The plan was to start in the north, stay at the RMC’s Gray Knob cabin, make the long haul to the AMC’s Mizpah hut, stay there for a second night, then head down on the third day. It didn’t, however, go that way. Problem is those rocks. For all who have hiked in the Northern Presidentials, they know: it’s not easy up there. Couple this with the big hop in the middle, the added weight of gear and layers, and the energy-sapping change as we all adjust to a new season. Thankfully it’s supposed to warm up this weekend, but the tapering off of the comfort of the seasons of warmth has begun. Our guest found that the rocks don’t rock and by the time the team made it to Mt Washington she was tired, it was getting late, and there were still many miles to hike. Our guest felt like she had had enough. Along with Redline Guide Debra McCown, they decided to make their exit by train and took the Cog down. Nonetheless, it was a genuine experience that opened eyes. Our guest is planning on finishing this trip, but she will ease into it. What follows is a short summary from Debra along with some photos:
It was our first real dip into fall this year, with temperatures below freezing, wind chills near zero, and rime ice coating all the vegetation and many of the rocks and signs. The contrast of ice on the ridge with fall foliage in the valley below is a classic seasonal view!
Our guest said she loved the views — a big reason for visiting the Presidential Range — and didn’t mind the cold at all; it was just the rocks.
On the first day, we hiked up to Gray Knob Cabin, which was a great place for an overnight stay! We got to watch an awesome sunset at the Quay, just above the cabin.
On the second day, we headed up to the ridge, bypassing Mt Jefferson on Gulfside Trail and heading for our guest’s summit goal, Mt Washington — highest peak in the Northeast.
It took her longer than she expected — and some encouragement on the final stretch of intimidating boulders — but she reached the summit sign successfully and then enjoyed a visit to the snack bar! She then decided, after walking miles of rocky trails in the Northern Presidentials, that she’d seen enough rocks and did not want several more miles of them that evening. After some thought about whether to walk down along the Cog tracks or ride the train, she opted to ride down — another first-time Mt Washington experience! The views and the summit were worth the effort, she said — but next time, she plans to choose a trail with fewer rocks. —Debra
Awesome Photos from Day One 📸
Awesome Photos from Day Two 📸
