Mount Moosilauke, NH
via Beaver Brook Trail and Benton
June 29, 2002
Mount Moosilauke
Main Page
Part I: The
Beaver Brook Cascades
Part II: Mount Moosilauke Summit
The rough and steep initial ascent of the Beaver Brook Trail combined with the hot High Noon sun really took a lot out of me. While I tend to prefer steeper and more challenging trails, I honestly was not anticipating such a rugged ascent. In terms of milage, I was already halfway to the summit; however, time wise the next hour would not be as physically demanding.
The southern ridge of Mount Moosilauke, dominated by the peaks Mt. Blue and Mt. Jim is fairly level except near the afore mentioned minor peaks of the ridge. Approaching Mt. Blue, the trail goes from flat, level, and smooth to rocky and up-and-down style hiking. With the High Sun beating down on me from between the trees, I glanced toward Moosilauke's Bald Doom wondering how much longer it would take!
The physically demanding ascent combined with the hot weather demanded my thirst be quenched many times throughout the afternoon. However, with only two Liters of water and no water purification device, I was forced to conserve water and ration conservatively. Normally 2 Liters of water is more than enough for myself during a 6-8 hour hike. The conditions on this hike proved to be more demanding. I ventured on ignoring my want for water, and occasionally dipping into the raining day fund when necessary.
Below Mt. Blue's Summit, I sat and enjoyed my first lunch while taking in the Jobildunk Ravine to the south and Mount Moosilauke's summit to the west. Continuing on, the trail ascended and descended many, many rocky drops in the trail. Eventually dropping into a Col between Mt. Blue and Mount Moosilauke that was very muddy and wet. This Col provided some of my first views North East towards the Franconia Ridge.
Eventually, the trail ascends out of the Col and joins the Benton trail for the final ascent of Mount Moosilauke's bare summit. After only a few minutes of hiking, the tree heights diminish and I entered into a hiker's dream: The Alpine Zone. Alpine Zone refers to the sections of the High Peaks that are above 'treeline' in which trees do not grow above 6'. Most areas of treeline don't have any trees at all, and Mount Moosilauke is no exception. Moosilauke's Summit is barren of trees, but features a finely constructed foot path featuring tall six foot high cairns and an abundance of fragile grass and vegetation. Hikers are urged to stay on the footpath and avoid the fragile alpine vegetation.
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The popular Summit of Mount Moosilauke was horrifically crowded. At least sixty to seventy people were mulling about the summit. Some were chatting away about business deals, others were enjoying lunch, and still others were chatting away on Motorola Radios. It was fairly loud and intrusive to my peaceful mountain experience. I turned in circles for a few minutes, enjoying the fine 360 degree views from the summit; then ventured back down the Benton Trail some 500 feet to find a quite spot trail side to sit down and enjoy the views and a bite to eat. I found a big rock to sit down and lay against, and sunned myself for a while. After snapping some decent photos and trying an Auto-Timer camera shot of myself, I began my descent back down the mountain. By now, the High Noon Sun was at it's brightest and my rationing of water left me with just under one Liter for the return trip. A gulp of water and I was off. The bugs were becoming increasingly pesky, so I re-applied DEET. The return trip was more difficult than the ascent due to fatigue. Going over the dips and dives of the Beaver Brook Trail under Mt. Blue was quite tiring. However, I pressed on along the Ridge making only one pause for water and rest, and soon began my final descent of the Beaver Brook Trail. The descent of the Beaver Brook Cascades was much less interesting than the ascent. I simply wanted to be done with this tiring and hot hike! My legs were very tired and wobbly by this point, and I had to take extra care on the descent of steep and rugged Beaver Brook Trail. Taking the Wooden Steps one at a time with occasional pause in between, I never had any problems other than coping with growing physical fatigue. Mental fatigue was also becoming a problem as I finally reached the last of the Cascades. This was a glorious hike with many of the best elements of White Mountain hiking wrapped into one package. Mount Moosilauke via the Beaver Brook Trail offers wonderfully refreshing waterfalls, a steep rugged and rocky ascent, an interesting ridge line overlooking a Ravine, above tree line experience, and wonderful 360 degree views. It is no wonder this mountain receives the reverence and attention it does. However, the Beaver Brook Trail is not for the feint of heart or new hikers. It's steep and rugged ascent is especially difficult when wet, or as I learned, when it's very hot! Happy Trails. |
Mount Moosilauke
Main Page
Part I: The
Beaver Brook Cascades
Part II: Mount Moosilauke Summit
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Hiking New England
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