It was the perfect day; sunny, low 70s, windless, and peak color. Christine was familiar with the route, having been that way more than once, which was off the club road (entry by permission of a member) following LeClair Brook but keeping to the open hardwoods to the left (south) side of the main stream. Above 2800 it started getting thick and steep, and the higher we got the thicker and steeper it got, until shortly below the true top, where the thickness and steepness was complicated by low cliffs which added to the fun. The endeavor with rewarded by stunning views, for which reading other accounts had left me unprepared. On beautiful holiday weekends many mountains are standing room only because of their popularity. On North River it was standing room only because the summit is so tiny there is only room for two people. Our descent was close to the brook with its numerous tributaries and small waterfalls. The valley is quite deep and narrow, so once in it, it was easier to stay in it than try to regain the open hardwoods far above. Nevertheless, there was no blow down at all; a most unusual circumstance for an all day bushwhack! We got out at 6:30, having met no other hikers the entire day, and in time to see the sunset and the alpenglow on the mountain we had just climbed.
Away from the madding crowd on North River Mountain 10-12-2015
- Thread starter nundagao
- Start date
