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Perhaps because it's close to higher peaks like Moosilauke and the Kinsmans and a tad north of the smaller peaks traversed by the AT, like Smarts and Cube, Black Mountain is largely overlooked by the crowds swarming those summits at the end of summer. A good bet when you're looking for a good workout or a contemplative stroll without having to play leapfrog all the day long. The lower 1/4 mile of the Chippewa Trail (site of lots of beaver activity) is quite dry these days and the rest of the trail is in excellent shape. Quite steep in the middle section, yes, but well-maintained (little erosion) and relieved by the openness of the red pine forest (an unusual and attractive feature this far north) and occasional good views from side paths diverging R. The ledges en route to the summit and the summit itself afford excellent views. Spent most of the afternoon wandering around the ledges and saw only three other folks. Beautiful late summer day.
The only new feature to note -- at least one that hasn't appeared in earlier posts for this trail and isn't noted in the AMC White Mountain Guide -- is that between the L turn off the first logging road and the old cellar hole at .6 another logging road cuts perpendicularly across the trail. Keep going straight. There's a new orange blaze marking the actual route, but it's a tad obscured by the vegetation at the moment.
The lime kilns close to the trailhead are worth a visit. Impressive!
The lot at the trailhead is quite small, but there's room on the roadside -- just check first to make sure it's firm. Loose gravel almost sent me into the woods on the downhill side of the road.
Otherwise, this is a great picnic hike. A local favorite; likely to remain so. And that's a good thing.
The only new feature to note -- at least one that hasn't appeared in earlier posts for this trail and isn't noted in the AMC White Mountain Guide -- is that between the L turn off the first logging road and the old cellar hole at .6 another logging road cuts perpendicularly across the trail. Keep going straight. There's a new orange blaze marking the actual route, but it's a tad obscured by the vegetation at the moment.
The lime kilns close to the trailhead are worth a visit. Impressive!
The lot at the trailhead is quite small, but there's room on the roadside -- just check first to make sure it's firm. Loose gravel almost sent me into the woods on the downhill side of the road.
Otherwise, this is a great picnic hike. A local favorite; likely to remain so. And that's a good thing.
