Woodstock Inn Brewery for an after-hike meal.  Overall, it was a wonderful day where the solemn nature of the event was balanced with playful camaraderie.  Thank you so much, JT, for leading this spectacular hike!  

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” — Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

September 9th 2023 – Flags on the 48

Mt Moosilauke Loop: Via the Beaver Brook and Benton Trails.

• Elevation (highest point) 4817ft – Mt Moosilauke
• Distance to highest point  3.3 miles
• Total trip distance 6.4 miles.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mt-moosilauke-beaver-and-benton-8ede06e

https://www.flagsonthe48.org/

This trip is considered STRENUOUS.

• Steep grade (up),
• distance,
• pace (consistent and steady),
• exposure, weather and possible winter conditions.
• A portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or alternate routes.

Group will meet at the Beaver Brook Parking area located on route 112 at 8am and depart by 8:20.

Trail Details and Distances:

            The Beaver Brook trail is a steep access to Moosilauke and affords amazing views and access to several waterfalls. Trail will level out once reaching the ridge. If time and weather allow the trip may include the search for a WWII bomber that crashed near the summit. This hike also is scheduled as a memorial to September 11th and many people will gather to mark the occasion. Group will travel down the Benton Trail which is far more gentler than the Beaver Brook ascent. 

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can and do have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. Do not be fooled by lower elevation weather. Weather in higher elevations can be very tricky and unstable. A major portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or water access.

It is recommended that hikers:

• Have extra dry clothing, sun, and wind protection.
• Minimum of 2 liters of water
• Expect possible winter conditions.
• 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.

Group Size: It is not fun leaving folks out of trips.

• PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me the days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into smaller groups. 
• Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Above tree line it is vital to stick to the paths and rocks. Do not stray.
• Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

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

For weather details;

• (NH) Mt Washington Observatory  www.mountwashington.org
• (VT) Fairbanks Museum   www.fairbanksmuseum.org/eye-on-the-sky
• National Weather Service – NOAA www.weather.gov
• (GA) Weather www.weather.com

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 harm’s way.
• Always be prepared. Know your limits.
• Any questions feel free to contact trip leader DIRECTLY.

After trip social: Social gathering is possible and welcome. There are several food and beverage options. Pizza and tail gate gathering could be arranged if folks wish to do so. Discussion is open to possible overnight arrangements.

Resources used to plan this trip:

• AMC White Mountain Guide, 30th addition.
• Alltrails.com  (see link above)
• US Forest Service www.usfs.gov
• NH Fish and Game www.wildlife.state.nh.us
• NH State Parks www.nhstateparks.org

Group will meet at the Beaver Brook Parking area located on route 112 at 8am and depart by 8:20.