Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver Brook, Herd Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

My last summer hike on a crisp fall day. Some clouds obscuring the Presis and Franconias, but otherwise great views. Beaver Brook is one stiff climb by the many cascades, but it is a trail construction marvel. Many wooden steps pinned into the ledges and many more rock steps that have clearly been cut and placed by the constructors. I can’t imagine how many people and how much time this required. The herd path to Blue is easily followed. If it seems like you’re bushwhacking, you’re off the path. No canister at the summit. It seems like many people have searched for a canister as there are several dead end paths going downhill in several directions, apparently to make sure there is no higher point. It appears someone has actually tried to block these with brush.

Parking

No issues

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

None.

Trails Used

ATV road, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Second visit to this peak and there are some confusing signs now on the new route. In 2024 we walked up the unnamed road off of Gene Jordon Rd about 2/10 mile to a posted (“do not enter-work area”) gate. We bushwhacked parallel to the road from there for a bit then straight at the peak when the road curved to the NE. This weeks visit, the gate was wide open, it was clearly marked as an ATV trail, but it said “one-way, do not enter” on the uphill direction. I’ve never seen a one way ATV trail. This trail (right at the fork off of the unnamed road) goes almost to the peak (2/10 bushwhack). It is new - it clearly wasn’t there in 2024 as I could see on GAIA that we would have crossed it numerous times. There’s a sign on the gate post that says “no ATVs” but they are using it, and it is full of directional signs for ATV’ers. It is wide and could be driven by a high clearance vehicle if not for the “One-Way” signs. Near the peak, the road appears to curve NW to a sub peak with a large American Flagpole on it. Curious where the “entrance” to this “one way” ATV trail is.

Parking

Parked on Gene Jordon Rd in a large pullout about 2/10 west of the ATV / road that heads towards the peak.

Trails Used

ATV road, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Second visit to this peak and there are some confusing signs now on the new route. In 2024 we walked up the unnamed road off of Gene Jordon Rd about 2/10 mile to a posted (“do not enter-work area”) gate. We bushwhacked parallel to the road from there for a bit then straight at the peak when the road curved to the NE. This weeks visit, the gate was wide open, it was clearly marked as an ATV trail, but it said “one-way, do not enter” on the uphill direction. I’ve never seen a one way ATV trail. This trail (right at the fork off of the unnamed road) goes almost to the peak (2/10 bushwhack). It is new - it clearly wasn’t there in 2024 as I could see on GAIA that we would have crossed it numerous times. There’s a sign on the gate post that says “no ATVs” but they are using it, and it is full of directional signs for ATV’ers. It is wide and could be driven by a high clearance vehicle if not for the “One-Way” signs. Near the peak, the road appears to curve NW to a sub peak with a large American Flagpole on it. Curious where the “entrance” to this “one way” ATV trail is.

Parking

Parked on Gene Jordon Rd in a large pullout about 2/10 west of the ATV / road that heads towards the peak.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver Brook, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beaver Brook is dry, which makes it a perfect time to climb up it. Blue was a nice spongey detour, but I still can't find the darn canister. A great way to see Moosilauke on a weekend with limited crowds (until the top).

Parking

Plenty of spots at Beaver Brook TH early in the morning and mid afternoon

Water Crossings

Easy to hop across the tiny streams

Wildlife

Very few

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver Brook, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beaver Brook is dry, which makes it a perfect time to climb up it. Blue was a nice spongey detour, but I still can't find the darn canister. A great way to see Moosilauke on a weekend with limited crowds (until the top).

Parking

Plenty of spots at Beaver Brook TH early in the morning and mid afternoon

Water Crossings

Easy to hop across the tiny streams

Wildlife

Very few

Trails Used

logging road, skidder road, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

A moderate day in the forest was had. This is a very easy and straight forward peak, so we decided to do it in expert mode in the rain. Leaving the gate, the road walk is about 3.1 miles to a log yard in the notch. At the far end, there is a skidder line that shoots uphill. You can follow this for about another 0.6, before having to bushwhack the rest of the way - about 1/4 mile. Easy woods, lots of hobblebush but can avoid largely. Scintillating time, 8 miles on the dot in 2h55. I guess the rain reduces friction and you move faster, similar to driving on ice. Found an old USFS corner along the way. Funny I can find them 3.5 miles in the woods, but can't find them when im at work.

Parking

Parked at a gate with a broken lock. Vehicular traffic stops here. I wouldn't suggest proceeding with a highway vehicle, as strong as the siren's lure is. There's several obstacles including one tire shredder culvert with no place to turn around anywhere. After seeing it from both sides, totally not worth it.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Asquam Ridge, Beaver Brook, Bushwhack, Gorge Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

A very pleasant day to venture up Asquam Ridge for the first time. It's a much gentler approach to an already gentle summit, which makes really fast going on slightly more cushioned trails. Well worth the extra mile or two if you've done Moosilauke before. The bushwhack to Blue is also well defined with lots of signs of moose activity. Everything is in great shape. Saw two northbound through hikers. Checked off another Trailwrights peak. The answer is always 'yes' if the question includes hiking Moosilauke.

Parking

About a dozen cars on the lodge road at 2pm. Only a handful around 7pm.

Water Crossings

Wood bridges make all the tough ones easy

Wildlife

Lots at the summit, but ok otherwise

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Snapper Trail, Carriage Road, Beaver Brook Trail, herd path, Asquam Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Overall pretty dry trails with many sections of muddy swampiness including significant chunks of Asquam ridge. Took the herd path for the scenic route over the summit of Blue including a pretty partial view back up to the summit from a fir wave and the most graceful bum touch ever. Forgot what summer conditions are like and other than the warm temps and not needing any traction devices not really that enthusiastic about it yet

Parking

Road had many cars tho got a great spot

Water Crossings

All well bridged

Wildlife

Pretty tame below 2k than pretty nonexistent farther up tho so many muggles sigh

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver brook trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Snow/soft ice starts in low elevation, at around 2150’. Need to be careful, it’s very steep and a fall can send you straight to the waterfall at some places! No mud, and there’s maybe one or two places that are more wet, just below the shelter. Crampons were in feet most of the time, they are essential. Flat monorail after the Benton tr jct, with snow free sections near Blue. Didn’t bother to remove the spikes (Hillsounds), except near the summit of Moosilauke.

Water Crossings

Very easy crossings, no issues

Wildlife

No bugs yet!