The hawk soared effortlessly above Eagle Crag as we labored over the open ridge toward North and South Baldface, the pair of open summits that book end Evans Notch. Although it was just the middle of the afternoon, the autumn daylight was already waning. …
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Two Mountain Passes and a Tecumseh
The White Mountain landscape is defined by its mountain passes (called Notches), perhaps even more than its peaks. Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch, and Franconia Notch are just a few of the great valleys that channel visitors from one region of the White …
Read More »Backpacking the Three Garfields in the Pemigewasset Wilderness
There are three Garfield Mountains along the Garfield Ridge Trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness (of New Hampshire’s White Mountains), although you’re probably only familiar with the tallest one on the four thousand footer list. The other two peaks, West (3667′) and East …
Read More »Flat Mountain Pond Backpack
My friend Kris and I did a one-night backpacking trip to Flat Mountain Pond, in the Sandwich Range on the south side of the White Mountains. Located between Sandwich Dome and the Sleepers (mountains named after Kate Sleeper), we camped at the site …
Read More »Dry River Trail Backpack and Oakes Gulf (Attempt)
The Dry River Trail runs 9.6 miles from Crawford Notch, near Frankenstein Cliffs to the Lakes of the Clouds, a set of alpine tarns about 1100 feet below the summit of Mt Washington. I attempted to hike it end-to-end but had to turn back …
Read More »Bushwhack Bailout
Mike and I were cold and wet when we reached the pond. We’d both gotten soaked on the bushwhack up to Mount Anderson (3740′) and had decided to hike back down to Norcross Pond and camp out instead of continuing deeper into …
Read More »Backpacking the Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop
The Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness is arguably the best-kept secret in the White Mountain National Forest. Located entirely in Maine, it is adjacent to Evans Notch and the Wild River Wilderness, providing hikers with the opportunity to create multi-day backpacking routes through a …
Read More »A Short Backpack to West Moat Mountain
When the stream in the col between Table Mountain and Big Attitash turned out to be dry, I was flustered. The next water source on my map was on the other side of Big Attitash but there was no way I’d make it there before …
Read More »Mount Washington and the Northern Presidential Loop
My friend Martin from England is a serious hiker and backpacker with many big UK walks under his belt. Having just finished hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness together (which as epic), I decided that I’d take him for a jaunt up Mt Washington …
Read More »Backpacking the Desolation Loop in the Pemigewasset Wilderness
The Desolation Loop is a moderate 33 mile backpack through the eastern half of the White Mountain’s Pemigewasset Wilderness, bounded by the Bonds, Ethan Ridge, and Carrigan Notch. There are many excellent swimming holes and wilderness campsites along the route, which will appeal to more …
Read More »Pond of Safety Backpack
If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists in the White Mountains or the thundering hordes of smoke-belching Harleys that tour the region’s scenic byways in summer, New Hampshire’s North Country is the place to go. Located North of Rt 2, …
Read More »Wilderness at Stillwater Junction
This is part 2 of my trip report up the East Branch Pemigewasset River (the Pemi) to scout a second river crossing at Stillwater Junction and beginning of the Shoal Pond Trail which links Carrigan Notch to the Ethan Pond Trail. I’ll be passing through …
Read More »Crossing the East Branch Pemigewasset River
The East Branch Pemigewasset River (the Pemi) is the huge wild river that runs through the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. I spent two days this weekend hiking its length starting at Lincoln Woods all the way up to its headwaters at Stillwater Junction …
Read More »A Winter Bonds Traverse
I completed a Winter Bonds Traverse two weeks ago,one of the toughest and most remote winter hikes in the White Mountains. I was accompanied by four other very strong hikers: Ron, Craig, Larry, and Garret, who hike together regularly and were nice …
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