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Add your own trip Report!
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This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate!
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Date: 2005-09-14 10:49:00.0
Difficulty: Hard
Number of People Encountered: 50+ ppl
Recommendation: Highly
Below the timberline (&, especially, below the rocks!) this trail was relatively easy, considering the considerable rise in elevation. At first, the trail is indicated by dark-blue markers placed on tree trunks; however, after the first fork, these markers become light blue, for some reason. At that fork, stay straight, don't go to the right. If one goes slow enough, one can see great "picture postcard" mountain scenes, especially evident when one reaches the Alpine Zone.
Once you arrive in the Alpine Zone (which is well-marked by a sign-plaque imploring you to be sensitive to the alpine vegetation), the going gets more difficult, especially for one with (1) weak lower-leg muscles and (2) lack of ankle support--the rocks were "moider!" You have to take into account the difficult footing and look out for loose rocks (which are relatively rare, if you stick to the trail). Once there are few trees, the trail (and the Gulfside trail) is marked by man-made 2-3 foot towers of rocks known as "cairns." Follow the path of these "cairns" at all costs! Otherwise, you'll get stuck in areas of loose rocks; it would take you ten minutes to go a few feet!
After you reach the Alpine Zone, you will be able to see your destination, which is indicated by (1) the path of the Cog Railway and (2) the very visible television-type towers.
Overall, I would say that this trail would be perfect for a first climb up Mount Washington. The scenery is beautiful (especially above tree line). Indeed, most people in decent physical condition will succeed in completing this trail (and the succeeding Gulfside [for 1.3 miles of difficult rocks!] and Crawford [less than .2 miles of steep ascent with, again, difficult rocks]), thereby completely scaling the highest mountain in the Northeast.
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White Mountain National Forest - Cloaked with forests and laced with streams, the White Mountain rises in dramatic relief north of New Hampshire's central plateau. Among the ranges and ridges are the highest mountains in the Northeast.
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