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SUMMARY:
We'll meet at the Water Wheel in Jefferson for breakfast at 10 AM. We then meet at the parking area for the trail at 11:30AM.
Length: 5.0 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1650 feet
Elevation: 2555'
About the Hike:
Mt. Hayes is the westernmost peak in the Mahoosuc Range. It stands guard over Gorham, bounded by the Androscoggin River on two sides. A short but sprawling mass, Hayes features several cliff-fronted knobs on its southern slopes. Its main viewpoint is a ledge to the south side of the summit which offers a fine vista overlooking Gorham and the northern side of Pinkham Notch.
From the parking area at the Gorham Hydro Station, continue up the road on foot for 0.1 miles to the trailhead sign and turn right onto the Mahoosuc Trail, which leads 0.2 miles through the forest, then crosses a power line cut. It quickly joins an unnamed brook, which it follows closely for a short distance, passing a small cascade. Half a mile from the road, a spur turns right off the main trail and leads 0.2 miles to Mascot Pond, a lovely pond with mountain views across the water. Behind Mascot Pond is a dramatic gravel slide which drops from the cliffs of Leadmine Ledge.
Back on the Mahoosuc Trail, continue the gradual ascent through wonderfully open woods, crossing a grassy old road a half mile from the pond spur. The trail begins to climb more steeply, following a prominent drainage most of the way up with one small brook crossing near the beginning. The ascent is mostly straight up-slope, with few switchbacks. Some birch stands are passed along the way. The trail curves slowly to the northwest for the first 0.7 miles, then turns to the right and climbs more steeply through coniferous woods for the final 0.3 miles. The trail then levels off somewhat and a spur on the right leads out to a nice open ledge. This is 0.3 (trail) miles south of the summit and 0.5 miles south of the junction with Centennial Trail. This ledge viewpoint is notable for its excellent birds-eye view of Gorham and the Androscoggin River. It presents a fine view over the valley around the town, with a backdrop of the gigantic northern Presidentials. You can see a fair distance up the valley into the Pinkham Notch itself. Across from the towering Presidentials, you observe the lower Carter Range, which contrasts the stark gray sharpness of the high peaks with its more green, rolling nature. By moving further along the ledge, you can see to the east, where you may spot Speckled Mountain.
From the intersection of Rt 2 and NH-16, make a left onto NH-16 N. After 0.4 miles, there will be a parking area to the right right past a train bridge.
DISCLAIMER-
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (Home - Hike Safe); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).
http://www.nhfamilyhikes.com/hikes.php?hike=Mt.%20Hayes
http://www.waterwheelnh.com/
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