There’s more than one AMC Guidebook in this state. First there’s the one most NH hikers are familiar with — the White Mountain Guidebook — the one that describes the bulk of the state’s hiking trails. The second AMC Guidebook covers the State’s southern trails.
Like the main book, some people like to make hiking all of its trails a labor of love. That’s what this returning couple is up to on Mt Cardigan. There’s one trail in particular, the Holt Trail, that the couple wanted some oversight and assurance on. Redline Guide Mike Maciel was requested by the couple and he was more than happy to help them out.
Terrifying 25-Ish
I worked in the insurance industry for 16 years before becoming a guide and some days I still get to work in insurance, though “mountain insurance” is way more fun. Our guests are accomplished hikers: finishers of the NH 48, the 52 With a View, and most recently their Belknap Grid (congrats!). The goal for this trip was to spend some time on Mount Cardigan as they pursue hiking every trail in the Southern NH Trails Guide. My job was to be the safety officer for the spiciest trail in that book: the Holt Trail. Some days the rope goes into the pack, just in case. Many days it stays right there, our guests feeling better once they get into the actual terrain. Today though, it came out twice and did its job, providing a little extra insurance (and assurance) for one of our guests on the steep and awkward slabs. The sign down low says it is one of the most difficult trails in New England, and I agree, if it were in the White Mountains the Holt Trail would easily be worthy of a spot on the Terrifying 25. Great job to both of our guests, it was a fun day helping you get a little bit closer to your goal, thanks for trusting me to be your insurance policy. —Mike M.
