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| Topographic map (follow trail from North to South) |
Stats: 13.7 miles (520' gain)
Notes: Early-season hiking is both fantastic and frustrating. Upsides include cooler weather and smaller crowds, with the main downside being the lack of trail maintenance.
After leaving the trailhead around 8:00am, I shortly came across my first of (literally) hundreds of downed trees. Some only required me to step over them, while others required brief trail detours. All blockages were annoying, as they slowed my pace significantly and jabbed/poked my legs. I suspect it will be another few weeks until trail maintenance crews make their way to this area.
Mt. Washington soon presented itself, providing a visual goal for the day (reach its southern slopes). After 5 miles, the downed trees subisded but never ceased. Miles began passing quickly until I hit snowdrifts hiding the trail. The main challenge of snow on the trail is route finding. Since the well-worn trail is no longer visible, it's very easy to lose it (especially when unfamiliar with the area). Because I was only out for the day, I made the decision to turn around when there was more snow than dirt (pic, vid).
Now on the way back and in less of a time crunch, I took the opportunity to find better viewpoints of Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, and an unnamed lake adjacent to the trail. This area must be a popular snowmobile destination through the winter, as evidenced by the too-tall maps and signage. Click here for the entire photo album.
