Clear Skies from Cascade Mountain

Winter is here, and it's about time to venture to new places. After our last journey, we wanted clear skies, and a new destination. Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks easily fit that bill. This peak can be found in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondacks, in New York. The views from Cascade Mountain's bald summit are vast and amazing, especially when there are no clouds in the sky.

The High Peaks Wilderness from Cascade Mountain.

My dad and I located the trailhead and swiftly began up the trail. The path was packed down, and snowshoes were not necessary along any part of the trail. I do recommend spikes, as there are several areas along the trail covered in ice. The trail itself was flat, and never got too steep.

The sun can be seen peeking through the trees along the trail.

After a slight incline, the trail flattened out again, and we were getting glimpses over to the other high peaks. The snow wasn't that deep off trail, and the whole path was packed down. After another incline, we came to a large ledge with a grand view of the high peaks. From here we could see Mt.Colden and Mt.Algonquin.

Mt.Colden through the trees.

The view from the ledge. Mt.Colden, Mt.Algonquin, and Street Mountain can be seen.

We reached the junction, and continued up to Cascade Mountain. We were going to do Porter Mountain as well, but the trail had a slight dusting on it, and nobody had gone out to it that day. We ventured toward Cascade Mountain, and eventually found ourselves at the base of the mountain's craggy, bald summit.

The trail over to Porter Mountain.

The craggy summit of Cascade Mountain.

The summit was powdered with soft snow, and the gradual ascent of the summit was one of the most beautiful moments ever. The trail was easy to follow, and once we rose above the trees, we experienced no breeze, and a fantastic view into the heart of the High Peaks Wilderness.

The Great Range and other high peaks seen from the trail.

Mt.Colden, Avalanche Mountain, and Mt.Algonquin from Cascade Mountain.

The views were amazing, and we could see so much of the beautiful landscape of the Adirondacks, and even the Green Mountains of Vermont. I ascended the rocks more and more, until I reached the summit. From here there was also a view north toward Mt.Whiteface and Lake Placid.

Porter Mountain, with the Great Range, Dix Mountain, and Nippletop as the backdrop.

Looking west from the summit.

Looking toward the Soda Range.

Looking north. Mt.Whiteface is the most notable peak on the left.

Some notable peaks that can be seen include Dix Mountain, Mt.Marcy, Mt.Colden, Mt.Algonquin, Mt.Whiteface, Mt.Esther, Jay Mountain, Hurricane Mountain, Mt.Mansfield, Camel's Hump, Mt.Abraham, and Mt.Ellen. Lake Champlain is also hidden beneath the undercast to the east.

Hurricane Mountain is in center shot, and the Green Mountains can be seen in the background.

Hurricane Mountain and the firetower, with Camel's Hump behind it.

Bella enjoying the scenery.

A few groups came and went while we were up there. This is a decently popular mountain this time of year, and there's good reason for it. The entire Great Range can be seen as well, which includes several high peaks.

Bella posing in front of the peaks.

The Great Range

Can't get enough of the view!

Giant Mountain over Porter Mountain.

A plane sailing past Mt.Algonquin.

We stayed atop the summit for thirty minutes. The air was crisp and a good temperature, with no breeze. It was great, but it was also time to head down. The descent wasn't bad, and the trail wasn't too slippery (be sure to wear spikes).

Heading back down the trail, where Mt.Whiteface can be seen.

It was a great experience to be back in the Adirondacks. If your a long time reader, you may know that the last time I was out here it was Buck Mountain, back in February. The last time I was in the High Peaks Wilderness was on Mt.Algonquin in 2011, so It's been a while. I may or may not have a new series on my blog coming out soon, so stay for that.Thanks for reading, have a great New Year!

Morning Colors from Mt.Jackson

It's December, and the snow is certainly coming down. The only thing that can break through the drab whites and grays of the winter are the colors of a sunrise, which takes work to achieve around this time of year, at least in New Hampshire. It can be done of course, people do it all the time, and it's much different than a sunrise in the summer. For our first winter sunrise, we chose Mt.Jackson, and it gave us a descent reward.

The fragile colors of the sunrise breaking through the clouds.

We got to the trailhead at three in the morning. Crawford Notch was beyond dim, and the sky was peppered with stars. Far across the field we could see the lights of Highland Center. We found the trailhead, and began up the trail.

This photo was taken after the hike, with sun drenched Mt.Tom as the backdrop.

The trail is packed well, but we still wore snowshoes. It was packed down all the way up Mt.Jackson, and it  looks like it was packed down going over to Mt.Webster as well. Everything was dark, so I have no good pictures. It was so dark and calming as we peered through the dark forest.

A piece of the packed-down path. The entire trail is like this.

We passed the spur trails to Elephant's Head and Bugle Cliff, two nice viewpoints that look into Crawford Notch. We stopped at Bugle Cliff on the way back down, and the view from the crag was delightful.

Crawford Notch from Bugle Cliff.

The path meanders up to the junction, and we continued up to Mt.Jackson. The snow got deeper and deeper, and there were several blow-downs. Just below the summit, the trail briefly disappeared due to snow drifts, as it was snowing the entire time we were out there. The summit was completely covered in snow, and the wind was monstrously strong.

The frozen summit of Mt.Jackson.

We were there to see a sunrise, but we got up there an hour early. We waited just below the summit on the Appalachian Trail, watching the sky get brighter and brighter as I nearly froze to death. After rushing back up to the windy summit, we viewed the somewhat cloudy view of the sunrise and it's vibrant colors.

The colors of the sunrise with a ridge in the foreground.

We didn't get any view toward Mt.Washington or Mt.Pierce, but we were able to see the ridges below the sun's colors. We could also briefly see the ridge over to Mt.Webster and the cliffs of Crawford Notch and Mt.Willard.

The cliffs of Crawford Notch can be seen through the clouds.

We didn't stay for long on the cold peak of Mt.Jackson. It was so cold it felt like the wind was whipping through my coat. The descent was tiring, as neither of us slept the previous night, but we still finished the hike. As a side note, I will have at least one sunrise hike every month until next November. This is because my dad is turning fifty next November, so I promised him we would do a sunrise every month until then. Not only will we enjoy the hikes, but you can as well through the blog. If you have any recommendations for a sunrise, leave it below, or just comment anyway. Also, be sure to check out my last two blogs, as I really enjoyed them, and I think you will too!

Overnight in the Southern Taconics

The Southern Taconics are a group of lesser known peaks in the far southwest corner of Massachusetts (with some portions extending into New York and Connecticut) As I said in my entry on Mt.Race, this area is often overlooked by hikers who don't live in it's vicinity. The range happens to be my favorite area to hike in lower New England, and with good reason. The area has a distinctive environment, and unique views like no other, especially when done for sunrise and sunset.

The sunsets between the Shawagunks and Catskills.

We were hoping to start at the state line trailhead on East Rd, then go over Round Mtn, Mt.Frissell, Brace Mountain, then go all the way up to Mt.Alander and stay in the cabin for a sunrise and sunset. We arrived at the trailhead very early, and hurried up Round Mountain. The trail was flat until we got to the steep and rugged slope of the mountain. Once we arrived at the open summit, the sun began to poke out from behind Bear Mountain!

The sunrise from Round Mountain.

Another photo of the sunrise.

Round Mountain (2,296') has views in every direction from it's ledgy summit area, with some exceptional ones to the east and south, toward Bear Mountain, Lions Head, Riga Lake, and Brace Mountain. Other peaks that can be seen include Mt.Everett, Mt.Race, and the next peak, Mt.Frissell.

The view toward Mt.Everett and Mt.Race.

The summit of Round Mountain.

Looking south into Connecticut and toward Riga Lake.

After watching the sunrise, we descended Round Mountain only to immediately start ascending Mt.Frissell (2,454'). The trail is steep, and icy in places, so be careful this time of year, especially when climbing these jagged areas. My dad and I were relieved to reach the summit, as we both had are large overnight packs on. The true summit is in Massachusetts, and it's marked by a sign and register.

Lucy on the summit of Mt.Frissell.

After going a few hundred yards more down the path, we came to the viewing area. From here, there are great views toward Bear Mountain, Round Mountain, Lions Head, Riga Lake, and Brace Mountain. On these ledges, you can find the high point of Connecticut, marked by a cairn and benchmark. Yup, the highest point of Connecticut is on the slope of a mountain in Massachusetts! I've already been here, so there was no need to log in again.

Lucy enjoying the views from Mt.Frissell.

Looking back at Round Mountain and Bear Mountain.

The highest point of Connecticut.

Once we took enough photos, the trail delivered us onto a large ledge with direct views toward the high peaks of the Catskills. Peaks that can be seen include Overlook Mountain, Plattekill Mountain, Kaaterskill High Peak, Stoppel Point, and Blackhead, all of which exceed 3,000 feet, making them appear much taller then they are.

The distance peaks and ridges of the Catskills.

The trail descended, and the sky got brighter. We pushed are way through the mountain laurel until we came across the next point of interest, the tripoint marker. The proud, concrete prism stands in the middle of the trail, marking the only point where the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York meet. I'm sure this is busy on a summer day!

Photo of the 1898 side, taken from New York.

A little while after that, we came to the junction with the Ashley Hill Trail, and then the junction with the Southern Taconic Trail, which brings you to a large field atop the ridge. From here, we overlooked the Hudson Valley, with the Catskills and Shawagunks in the distance. This view is nothing compared to Brace Mountain, the next peak.

The Hudson Valley from the meadows.

Another photo of the valley.

To get to Brace Mountain (2,310') from the field, we followed the trail south for three tenths, until the trail dropped us onto the summit. The summit of Brace Mountain is distinct, as it's covered in grass with views farther into New York. The summit is marked by a large cairn with a windsock. The winds were strong and cold, so we didn't spend as much time as I would've wanted to up there.

The summit of Brace Mountain.

The true summit is marked by the windsock.

From the top of Brace Mountain, you can see Mt.Alander and Mt.Frissell, two other peaks on our trip. When it comes to distant peaks in New York, the Catskills and Shawagunks can be seen yet again. Mt.Greylock is clearly visible to the north.

The Catskills are clearly visible from the top.

Mt.Alander from Brace Mountain.

After a delightful time on the summit, we followed the Southern Taconic Trail north to Mt.Alander, the next summit. The trail is wide and flat all the way, with many flooded areas, most of which were frozen. It really slowed us down, but we were still making exceptional time.

The trail heading toward Mt.Alander.

And Lucy.

We arrived at the junction below Mt.Alander, but the Alander Loop Trail was closed, so we had to proceed down the Southern Taconic Trail to achieve the views from Mt.Alander. The trail was strenuous as it climbed the slope, but the first view was incredible, as it looked out into the farmland of New York.

The view toward the Catskills from Mt.Alander.

It was quiet, and the ridge is open all the way up to the summit. The ledges give the best view of the Catskills in the area. Other things that can be seen include the Shawagunks and Bonticou Crag, the Catskill Mountains, Brace Mountain, Mt.Frissell, Mt.Everett, and even Mt.Greylock to the north.

Looking up the ridge of Mt.Alander, toward more ledges.

The above peaks are Mt.Ashley, Mt.Frissell, and Brace Mountain.

The summit of Mt.Alander (2,238') completely open, like the rest of the ridge, with restricted views to the north. There are still fire tower footings sitting atop the mountain, which mark the former site of the Mt.Washington Fire Tower, which was built in 1928. A few hundred feet from here is the junction, which, if you keep following the Southern Taconic Trail, will lead you to another large viewpoint, with a grand view of the Catskills and Mt.Everett. There is also a direct view north toward Mt.Greylock, Berlin Mountain, and Monument Mountain.

Working our way up to the summit.

The primary view from the summit.

Mt.Everett from the summit.

Once we descended from the junction, we entered a gap, which is home to the Mt.Alander Cabin. This cabin was used in conjunction with the firetower by the warden. It wasn't in best shape, but when you understand that it's from 1928, you realize it's in good shape. It was fully stocked with in date Pringles and soup cans. This is where we ended up sleeping.

The cabin on Mt.Alander.

The inside of the cabin.

We were there to watch the sunset, which set at 4:30. Here's the thing, we got there at 11:00, so we had plenty of time to gather wood and explore the cabin. There are four bunks, and a wood stove with very bad ventilation. After talking to many passing hikers, the sky fell darker, and we quickly hurried to the summit.

Mt.Frissell and Brace Mountain during sunset.

The sun was slowly lowering itself right between the Catskills and Shawagunks, and the sky lit up with beautiful color. It was just us, the sun, and two others on a lower ledge taking photos. It was so quiet, and wonderful to watch the sun's journey throughout the day.

The sun slowly setting.

The sun sets between the two ranges.

The Catskills after the sunset.

The sun set early, and we headed back to the cabin, made dinner, and fell asleep. I got a good eleven hours of sleep, while my dad wasn't so lucky. We awoke early and headed up to the summit to watch the sunrise. The sky was being illuminated by pink and yellow sunbeams, it was magnificent. As I raised my camera to take a photo, it malfunctioned and stopped working ☹️. Don't worry though, my dad took photos!

The sunrise from Mt.Alander.

After watching the sunrise, we had breakfast and packed up camp, now heading for Ashley Hill Trail. My camera still didn't work throughout our entire trip through the forest, so I have no photos of it. There was a very pleasant and secluded primitive camping area with eight sites. The Ashley Hill Trail was easy walking, but once it got close to the Mt.Frissell Trail, it began to get overgrown and flooded, but not for long. We got back to the tripoint, then the ledge on Mt.Frissell where I took my first photo all day.

My first photo during the second day.

At the end of the day, we made it out alive. It was around seven miles the first day, and eight the second. It may seem like a long hike, but it was my second time doing this one. The first time was a day trip, and we started up Roberts Brook Trail instead. So if you want to do this hike, but not stay overnight, start from there.

The trail going up Mt.Frissell.

The Southern Taconic area is bountiful with unique geography and grand views like no other place in New England. It's unique in it's views and location, as the peaks are split between each state (Round Mountain CT, Frissell and Alander MA, and Brace NY). With the addition of a tripoint, highpoint, and cabin, it makes the area that much better. If you find yourself in the area, check it out. Don't forget to comment below. I can't praise this range enough!