Favorite Hikes Thread

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05-30-2006, 10:28 AM
MassLiberal

Favorite Hikes Thread

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to hike some amazing new trail in Grafton Notch, Maine. As it was the first weekend that I have been able to get away to put some miles in my boots, I was reminded that though I am sad that skiing season is over in New England, I truly love hiking season as well.

When I returned home and checked the board, it seemed like a lot of maggots are beginning to get stoked about hiking season too. This got me thinking that given the fact that so many folks here are so knowledgeable about the region in which they live, I was curious as to what people's favorite hikes were. As I sometimes have to travel for business, I would love to take a day or weekend trip into terrain that another maggot has recommended as one of their all time favorites, so let's have at it.

For me:

Favorite Day Hike:

Mount Isolation, NH
http://image59.webshots.com/59/3/97/...4JDHawd_ph.jpg

Looking east off of Summit

http://image40.webshots.com/41/9/95/...4CaVHlz_ph.jpg

My GF reading with Mt Washington in the background

I love this hike. Of all of the 4,000 footers in NH this is one of the more isolated (hence the name) and least travelled. It's a tough day hike, but it sits in in the midst of Mount Washington and the Southern Pressies, Also, you get to frolick in the Rocky Branch river on the way out, worth the trip in itself.

Weekend:

TIE: Mount Katahdin, ME

Though it's really a day hike, the distance travelled to get there makes it an all weekend experience. It feels like a western Mountain, and if you hike it in the fall you get to see AT thru Hikers finishing an epic journey (as well as astounding colors). The best route up is the Helon Taylor trail and Knife's edge to the summit. It can be a bit scary on windy days, but the experience is unforgetable.

http://image38.webshots.com/38/0/19/...4QPNGUA_ph.jpg

Pemigewasset Loop. NH

From the Lincoln Woods Lot Hike over the Franconia Ridge and Garfield and stay at Garfield camp site, then head beack out over Guyot and the Bonds, Truly amazing hike. You'll see a lot of people on the first section, but not too many on the second. (will add photos later)

Week Long Section

Either the Long Trail from Middlebury Gap to Rt 2 or the Hundred Mile wilderness. Can't decide.
05-30-2006, 10:32 AM
pechelman

Smoky Mountain Natl Park - Alum Cave Trail and Chimney Tops

Zion Natl Park - Angels Landing (yes its touristy I suppose, but still really cool)

Havent explored as much as I would have liked yet in CO, but South Boulder Peak was fun.

edit: those are all day hikes.
and your pics are huuuuge
05-30-2006, 10:36 AM
Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo

For sentimental reasons almost any stretch of the AT in Virginia. I know its crowded but that is where I grew up and learned about backpacking and backcountry travel so it will always hold a special spot in my heart. Old Rag in VA is another fun/crowded one I will always like. In CO I am not sure I could pick one yet, still exploring.
05-30-2006, 10:46 AM
MassLiberal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo

For sentimental reasons almost any stretch of the AT in Virginia. I know its crowded but that is where I grew up and learned about backpacking and backcountry travel so it will always hold a special spot in my heart. Old Rag in VA is another fun/crowded one I will always like. In CO I am not sure I could pick one yet, still exploring.

Unfortunately, I've never had the chance to hike the AT in Virginia. The only time I was anywhere close I was working on a campaign, and didn't have time to eat let alone hike. I definitely want to get back there and check out the goods.
05-30-2006, 11:22 AM
Theodore

Huntingtons was a lot of fun. Becky Falls in Dartmoor in jolly ol England was enjoyable too, but thats also for sentimental reasons...
05-30-2006, 11:44 AM
steve

bear mountain new york, not because it's more interesting/challenging/secluded/rewarding as other mountains further north, but because it's a great 1-hour workout with a nice view at the top. plus it's 20 minutes from my house. bonus points for proximity. yup. woot.

a lot cheaper than a gym membership, too!

I have to watch out though.. the 1300 ft elevation sometimes gives me nosebleeds.
05-30-2006, 11:47 AM
MakersTeleMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve

bear mountain new york, not because it's more interesting/challenging/secluded/rewarding as other mountains further north, but because it's a great 1-hour workout with a nice view at the top. plus it's 20 minutes from my house. bonus points for proximity. yup. woot.

a lot cheaper than a gym membership, too!

I have to watch out though.. the 1300 ft elevation sometimes gives me nosebleeds.

Anthony's Nose is a much better hike.

Steve, you should check out Gertrude's Nose in New Paltz.
05-30-2006, 11:55 AM
MakersTeleMark

My all time favorite hike is Tenaya Canyon from the lake to the village.

My favorite in the Whites is Mt. Moriah.
05-30-2006, 12:00 PM
steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakersTeleMark

Anthony's Nose is a much better hike.

I want to maximize my vertical.. bear has an extra 200 feet. (:

actually, I've not yet done tony's nose.. nor popolopen torne.. I'd like to do both. soon.
It's funny you mentioned new paltz.. I just bought a gunks trail map three days ago.. I was going to head up one of these weekends.
perhaps I'll check out gertrudes..

-steve
05-30-2006, 12:15 PM
Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

Unfortunately, I've never had the chance to hike the AT in Virginia. The only time I was anywhere close I was working on a campaign, and didn't have time to eat let alone hike. I definitely want to get back there and check out the goods.

You definitely should. Its humid in the summer(what else is new) but some of the more remote stretches can be uncrowded. There were even some weekends in high school we would hit some sections right off Skyline Drive(also beautiful) and not see but maybe one or two other people. I guess they figure why hike when you can catch the views from your car. Their loss is our gain.
05-30-2006, 01:45 PM
StormRider

Whites – It will always be the Tucks route to the summit of Washington. Tucks is a bit of a home away from home away from home…

Wasatch – From Alta up to Catherine’s Pass down to Brighton across the parking lot up the Millicent side of Brighton and down Grizzle Gulch. It’s better as a trail run than a hike.

JH – Probably Jackson Peak but I’ve got a few on the list for this year that may top it.
05-30-2006, 04:33 PM
MassLiberal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo

You definitely should. Its humid in the summer(what else is new) but some of the more remote stretches can be uncrowded. There were even some weekends in high school we would hit some sections right off Skyline Drive(also beautiful) and not see but maybe one or two other people. I guess they figure why hike when you can catch the views from your car. Their loss is our gain.

I guess that's the way it works, huh? Oh well, I', glad a lot of people stay in their cars, more solitude for me.
05-30-2006, 05:17 PM
nhtele

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

Weekend:

Pemigewasset Loop. NH

From the Lincoln Woods Lot Hike over the Franconia Ridge and Garfield and stay at Garfield camp site, then head beack out over Guyot and the Bonds, Truly amazing hike. You'll see a lot of people on the first section, but not too many on the second. (will add photos later)

Sounds more like a dayhike to me:fmicon:
05-30-2006, 05:35 PM
MassLiberal

It's been done in a day. But it's such a beautiful hike, you might want to do it in two first, especially since it's 34 miles.

On that note.... You down for an attempt this summer?????
05-30-2006, 05:41 PM
rideit

The 'W', Torres Del Paine, Chile
http://www.8wwc.org/images/credits/T...ohn%20mitt.jpg
Cordillera Blanca, Huascaran, Peru
http://peaksandplaces.com/images/hua...frontpage.jpeg
Table mountain, Tetons
http://www.griztrax.net/hiking/Jeded...benchtrail.jpg
Skafell Peak, lake District, England
http://www.mountaindays.net/gallery/...ig/2005-07.JPG
05-30-2006, 05:51 PM
MassLiberal

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideit

The 'W', Torres Del Paine, Chile
http://www.8wwc.org/images/credits/T...ohn%20mitt.jpg

I had that view from my tent for 1/2 a month while I was doin a biodiversity study on pumas in Torres Del Paines in January 06. Talk about awesome.
05-30-2006, 05:54 PM
rideit

It would be an INCREDIBLE planet, if it weren't for all those silly humans.

(Puma studies in Patagonia? How many are left?....I was there in December, and my guide told me I had shot the last one....LIAR!:tongue: )
05-30-2006, 06:38 PM
MassLiberal

My friend got pretty close to getting eaten by one.

Though I was technically part of the Biodiversity study, my role was limited to walking around and collecting puma scat. I sorta stretched the truth in order to get in on the trip (a science background was necessary to be involved on the trip, so I said that I was an "anthropology" student, I just neglected to mention that I was a "cultural," and not a "physical" anthropologist)
05-30-2006, 07:15 PM
MuleSkinner

I second Table Mountain. Also, Death Caynon to Cascade Canyon in GTNP and any part of the Teton Crest Trail and for dog friendly hikes - Jackson Peak and the Sleeping Indian.
05-30-2006, 07:23 PM
BeanDip4All

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

Mount Katahdin, ME

Though it's really a day hike, the distance travelled to get there makes it an all weekend experience. It feels like a western Mountain, and if you hike it in the fall you get to see AT thru Hikers finishing an epic journey (as well as astounding colors). The best route up is the Helon Taylor trail and Knife's edge to the summit. It can be a bit scary on windy days, but the experience is unforgetable.

Pemigewasset Loop. NH

From the Lincoln Woods Lot Hike over the Franconia Ridge and Garfield and stay at Garfield camp site, then head beack out over Guyot and the Bonds, Truly amazing hike. You'll see a lot of people on the first section, but not too many on the second. (will add photos later)

Also a fan of those two. I'll throw in hiking up the back of Cannon Mt. and then over to the Mittersill. Coppermine trail takes you to Bridaveil Falls- nice day hike.

Did Wittenberg in NY this weekend and the views were nice, but... feh...all those rolling green hills- it really made me really miss the white mountains. :frown:
05-30-2006, 07:43 PM
benDover

Pennsy--Bear's Rocks.....great in the fall on a full moon. Makes Allentown and Betheham look not so dismal.

Whites--second the tuck's all the way, that's where I proposed to my wife. Second anny on Monday!

Maine--Katadin of course, but a close second to Beehive Buttress/Mount Champlain Trail in Acadia. Double Top in Baxter State Park is also sweet if the Katadin parking is full.

Montana--Emerald Lake, Mount Blackmore, and a sweet stash on Dudley Creek to Wilson Peak.

But, my all time favorite is Mount Olympus in the Olympics. Great animals, great views, lots of challenges, but bring a raincoat!
05-30-2006, 07:47 PM
steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by TacomaLuv

Did Wittenberg in NY this weekend and the views were nice, but... feh...all those rolling green hills- it really made me really miss the white mountains. :frown:

Wittenberg was actually my first catskills hike.. 5 years ago now.
It still is one of my favorite hikes in the area - but yeah - the catskills in general doesn't really hold a candle to other parts in the northeast, to speak nothing about california.
05-30-2006, 08:15 PM
Kiki

I am a big fan of my sled!!! "I love the smell of 2 stroke in the morning"
05-30-2006, 09:10 PM
nick > jesus

buchanan pass to saw tooth mountain, me and Adam plan it ski it this winter, beautiful hike in the summer, wilderness area, no bike no motors, its nice.
http://bdagger.colorado.edu/~wachter...0-4092_IMG.JPG
05-30-2006, 09:12 PM
nick > jesus

Shit, sorry bout the size, but i really like that picture and don't know how to re-size
05-31-2006, 12:31 AM
Chainsaw_Willie

Chain Lakes, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA.

http://willbaker.com/Outdoors/photog...igchainlks.jpg

Mt. Stuart as seen from the rim of the Circle Lake cirque, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA.

http://willbaker.com/Outdoors/photog...igmtstuart.jpg

Gold Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA

http://willbaker.com/Outdoors/photog...orngclouds.jpg
05-31-2006, 08:29 AM
nhtele

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

It's been done in a day. But it's such a beautiful hike, you might want to do it in two first, especially since it's 34 miles.

On that note.... You down for an attempt this summer?????

I've done 2/3 of it in a day - ran out of daylight, as I started at 2pm.

I am very keen to get into the whites this summer, and would love to carpool given the price of fuel.

goals:
Great Circle
Presi Traverse
a coupla 1/2 marathons in the Pemi in under 2 hrs. each
4-Notch Roadbike Loop
05-31-2006, 08:32 AM
MassLiberal

Can't dog and I will definitely do the 4 notch bike route with you Pinkham, crawford, franconia and evans right?

and I'm down for a pemi or presi traverse any day of the week (and I mean midweek too). I also made it through 2/3 of the pemi loop till I ran out of light. Started at 11 though.
05-31-2006, 08:40 AM
biggins

While it may be the most crowded hike in NE, Falling Waters/Three Summits in Franconia is pretty dang fun.

As far as sentimental favorites go: Thousand steps trail up Avon Mt. in CT was a favorite back in my Indian Guides days. And good ol' Graylock from camp days was an easy fave.
05-31-2006, 08:48 AM
peterslovo

I love the classic line through Mahoosuc Notch and up over Old Speck (of course with a stop at Speck Pond prior to scrambling up Speck), and descending down into Grafton Notch SP to finish it out. Then over to Sunday River Brew Pub for some beers!
05-31-2006, 09:00 AM
MassLiberal

I was there this past weekend!

There is a new trail "the grafton loop" that goes from old speck to sunday river whitecap, stowe mountain and bald mtn, then crosses over 26 and goes up Puzzle mountain then follows the ridge over the baldpates back into the notch.

The Western side isn't quite open to the public yet, but the views from Sunday River whitecap are phenomenal!!

Chainsaw, those are sweet shots, I;ll be riding my bike across washington this summer, and will definately be planning on some hikes.
05-31-2006, 09:09 AM
peterslovo

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

I was there this past weekend!

There is a new trail "the grafton loop" that goes from old speck to sunday river whitecap, stowe mountain and bald mtn, then crosses over 26 and goes up Puzzle mountain then follows the ridge over the baldpates back into the notch.

Sounds nice.

Was there snow in the Notch or on the AT?

Have you done the Wright Trail approach to the AT near Goose Eye?
05-31-2006, 09:14 AM
MassLiberal

There was snow up on top of old speck on the northern side. But none in the notch. The heavy rain we've had wiped what was left out.

I have done the wright trail. Right now, my guess is that it's pretty much under water.
05-31-2006, 09:47 AM
teledave

Quote:

Originally Posted by pechelman

Smoky Mountain Natl Park - Alum Cave Trail and Chimney Tops

Who'da thunk two of my favorites would have been in the second post in this thread. I was just up on LeConte on Monday.
05-31-2006, 10:02 AM
nhtele

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

Can't dog and I will definitely do the 4 notch bike route with you Pinkham, crawford, franconia and evans right?

and I'm down for a pemi or presi traverse any day of the week (and I mean midweek too). I also made it through 2/3 of the pemi loop till I ran out of light. Started at 11 though.

4 Notch I had in mind is Franconia, Crawford, Bear, and Kancamagus Pass. That'll have to be in August so that I can get some saddle time under my belt before riding with you guys.

I'm pretty much a 9-5er in the summer, but can probably get out early on Fridays.
05-31-2006, 10:19 AM
MassLiberal

dude, it's called the flu! I get it at least three time a year!
08-10-2006, 03:24 PM
Natedogg

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassLiberal

It's been done in a day. But it's such a beautiful hike, you might want to do it in two first, especially since it's 34 miles.

On that note.... You down for an attempt this summer?????

I know this thread is about 3 months old, but I was just talking to some buddies about doing the Pemi Loop... We are going for it Sept 30--hope it wont be too cold to fast pack it...

We attempted a double Presi-Carter traverse last fall a few weeks earlier even but got froze out of doing the Wildcat/Carter length. Id have to imagine that 40+ miles with 20 deg gear in one day would be tough...