A fire tower still stands on the summit, although it is now used only as a viewing platform by hikers. The Forest Service recently replaced some of the wooden support posts and beams.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Kearsarge North
On Friday under partly sunny skies we climbed Kearsarge North off Hurricane Mountain Road in Jackson, NH. Although a popular hike, only a handful of other hiking parties were on the trail Friday afternoon. The 3,268' summit offers 360 degree views, considered one of the best in the White Mountains.
A fire tower still stands on the summit, although it is now used only as a viewing platform by hikers. The Forest Service recently replaced some of the wooden support posts and beams.
The 6.2-mile roundtrip hike takes about four hours. The trail passes through a variety of habitats: hardwood-pine forest, hemlock forest, rocky ledges with red and white pine, spruce-fir forest, and alpine community.
The distant views were a bit hazy from the top, although the contrast between the dark green evergreens and the colorful hardwoods was dramatic up close and afar.
While Kodi chased a chipmunk looking for a crumb around a bush, we enjoyed a sandwich and the views.
We spent three days in the mountains, staying at a friend's bungalow on the southern slope of South Doublehead. This afforded a grand view of Kearsarge North across the meadow and through the garden gate.
A fire tower still stands on the summit, although it is now used only as a viewing platform by hikers. The Forest Service recently replaced some of the wooden support posts and beams.
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Your report and photos do a fantastic job of capturing the essence and the beauty of this hike!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I want to mention that I really like the layout that you used for your photo groupings.
And, I must also add that your last photo of Kearsarge North as viewed through the garden gate is quite striking!
John
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteThanks much for your comments. We so enjoyed seeing North Kearsarge from our friend's place especially after we had just climbed it. I'm a little jealous of the spot they have, with this daily view and so close to great hiking. Their garden looked great too -- still no hard frost.
Ellen