Mt Moosilauke Sept 11, 2021 -- 20 years

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” — Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

September 11th 2021

Mt Moosilauke Loop: Via the Hurricane Trail, Carriage Road, Gorge Brook Trail.

• Elevation (highest point) 4817ft – Mt Moosilauke
• Distance to highest point 4.21 miles
• Total trip distance 7.46 miles.

This trip is considered MODERATE to STRENUOUS. Steep grade (down), distance, pace, exposure, and weather are all factors. Climbers should be comfortable with steady, consistent pace and possible winter conditions. A portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or alternate routes.

Group will meet at the Mt Moosilauke Lodge Parking area (Dartmouth Outing Club) at 8am and depart by 8:20.

Trail Details and Distances:

            The Hurricane Trail is a connecting trail from the lodge to the Carriage Road. This portion is fairly easy with very little elevation gain. After about 1 mile the accent will begin up the Carriage Road. The road begins to climb, “by a series of switch backs, through a beautiful mature hardwood forest with easy to moderate grades and excellent footing.”  Just over 4 miles from the parking lot the trail will emerge from tree line and cross a wind-swept ridge to the summit. The descent will follow the Gorge Brook Trail, a steep windy trail with access to water along the way.      

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can and do have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. Do not be fooled by lower elevation weather. Weather in higher elevations can be very tricky and unstable. A major portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter

It is recommended that hikers:

• Have extra dry clothing, sun, and wind protection.
• Minimum of 2 liters of water
• Expect possible winter conditions.
• It is highly recommended to bring a BLISTER KIT (DIY kits online). DO NOT wear brand-new footwear, foot first aid will be necessary.
• If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!!

For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.

Covid – The DOC Mt Moosilauke Lodge may be in full service (closed as of July 2021); it is a popular destination spot for hikers.

• Please bring a mask for the use when in close proximity to others.
• Respect people’s space
• There are a variety of mask styles to match the variety of covid opinions. Let’s be safe and respect others. We are not the only people on the trail.

Group Size: It is not fun leaving folks out of trips.

• PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me the days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into smaller groups. 
• Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Above tree line it is vital to stick to the paths and rocks. Do not stray.
• Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

Weather: The weather for this trip will be monitored the week prior. If it is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Friday prior by 6pm. If it is a cancellation, it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

For weather details;

• (NH) Mt Washington Observatory  www.mountwashington.org
• (VT) Fairbanks Museum   www.fairbanksmuseum.org/eye-on-the-sky
• National Weather Service – NOAA www.weather.gov
• (GA) Weather www.weather.com

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

• No one wants to be injured or put other in harm’s way.
• Always be prepared. Know your limits.
• Any questions feel free to contact me.

After trip social: Social gathering is possible and welcome. There are several food and beverage options. Pizza and tail gate gathering could be arranged if folks wish to do so. Discussion is open to possible overnight arrangements.

Resources used to plan this trip:

• AMC White Mountain Guide, 30th addition.
• Alltrails.com  
• US Forest Service www.usfs.gov
• NH Fish and Game www.wildlife.state.nh.us
• NH State Parks www.nhstateparks.org

Group will meet at the Mt Moosilauke Lodge Parking area (Dartmouth Outing Club) at 8am and depart by 8:20.