6/12/2021
I was in the neighborhood of Mount Moosilauke a couple weeks ago when I climbed North and South Kinsman. I recall driving by and noting just how sprawling and massive a mountain it is. I had head that the sweeping something was something to behold. So on Saturday 6/12/21, I set out for Moosilauke.
I am one for early hiking starts. Its not uncommon for me to leave the house between 3 and 4 am and be hiking around 6. I enjoy being solitary on the trail as much as possible. I enjoy people as well, just not when I am hiking so much. That said, the right people are always welcome and you know who you are.
On this day I had a morning commitment that kept me in town. I actually resigned myself to not hiking and waiting until Sunday. Changed my mind and packed before the commitment. Was on the road by 9:30 and arrived at the trailhead around 11:30 I think. Much to my dismay, and another reason for my early hiking was the parking situation. I had to park a full mile from the trailhead. I am hiking and was not concerned about the extra miles, its principal thing.
My research indicated Gorge Brook Trail would be the easiest way up. Beaver Brook Trail, on the other side of the mountain, was said to be much steeper and is on the Terrifying 25 list of scariest trails in the whites. I had recently navigated Blueberry Ledge on Mt Whiteface and was not much in the mood for a scare.
The trail starts very gradually rolling over bridges and up some rocky sections to where it eventually follows a brook for a period of time. I really enjoyed the way the forest changed along the way. From not so dense hardwoods to denser birch stands eventually to dense evergreen. It does turn steeper and rockier as the ascent continues but never gets unbearable.
The summit is where Moosilauke really shines. I had considered saving Moose for my finale, #48. I kind of wish I had. The sweeping views and long open approach are breathtaking. I had the perfect day with azure skies and puffy clouds rolling around. The only drawback, as was evidence in the parking area, was the human infestation. Again, I like people. Just not chatty or loud ones on the trail or the summit. I rolled past the summit sign a continued on down what I assume was Beaver Brook Trail. I roamed away from all the people to a quiet spot with a view of Franconia Ridge.
I really enjoyed Mt Moosilauke. It was a welcome break from what had been a stretch of very challenging hikes including the Kinsmans, Monroe and Washington the previous weekend. I did make the mistake of telling a friend that Moose was little easy. The next day Karma would make an appearance.
| Miles | Elev Gain | Time |
| 9.25 | 2,641′ | 4hrs |
Mountain Mike 
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