<![CDATA[Views From The Top - Forums - Q&A - New England]]> http://www.vftt.org/forums/ - discussion forum dedicated to backcountry pursuits in New England en Tue, 21 May 2013 20:46:45 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.vftt.org/forums/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Views From The Top - Forums - Q&A - New England]]> http://www.vftt.org/forums/ GPS track for Scar Ridge? http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49108-GPS-track-for-Scar-Ridge&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 22:44:42 GMT Hiking Scar Ridge on June 2nd. I have one track for my GPS but typically use more than one to help with my bearings. Will also rely on my compass and the fine descriptions of prior hikes. If you are willing to send me your track, just let me know and I will give you my email. Hiking Scar Ridge on June 2nd. I have one track for my GPS but typically use more than one to help with my bearings. Will also rely on my compass and the fine descriptions of prior hikes. If you are willing to send me your track, just let me know and I will give you my email. ]]> Peppersass http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49108-GPS-track-for-Scar-Ridge MATC needs trail maintainers http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49094-MATC-needs-trail-maintainers&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 01:09:13 GMT Friends, last year I adopted a section of the Grafton Loop Trail after years of saying I was going to get involved in trail maintenance. It has been a very rewarding experience. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club is a great group of friendly folks, and there are no expensive training weekends... Friends, last year I adopted a section of the Grafton Loop Trail after years of saying I was going to get involved in trail maintenance. It has been a very rewarding experience.

The Maine Appalachian Trail Club is a great group of friendly folks, and there are no expensive training weekends required. There are several prime sections available currently. Check the MATC website or like their Facebook page for more info. ]]> Maineman http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49094-MATC-needs-trail-maintainers Saddleback Via the Ski Slopes http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49092-Saddleback-Via-the-Ski-Slopes&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:04 GMT It has been many years since I hiked Saddleback Mtn and the Horn. Is there still a trail available to hikers that goes up the Saddleback ski slopes? Thanks! It has been many years since I hiked Saddleback Mtn and the Horn. Is there still a trail available to hikers that goes up the Saddleback ski slopes?

Thanks! ]]> Ashfordite http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49092-Saddleback-Via-the-Ski-Slopes Mt Isolation 5/18/13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49088-Mt-Isolation-5-18-13&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 22:48:20 GMT *Date of Hike:* May 18, 2013 *Glen Boulder Tr, Davis Path, Summit, Davis Path, Isolation Trail, Rocky Branch * *Back Story :* We had to cancel this trip last week due to rain. We got reports from Friday that ridge still had snow, so some packed their snowshoes. *Trail Conditions:* Glen... Date of Hike: May 18, 2013

Glen Boulder Tr, Davis Path, Summit, Davis Path, Isolation Trail, Rocky Branch


Back Story : We had to cancel this trip last week due to rain. We got reports from Friday that ridge still had snow, so some packed their snowshoes.

Trail Conditions: Glen Boulder Trail and most part of Davis Path was clear all the way. Fantastic views behind us. We had to stop many times to take shots and enjoy the view. Couple of us in the group was surprised by rock climbing, hiking part of the day right before Slide Peak. Last .5 miles of Davis Path before hitting West Isolation trail and first .1 mile of Davis Path after West Isolation junction was terrible due to blowdowns. We had to go under the trees, above them, and mostly make our own way around them. It was absolutely doable, but time consuming. There was still melting snow that was postholed badly. Some members of the group tried to use snowshoes. They described the experience as "the snow shoes were more of a pain than helpful". Coming down, .3 miles or so of Isolation trail was pretty much the same as far as blowdowns. As soon as we passed them, it was easier despite wet grounds. All water crossings before hitting Rocky Branch Trail was high, but manageable with careful rock hopping. Once we were on Rocky Branch, first .9 miles were pretty wet. The rest of the way was dry and easy.

Special Equipment Used: You will need a good, very good pair of serious waterproof shoes. Hiking poles were very helpful, especially coming down over the rocks, crossings brooks. No need for anything else.

Comments: I was with my beautiful Xena ( my one year old Black Lab ) and Sarah, Ben, Stef, Jes, and Greg. This was my 43nd 4000 footer. Getting real close.

Edit: I was informed by a fellow hiker that two hikers cleaned about 25 of blowdowns on Davis Path. I wish I had a saw, I definitely would help out and contribute. I also didn`t know what the rule would be about cutting trees on the trail randomly. Regardless, as the informer suggested "If everyone cleared just a blowdown or two on their way through, big messes would be gone in no time. Just a suggestion if you want to give back to the hiking community and make your hikes a little easier".


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Attached Images
]]> Bkutuk http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49088-Mt-Isolation-5-18-13 Black Flies http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49048-Black-Flies&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 23:52:14 GMT I was in the Whites on 5/4 and there were none and I'm hiking 5/18 so wondering if the beasts have arrived. Anyone have a status? ]]> SherpaTom http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49048-Black-Flies Want to do a Presi traverse in Aug - but not in one day. http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49036-Want-to-do-a-Presi-traverse-in-Aug-but-not-in-one-day&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 03:45:26 GMT Hi! First of all this is my first post on VFTT and I'm pretty excited to be a new member. Ever since meeting my fiancee (she is an ex guide from California) we've been trying to find good hikes/treks on the east coast (we live in NYC) with mixed success. We really enjoy Breakneck Ridge and the other hikes in the hudson valley, and have done some good treks in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks that have been good.

I recently learned about the Presidential Traverse - and I want to do it! We're planning on doing it with some friends, and a combination of knee issues and lack of experience on the part of some of our members means we can't do it in one day. Now the obvious answer is the huts, but those are all booked solid for all the weekends we have.

I have two questions:

1. Is there a feasible route for 2-3 days that stops at campgrounds below the treeline? Everything I've read is along the lines of "well it's a huge descent and good luck finding a piece of flat dry ground without trees" - we had that experience in the high peaks and had a very late night where we had to navigate in darkness to a shelter that was FAR off our planned route because the hope that we would be able to find a campsite was in vain. I'm trying to avoid that. I'm looking for concrete sort of Day 1 - here to here via this route, Day 2 - here to here via this route, etc.

2. If there isn't, can you guys suggest a similar 2-3 day route in the whites? If we don't traverse in our first time out there, that's ok. We're just looking to summit some peaks, see some sights, and spend time with friends in the outdoors. Any and all suggestions welcome, though I think it would be great to have a day where we pick up the traverse trail and stop by one of the huts.

Thanks so much for having me as a member! I look forward to the fun we'll have! ]]> Spiffae http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49036-Want-to-do-a-Presi-traverse-in-Aug-but-not-in-one-day Awesome Spur Trails http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49030-Awesome-Spur-Trails&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 21:46:26 GMT I noticed that the Owl's Cliff spur wasn't included in the 'Redlining' Excel workbook. It's a really cool spot and I'm surprised it wasn't added. Any one else notice any other spurs that aren't included and should be considered don't miss? ]]> TJsName http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49030-Awesome-Spur-Trails Cog http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49018-Cog&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 20:26:01 GMT Did it really open April 27 this year as advertized?? Did it really open April 27 this year as advertized?? ]]> rup http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49018-Cog Saddleback/Horn INFO ?? http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49008-Saddleback-Horn-INFO&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 07:43:16 GMT (moderator: please disregard/delete my last post of same title if it got through i lost connection before submitting)

I completed the NH4ks march 9th and plan on starting on the ME4Ks with Saddleback&Horn next tueday (may 14). I dont have as much info on the ME peaks as i did on the NH peaks and the AMC guide book i ordered hasnt arrived yet. I'd appeciate any trail info and best guess at conditions. I have a gps track from the ski area (~7 miles), but see that the AT off rt 4 is another option, but i'm not sure of the distance that way or the relative elevation gain or book times of the two routes. I am also considering doing Old Speck as my 1st ME peak instead, so any info on that peak or suggestions of which would be better to do for current conditons. I'm driving up from RI, so doing the ME peaks need a good level confidence of success before i do them, but tuesday/wednesday looks pretty good weather wise.

If I do the AT route I may consider overnighting at the piazza tent site tuesday night befor driving back. Any info or advice on that? ]]> 1SlowHiker http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49008-Saddleback-Horn-INFO Mt Cabot under Rain 5/11/13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49006-Mt-Cabot-under-Rain-5-11-13&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 04:05:22 GMT *Date of Hike:* May 11, 2013 *York Pond Tr, Bunnell Notch Tr, Kilkenny Ridge Tr, Mt Cabot Tr * *Back Story :* A few friends and I were planning to hike Isolation today. We made our plans three weeks ago. However, due to rain we all backed out. So, Saturday morning I got up, did some chores... Date of Hike: May 11, 2013

York Pond Tr, Bunnell Notch Tr, Kilkenny Ridge Tr, Mt Cabot Tr


Back Story : A few friends and I were planning to hike Isolation today. We made our plans three weeks ago. However, due to rain we all backed out. So, Saturday morning I got up, did some chores around the house, took kids to the library. When I came back home, weather looked somewhat better than what they said. I grabbed my stuff quickly and and lovely hiking partner Xena ( my dog ), and we headed for Cabot. Stupid thing is that I didn`t check on Cabot at all before I left home. So I arrive there, there is a gate and it says it will close at 4:30 pm. On top of that there is a car parked outside the gate. I am thinking there is no way I will be back in time since it is already 2 pm. Needless to say, I left my car right before the gate. I don`t even know how much of a walk it is from gate to York Pond Tr trailhead. I did walk for an easy 1 mile, then texted a friend and asked. She said they don`t lock the gate. Of course, I am mad and everything and I turned around to my car. On the way to the car, Xena plays hide and seek with me around the hatchery for half an hour. By the time I got her into the car, I decided not to hike today. So I drove back to Gorham, grabbed a coffee. Must be hormones, I decided to go back ( might be my stubborn spirit too ). I am glad I did. So, I started at 4 pm at this point.

Trail Conditions: Trails were all wet and muddy due to snow melting and today`s rain. There were several blowdowns, all manageable but one you have to go around. Rocks were very slippery as well. Once you get to Cabot Trail Unmaintained section, there is more and more ice. They were all easy, but you had to watch where you are going more carefully if you had no microspikes. First and only big water crossing was high. Even though it was probably rock hoppable, Xena and I used two blowdown trees right on the left to the trail. Cabin on the summit was empty. At the beginning, I saw a father and a daughter who stayed in Unknown Pond shelter the day before. Other than them ? just us crazies up there all day.

Special Equipment Used: You will need a good, very good pair of serious waterproof shoes. Hiking poles were very helpful, especially coming down over the rocks. No need for anything else.

Comments: I was with my beautiful Xena ( my one year old Black Lab ). This was my 42nd 4000 footer. Getting real close.

Book Time: 6 Hours
Our Time : 4.5 hours ( includes 15 minutes break in the cabin and all of photography)

Baha and Xena ]]> Bkutuk http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49006-Mt-Cabot-under-Rain-5-11-13 Moat Mtn Tr - Passaconaway Road http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48995-Moat-Mtn-Tr-Passaconaway-Road&goto=newpost Fri, 10 May 2013 17:20:33 GMT Anyone know if Passaconaway Road is open? And is the parking for Moat Mountain Trail open? Thinking of going this route for an out and back or South and Middle Moats and maybe dabble along Red Ridge if I want to go that far out. Have never driven on or even see that road though which is... Anyone know if Passaconaway Road is open?

And is the parking for Moat Mountain Trail open?

Thinking of going this route for an out and back or South and Middle Moats and maybe dabble along Red Ridge if I want to go that far out.

Have never driven on or even see that road though which is off the Kanc? Is the turnoff from the Kanc easy to find also?

Thanks for any info on this or even the trail too. ]]> shamples http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48995-Moat-Mtn-Tr-Passaconaway-Road Belknap 12 in a day routing? http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48991-Belknap-12-in-a-day-routing&goto=newpost Fri, 10 May 2013 11:30:49 GMT I'ld like to do the Belknap 12 in a day. Looking for some info on the best sequence and routing? I'm not looking to do this as a complete loop on foot, I'm open to car hopping where it may be more efficient. I found this TR and was wondering if this was the best sequence?

Edit:
Just found this Map that looks very helpfull:
http://belknaprange.org/images/Two-s...ap_1.23.13.pdf ]]> surf88 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48991-Belknap-12-in-a-day-routing Some Wildcat ski trails closed to all use until further notice http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48987-Some-Wildcat-ski-trails-closed-to-all-use-until-further-notice&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 14:27:35 GMT Temporary closure of ski trails on Wildcat mountain to ALL recreational use until June 21st. Includes the typical route for hikers. I imagine this is due to the demolition work occuring on the summit which I posted about earlier, since it seems to encompass the work road access. ... Temporary closure of ski trails on Wildcat mountain to ALL recreational use until June 21st. Includes the typical route for hikers. I imagine this is due to the demolition work occuring on the summit which I posted about earlier, since it seems to encompass the work road access.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5419445.pdf

Trails listed are:
Upper Polecat
Middle Polecat
Lower Polecat
Stray Cat
Tom Cat
Upper Lynx
Upper Wildcat
Top Cat and Black Cat above Cat Track ]]> MichaelJ http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48987-Some-Wildcat-ski-trails-closed-to-all-use-until-further-notice Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48984-Ammonoosuc-Ravine-Trail&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 22:18:41 GMT Havent seen much on the sites about the status of this trail. Met a hiker on the Presidential's that said it is still pretty snowy and tough to manuever in spots. I have never hiked it before but I have been told its pretty easy in summer. Looking at the Ammo to Washington and down the Jewell. ]]> ChacoTaco http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48984-Ammonoosuc-Ravine-Trail Trip Planning/Suggestions for Mount Katahdin http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48979-Trip-Planning-Suggestions-for-Mount-Katahdin&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 18:52:28 GMT We're planning a 3 day trip this early summer to finally tackle Mount Katahdin (after finishing our WM48 this past summer) and, honestly, I find many of the maps and guides confusing WRT which campground and trail combinations are best.

We'll be driving up, so we'll have to put a car somewhere, and we're planning 3 days / 2 nights camping (Day 1: drive up | Day 2: Hike the mountain all day | Day 3: drive home).

Should we plan TWO days to be on the mountain?

We don't care whether it's backcountry camping or sites near the road -- possibly Katahdin Stream or Abol and possibly Chimney Pond for one night?

Anyone that's done it, that can share their trip strategy, I'd much appreciate the guidance. Finally, I'm curious to know the best trails for views/experience too.

JW ]]> http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?48979-Trip-Planning-Suggestions-for-Mount-Katahdin