Also on this trip
Trails Used
Gorge Brook Trail, abandoned Gorge Brook Slide Trail, bushwhack, Carriage Road, Beaver Brook Trail, herd path, Asquam Ridge Trail
Trail Conditions
Notes
A beautiful day for another big loop over Moosilauke, incorporating a fifth ascent of the old Gorge Brook Slide Trail. Every time I make this climb, it's different. The bottom is starting to get choked with small blowdowns and higher up requires pushing through spruce in spots. Thankfully, the ledge sections were dry. Above the slide, the old trail is obvious in the woods at first but fades out pretty quickly. Just bushwhack uphill. Smooth sailing on Carriage Road, which is down to one lane in places due to spruce growth. Gonna need to be cut back to accommodate skiers. The summit was busy, with a lot of hikers there when I arrived, joined by two groups of backpackers who came up Beaver Brook Trail. Weather on top was delightfully cool and comfortable, a welcome change from this summer's heat and humidity. While it is a longer return route at almost six miles, the walk back on Beaver Brook and Asquam Ridge trails is generally quiet, with no other souls seen on the latter. The perfect way to end a full day on one of my favorite mountains.
Parking
Roadside in the designated hiker parking at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge.
Wildlife
None!