Fred, Jeff, and Mo elected to join me on this hike.  After three days of rain earlier in the week, we were ready to hit the trail on a sunny, windless, post-foliage day.  Actually the North Kearsarge trail didn’t appear to have many broadleaf trees.  There were numerous orange, long needles on the trail from surrounding pine trees at the lower elevation, but as we ascended a hemlock forest unfolded.  The temperature was cool, but not so cold as to prevent us from sweating.

Our ascent was a typical White Mountains hike – watch for tree roots, granite rocks, and some pooled water and mud due to rain.  We reached the summit at noontime.  We had lunch there, took in the magnificent 360 degree views, and explored the observation tower with it nice lumber flooring.  The rangers had left a note imploring visitors not to engrave their names in the woodwork.  We signed the register book instead.

The “restroom” near the summit is unique in being just a wooden bathroom stool not enclosed in an outhouse building.  There are however two wooden walls strategically placed so you aren’t mooning or revealing your family jewels to anyone coming to use the privy.  An accompanying photo shows the restroom when not in use.

As we descended we looked for an unmaintained trail over to Mt Bartlett, which Jeff was interested in.  We found the trail, but given it was not on today’s itinerary it was “the trail not taken”.  Someday perhaps we will explore Mt Barrett (as well as a "mole hill" called Mt Surprise).

The hike took us about 5¾ hours, including 45 minutes spent on the summit.

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