Trip/Event Location: Bretton Woods, NHUS
Trip Leader(s): HikerBiker , DaveSchumaker
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Mt. Pierce, we'll take Crawford Path, the affords the quickest ascent of the mountain, heading straight up from Crawford Notch. From the parking area on the Mt Clinton Road, take the
Trailhead Parking: The traihead for the Crawford Connector is located off Mount Clinton Road, off of Route 302, in Crawford Notch. The Mount Clinton Road is near the AMC's Highland Center on the other side of the road.
From Boston, central and south-central New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord, etc.):
From eastern and southeastern New Hampshire (Portsmouth, etc.):
From Portland, Maine: Take Route 302 West approximately 10 miles to the Highland Center. Then 0.2 miles after, then turn right on to Mount Clinton Road. Almost immediately turning onto Mount Clinton Road, take your first left into a large parking lot.
Lodging Option: Mike and Jon were nice enough to offer their home for the weekend. There are 8 bunks available with linen for both Friday and Saturday night at their house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. There are also tent platforms available. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. Contact me or Carlos to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.
Eleven of us started the day at 9am and hiked the historic Crawford Path, built in 1819, to the summit of Mount Pierce. The trails were very moist with flowing water in some areas. Maintaining dry shoes during the accent was not an issue. We paced ourselves with plenty of breaks along the way, trading off the flag pole, checking out the waterfalls, and viewing a few scenic spots.
We arrived on top of Mount Pierce with a little time to spare before noon, the official start time for flying our nations colors. Though slightly early, we did not hesitate to set the flag up and hoist it high above the krumboltz for all to see. With a mostly clear day and all of the surrounding mountain summits in the clear, except Mount Washington as usual, we were certain that hikers on other peaks were able to see our flag. Our group than settled down for lunch and a two hour stay at the top. We kept busy with looking for flags on other peaks in the area, reading magazines and maps, having casual conversation with the many wonderful hikers who visited the flag and summit, and resting in the warm sun.
When 2pm came we packed up our scattered belongings, lowered the flag, than began our decent using the Appalachian Trail to the Mizpah Spring Hut than the Mizpah Cut-off back to the Crawford Path and parking area.
Here is a video which shows our experience much better than words can: http://youtu.be/vx5cYNAaX0o
Gay Outdoors is proud to sponsor a mountain peak each year for the Flags On The 48 event. Now we have hoisted the flag on South Twin Mountain, Mount Tecumseh, and Mount Pierce. Which peak will next year bring?
-WalkaboutBrian-
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
Comment: a wonderful day with a fine group of men on a peaceful mountain. A nice way to honor the memory of those lost on 9/11.
Comment: Here is a video of our hike: www.youtube.com/user/AWildEye?feature=mhsn#p/a/u/0/vx5cYNAaX0o
Comment: What a great day for our hike! It was wonderful to see so many people visit the summit during our stay.
