One Winter Morning: Mt.Kearsarge

It's been awhile, I know. I'm happy to say that I was able to start 2020 with an outstanding hike, and a simple one at that. I decided it was time to head back to an old favorite of mine. Mt.Kearsarge, one of the most prominent peaks in New England, is situated in southern New Hampshire. The views from the summit are outstanding. I don't know what draws me to this mountain, but whenever I end up hiking it, it's always winter.

The summit sign for Mt.Kearsarge has had people carving it for decades now.

Both trailheads for the mountain can be found about halfway up the mountain, with solitary roads that lead up to them. Those roads happen to be closed in the winter, but that's no problem, it's just road walking. The morning was cold, but the snow was firm, making it an easy hike. Once we got to the actual trailhead at Winslow State Park, we found only the Barlow Trail was packed down. We followed this one up, as it made for a better hike up.

The view from the road, toward Mt.Sunapee and it's ski slopes.

Barlow Trail

While the morning started off cold, I couldn't help but notice the sun attempting to heat the air. With the light shining from between the frosted pine trees, and the sound of snow crunching, it couldn't have been more obvious that winter was in full swing. The trail eventually brought us to the junction with the Winslow Trail. As we continued ahead, the first few viewpoints began to open up around us.

The trail junction just before the summit.

One of the first viewpoints, with Ragged Mountain to the right and Mt.Cardigan in the distance.

Toward Ragged Mountain again, with the White Mountains in the background.

My dad and I soon found ourselves emerging onto the summit ledges. Mt.Kearsarge is in the perfect spot when it comes to scenery.It's one of the few spots where both the White Mountains and Mt.Monadnock can be seen very easily. Other visible peaks include Mt.Sunapee, Mt.Ascutney, the Uncanoonucs, Mt.Okemo, Mt.Belknap, and especially Mt.Cardigan.

Approaching the summit.

Mt.Cardigan, in it's snow-capped glory.

Looking south. Mt.Monadnock is on the horizon to the right.

A clearer view north, looking over the snowy summit ledges.

The Ossipee Range, as seen from the bottom of the fire tower.

On the way down, we were able to enjoy the solitude of the mountain. On an average summer day, Mt.Kearsarge is full of people. It seems that winter days don't attract people, as we were the only ones on the mountain all day. It appeared that there were more snowmobiles going up and down the snowy roads than there were hikers on the trail. Maybe that's for the better. Either way, it felt great to be back on the trails.

Overnight on the Cohos Trail: the Percy Peaks

The third times the charm, especially with hiking. Our most recent hike described below happens to be our third time doing the Percy Peaks. It took three attempts to finally get it right, this time completing the loop and ascending both peaks. This hike is one of the best loops north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. This is also the first Columbus Day weekend we've had good hiking weather, which is an added bonus.

The White Mountains from North Percy Peak.

My dad and I began the hike at the southern trailhead, where we followed the trail easily through a beautiful forest. The fall colors were everywhere, adding more beauty to the area. The path was gradual at first, but eventually began to climb up the mountainside, passing over and around numerous slides, yet never getting too steep. There were faint views back through the trees from the slides, but they're nothing compared to the views ahead.

The Percy Peaks Trail.

Lucy crossing a bridge along the trail.

The view from one of the slides.

The path flatten out as it entered the col, which is the gap between the two peaks. We were soon brought to the junction with the Cohos Trail, which we followed a few hundred feet south to a faint herd path. This trail is seldom used, despite the very obvious sign stating that it leads to the summit of South Percy. The path is obscure, as it maneuvers up the steep slope, and very slowly opens up onto the summit. This peak is rarely visited, yet it offers one of the most iconic views north of the White Mountain.

The trail junction.

The spur trail to South Percy Peak.

Still climbing South Percy.

The ledges of North Percy as seen from South Percy.

Goback Mountain and Savage Mountain

After taking in the views for a while, we decided to head over to North Percy. We descended from the south peak and eventually made our way over to the junction with the spur trail up the ledges and to the summit of North Percy. Something I don't understand is how over exaggerated the trail up the ledges is. The trail climbs up the ledges, but never results in climbing, it's easily walk-able the whole way up. If anything, the trail up South Percy is more difficult, but not as beautiful.

The beginning of the ledges.

Lucy climbing up the rocks.

Looking toward Long Mountain and the Mahoosuc Range.

We knew we were approaching the summit as the slope began to flatten, and the sign came into view. This peak offers the best views north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, offering views into three states. Numerous peaks in Vermont can be seen, including Mt.Mansfield, Burke Mountain, Bald Mountain, Jay Peak, Seneca Mountain, and even East Mountain and it's many radar towers can be seen.

The summit of North Percy Peak.

Burke Mountain, East Mountain, Seneca Mountain, Bald Mountain, and Jay Peak.

The radar towers atop East Mountain.

Many more peaks can be seen in New Hampshire, both to the north and south, including Mt.Moriah, Mt.Washington, Rogers Ledge, The Horn, Mt.Cabot, Mt.Garfield, the Franconia Ridge, Mt.Cannon, and Mt.Moosilauke. The Mahoosuc Range can be seen continuing into Maine, and many more mountains throughout Nash Stream Forest can be spotted from the summit.

Looking north from the summit.

The Mahoosuc Range from North Percy, including Baldpate Mountain,
Old Speck, Mahoosuc Arm, Goose Eye Mountain, Mt.Carlo, and Mt.Success.

The Presidential Range rising above the Pilot-Pliny Range.

Mt.Garfield and the Franconia Range, alongside the Kinsman Range,
as seen from North Percy Peak.

We set up camp just below the summit, and away from the winds. We stuck around the summit, as the sun began to set over the horizon of Vermont. There were still people arriving at the summit, even after the sun had set. After watching the sunset, and taking in the star-filled skies, we went to bed, awaiting the sunrise the next morning.

The colors of sunset over the Mahoosuc Range.

South Percy and the White Mountains.

Watching the sunset over Vermont.

The sunrise was a beautiful sight, as it rose just over the Mahoosuc Range, shining all over the valley and nearby mountain slopes. We admired it for a while, but we also wanted to get down early, so we hastily packed up camp and began to make our way down, enjoying the views over Lake Christine and toward the White Mountains all the way down.

The sun rising over the undercast clouds.

The sun slowly rising.

Lake Christine and the White Mountains

Looking into Vermont from the ledges. Cape Horn can be seen to the left.

Once we entered the trees, we continued down the north side. This trail is beautiful, and not steep at all. It begins by passing through a moss-covered forest, which slowly transitions into hardwood. The Cohos Trail is well marked here, and it eventually brings you to the camping spot, where the Cohos Trail diverges, and we continued on the Percy Loop Trail, which follows an old woods road for the rest of the way.

The junction with the campsite.

Lucy roaming the campsite.

The old woods road through the forest.

Sugarloaf Mountain through the fall-colored trees.

Overall, it was enjoyable hike with great views, making a great second to last sunrise for the year. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's that my dad and I have been doing a sunrise hike every month since November to celebrate my dad's 50th birthday. We've already done twelve months, but we will officially finish the endeavor next month, completing the year. It's been an exciting experience so far, so hopefully we can finish strong!

Overnight in the Sandwich Range: Jennings Peak and Sandwich Dome

Ever since I finished the New England 4,000-footers, I dropped the idea of peakbagging, at least for the time. Lately I've found myself focusing more on lists such as the New England 100 Highest, and 52 With A View, two lists with many peaks in New Hampshire. I wanted to create a hike where I could bag a few summits on different lists at the same time, and there's no better mountain for this task than Sandwich Dome and Jennings Peak.

Many of the 4,000-footers as seen from Jennings Peak.

Most people take the easy route from Waterville Valley in order to bag the summits, but I made the decision to start the hike from Sandwich Notch Road, using the Algonquin Trail as our way of ascending the mountain. This is the longest, and most technical route up the mountain. The trail was pleasant as it went through some nice forests, with plenty of evident moose activity. The trail soon passed over some ledges with views up to the mountain ahead.

Even the trailhead is in the middle of no where!

Lucy waiting ahead.

Some of the lower ledges with the slope of the mountain visible.

A closer look at the ledges ahead.

We began to climb the slopes until we reached the base of Black Mountain. From here, the trail started a very steep ascent up the knee of the ridge, and when I say steep, I mean it! The whole climb up begins with a 30-foot chimney; a steep rock face that practically needs to be climbed instead of just walked up. I had to put my camera away in order to use my arms to climb it! Even though it was a lot of effort, it was worth it, as views opened up quickly.

The trail getting steeper!

It's hard to capture climbs like this with a camera, but it is steep!

From atop the chimney: Black Mountains sits to the right, with Mt.Weetamoo
to the left.

Although the main chimney was done, there were still many climbs ahead, albeit, much shorter. After a few more, the trees shortened, and the path emerged onto a wide ledgy area with views south over the many rolling hills and smaller peaks in the area. The trail continued in and out of the treeline, occasionally opening onto open ledges with views toward the Lakes Region, Mt.Tecumseh and other peaks.

Another very steep climb.

The view into southern New Hampshire.

Mt.Tecumseh and Mt.Osceola from the trail.
The extensive ledges below are the peaks of Acteon Ridge.

The junction with Black Mountain Pond Trail.

Many peaks are visible, including Jennings Peak to the far right.

Black Mountain Pond can be seen below, with Young Mountain to the left and
Mt.Israel to the  far right.

Mt.Moosilauke is the tallest on the horizon,
with Welch and Dickey visible to the far right.

The path wound through the trees, high on the ridge for the rest of the trail. The ridge undulated numerous times, with occasional views toward Sandwich Dome through the trees. We reached the col, then climbed easily up the southern slope of the mountain until we reached the Sandwich Mtn Trail, which when followed, brings you to the summit of Sandwich Dome, at 3,980 feet, making it just below the 4,000-foot mark!

Sandwich Dome through the trees.

A portion of the trail between the ledges and the summit.

The junction near the summit.

Nearing the top!

While it's said that the summit has fantastic views, it's clear that the trees have began to grow in during recent years. If you plan on hiking this peak, do it as soon as possible, because these views won't be here for much longer! From here can be seen many famous peaks of the Whites, including many in the Franconia/Waterville Valley area.We then continued the opposite way down Sandwich Mtn Trail to Jennings Peak.

Mt.Tecumseh, Mt.Cannon, Franconia Ridge, and Mt.Osceola

Mt.Carrigain, Mt,Washington, and the Tripyramids from the summit.

Looking toward Kancamagus Pass (Mt.Huntington and Mt.Kancamagus)
with East Osceola to the far left and the Bonds and Hancocks visible.

The trail between the two peaks was uneventful, being a very easy trail. The short spur leading to the summit of Jennings Peak got steep right at the end, but soon opened up to some fine ledges with great views from Mt.Washington to Sandwich Dome, and many peaks in southern New Hampshire. The skies were crystal clear, and many far peaks could be seen, such as Mt.Cardigan, Mt.Kearsarge, Mt.Monadnock, Mt.Ascutney, and even Mt.Killington!

Not much further!

Mt.Carrigain and the Tripyramids visible together yet again,
with the Presidential Range in the far distance.

Mt.Washington

Looking south with Mt.Kearsarge prominently to the left and
Mt.Cardigan to the right.

Mt.Cardigan to the left, with Mt.Ascutney standing far away to the right.

Sandwich Dome from Jennings Peak.

The southernmost peaks of the White Mountains (Stinson Mountain, Carr Mountain, Mt.Kineo)
as seen from the ledges on Jennings Peak.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery from the summit, we continued back up to the summit of Sandwich Dome, then down the Bennett Street Trail, which was likely the old fire wardens road, as the trail was wide and flat for most of the way. The path was easy to follow, and made for a good descent. Once we got closer to the bottom of the trail, it got steeper and thinner, until it reached Flat Mountain Pond Trail.

Time to descend.

Higher up on the trail.

Bennett Street Trail

We followed the trail to Flat Mountain Pond, our camping spot for the night.This portion of Flat Mountain Pond Trail is very easy to follow, as it follows an old railroad bed, which had little evidence of being so, until we found a few rails. The path crossed a nice brook, then a flooded bog area known as Beaver Pond. We soon found ourselves at the junction with the trail to the shelter.

Some of the Flat Mountain Pond Trail.

A simple brook crossing.

Crossing Beaver Pond.

More of the path. Notice the old rail.

The shelter and other nearby tentsites were set just at the western tip of Flat Mountain Pond. We set up camp here. This pond is situated in a beautiful spot, with amazing views up toward some of the higher peaks in the region. The nearby brook flowed from the water through a very old dam, then down a beautiful brook. The water was calm all night.

Flat Mountain Pond Shelter

On the water.

The old dam and Pond Brook.

South Tripyramid from Flat Mountain Pond

The Sleepers and Mt.Whiteface from the bog on the pond.

The next morning we continued back to the Bennett Street Trail, then to the Guinea Pond Trail, which is where we ran into some problems. The path stayed on the same railroad bed the entire way, until it suddenly stopped right on the shore of a very flooded plain. There were no blazes or herd paths around this body of water, so we ended up bushwhacking around it's north shore. We crossed the stream then found some faint blazes which we followed back to the trail on the other side of the bog.

At this point the path disappeared.

We bushwhacked until we found this blaze.
There is a faint trail at this point.

The path was much smaller and more overgrown at this point, until we reached the junction with Black Mountain Pond Trail. From this point, we followed the Guinea Pond Trail beneath some power lines and over snowmobile bridges until we found Sandwich Notch Road once again, which we had to follow for about a mile and a half back to the Algonquin Trail.

A confusing sign post.

The shoulder of Sandwich Dome from a bog.

A snowmobile bridge.

Passing beneath the power lines.

A hill as seen from the power lines.

Overall, the entire distance was 11-miles each day, but the hike was well worth the weather, We got to bag a couple peaks, and even visit some new places, like Flat Mountain Pond, a place that gets barely any visitors. The Algonquin Trail was also one of the funnest paths I've done in the Sandwich Range. While most people stick to the classic day hikes, I always like to try new routes.