Paul_Bear
Member
Hi all,
We're planning our annual 3 day backpacking trip for the end of February. This year we're targeting the Seward range where none of us has been.
We're looking at the first day being the approach to basecamp, the second day up and back to the summit(s), and the third day back out to the car. We'll be tenting, but aren't opposed to being near a lean-to as they make nice cooking shelters (if unoccupied).
We understand that the road isn't plowed all the way to the summer trailhead adding 3 miles or so the hike. Given the road portion plus the relatively flat approach trail we're thinking sleds would work well for the approach.
We're undecided on which route would be best for this trip - either the herd path from North or the Calkins Brook route. Most trip reports I see indicate that the Calkins Brook is more popular these days which implies less chance of serious trail breaking (good as we'll likely be only 2 or 3). I'd be happy to hear any recommendations on route selection.
As far as camping goes, if we come in from the North then the Blueberry LT seems to be a good spot for basecamp. I'm less sure where the best spot to camp would be on the Calkins Brook route. Does anyone have any campsite suggestions for this route? Somewhere near where the herd path leaves the Calkins Brook Truck Trail would be about the right spot based on distance and elevation.
Thanks for any suggestions / advice. We're hoping there will be some decent snow in the Adks. as it's been pretty bleak this year in NH. Of course we need to be careful what we ask for as in years past on this trip we've failed to summit Marshall, Dix, Marcy, etc due to deep unbroken snow and only a small group to break trail. Let's hope last years success on Marshall and Redfield will be repeated this year!
We're planning our annual 3 day backpacking trip for the end of February. This year we're targeting the Seward range where none of us has been.
We're looking at the first day being the approach to basecamp, the second day up and back to the summit(s), and the third day back out to the car. We'll be tenting, but aren't opposed to being near a lean-to as they make nice cooking shelters (if unoccupied).
We understand that the road isn't plowed all the way to the summer trailhead adding 3 miles or so the hike. Given the road portion plus the relatively flat approach trail we're thinking sleds would work well for the approach.
We're undecided on which route would be best for this trip - either the herd path from North or the Calkins Brook route. Most trip reports I see indicate that the Calkins Brook is more popular these days which implies less chance of serious trail breaking (good as we'll likely be only 2 or 3). I'd be happy to hear any recommendations on route selection.
As far as camping goes, if we come in from the North then the Blueberry LT seems to be a good spot for basecamp. I'm less sure where the best spot to camp would be on the Calkins Brook route. Does anyone have any campsite suggestions for this route? Somewhere near where the herd path leaves the Calkins Brook Truck Trail would be about the right spot based on distance and elevation.
Thanks for any suggestions / advice. We're hoping there will be some decent snow in the Adks. as it's been pretty bleak this year in NH. Of course we need to be careful what we ask for as in years past on this trip we've failed to summit Marshall, Dix, Marcy, etc due to deep unbroken snow and only a small group to break trail. Let's hope last years success on Marshall and Redfield will be repeated this year!
