Spring into Summer Hike 1: Mt Hedgehog

Three of us had a great casual Sunday hike up Mount Hedgehog with some very pleasurable weather.  Originally our hike was planned for Saturday, but after a wretched weather forecast for a 90% chance of an inch of rain we decided to postpone it one day.

Paul, his dog Blitz, Mark, and I met at the parking lot for our hike.  We agreed to wait a while for a fourth person, but he ended up being a no show.  After 25 minutes we headed off. 

The weather was partly cloudy and there was a comfortable coolness in the air.  The trail was fair with several wet areas from the heavy rains over the past few days, and all the small brooks had a nice flow of fresh mountain water.  Blitz had a great time at each brook (and a few mud puddles) enjoying a fresh drink of water and a short soak at every opportunity he got.  Even Mark joined in at one brook for a small soaking.

The Bugs were few, something we were all happy about.  Just some black flies and mosquitoes to deal with.  Shortly after our start we came across a snake in the process of devouring a frog in the middle of the trail.  Other wildlife included the typical plethora of red squirrels common to the mountains and various small songbirds.

Once we made it to the first ledge we had a lunch break.  This area offered a grand view of the valleys just north of the Sandwich Range.  The Tripyramids and Mount Passaconaway, all 4000 footers, stood tall in front of us.  The trail continued on many ledges and entered a boulder riddled forest, then it offered a good climb up ledge and rock to the summit.

Our climb down was rooty and relatively dry.  There were a few more spots with views for us to enjoy then we eventually made it back to the parking lot to end our pleasant hike.

Join Mark and me on the first of three spring hikes which will become progressively harder.  On this trip we will hike Mount Hedgehog, a 2532 foot mountain nestled along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains National Forest.

• Start Time: 11:00am
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Hiking pace: casual
• Distance: 4.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1450 feet

From the Downs Brook Trail parking lot along the Kancamagus Highway we will hike the UNH Trail clockwise.  This loop trail will first bring us to the east ledges affording views into the Mount Passaconaway valley.  Here we will break for lunch.  We will then continue to the summit of Mt. Hedgehog affording some views before returning to the parking area.

The hike should last just over four hours.  This time will be greatly dependent on the group dynamics.  Please bring at least a liter of water along with a snack and/or lunch.  Footing is generally fair on this trail, but shoes with good traction and ankle support are also suggested.

As the trip date comes closer I will send additional information to those signed up.  Please feel free to contact Mark or me with any questions you may have about the hike.