It seems like this summer is the Summer of Huntington Ravine. We say this because demand for guides for this classic hike-but-almost-a-climb is at an all-time high. And, we’re happy to oblige; helping folks succeed on this “trail” by keeping them on the actual trail. It’s critical in fact. People have run into problems taking what they deem the logical route without understanding the consequences of their actions. Getting it wrong can end in one getting stuck in a corner with no means of escape. Leading this trip was Redline Guide Debra McCown (our guest noted that she was the perfect guide for this). What follows is her summary, including some photos, and the rationale! Take it away, Debra!
She’s Almost There
Today’s guest came to us nearing the end of several year quest to hie all the trails in the White Mountain Guide. She had just two left: the easy, 1.4-mile trail in the northern forest where she plans to celebrate her completion of the task — which covers more than 1,400 miles of trails — and Mt Washington‘s Huntington Ravine Trail.
Considered the hardest hiking trail in the White Mountains, it’s one she was a little nervous about and want to do it alone, and no one had yet followed through on promises to hike it with her so she came to us. With just the ascent of Huntington Ravine (and descent down Lion Head) standing between her and her final trail, she decided it was time to hire a guide.
So, on a beautiful summer day, we hiked Huntington and then slowed down to soak in the sunshine and views on the Alpine Garden Trail, a favorite for both of us. As August draws to a close, we noticed that the leaves on the ground plants along the Alpine Garden had started showing their fall colors. We stopped to take in the still snow-free summer views of Tuckerman Ravine before hiking down Lion Head and back to Pinkham Notch.
Now, she’s down to one. After hiking nearly all the trails, she shared a few superlatives:
- The best view? Mt Hight.
- The best waterfall? The one on Madison Gulf.
- Her least favorite section of trail? The upper part of Six Husbands.
Now almost at completion of her monumental hiking task, she shared a feeling common among others who dive into these lists: a sense of relief. So what’s next? Exploring the forest with her dogs, she says — and not worrying about anymore lists. —Debra
