Mts. Straightback, Anna and Major 6/26/11

" A day on the Southern Belknaps" (pictures)

Difficulty: Brook Trail, Major-Belknap Trail, Boulder Trail - Moderate (loose footing and moderate ledges in spots)

Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: Yet again, another weekend with reports of unsettled weather. We were hoping to bag a 4000 footer to get back going on the list but with the chance of rain and thundershowers increasing the further North you go, we cancelled those plans! We watched the weather again in the morning and moped around trying to get somewhat motivated and figure out what to do. Finally we just packed our lunches and headed out to somewhere, anywhere! As we approached Alton it was decision time as to which way to go. The sun was poking out a bit so I decided to head for Mt. Major to take advantage of this sliver of sun before it was too late! I thought we could try and find Mt. Anna and maybe make it over to Mt. Belknap. The lot was already filling up at 8:30am and already plenty of unleashed dogs barking and running around in the parking lot. Grrr!

The humidity was going up quick so we took the long sleeves off and headed up Mt. Major Trail (blue blazes). At the junction we kept straight along Brook Trail (yellow blazes). Blazes had been freshly painted. We made our way along the gradual woods road and up the washed out hillside along the brook bank. A boring trail this time of year but was void of all but a couple hikers descending. Trails today were wet and teaming with Northern Red-Spotted Nutes! Mushrooms were also making an appearance, YAY! I LOVE mushrooms, for those who don't know!

Once we hit the junction on the ridge (Major-Belknap trail I think) we took a right and followed the trail along ledgy pine forest. A pair of Mourning Doves were hanging out along a trail section and I was excited to be able to snap a couple good pictures of one! After some time we arrived at the Mt. Straightback summit. Our third time on this peak. After pics Scott kept the lead headed in the direction for Mt. Anna. We passed the open ledges below Straighback and began to descend down other ledges. Then the trail dropped steeply next to broken ledge.

Below the ledge the forest changed dramatically to a beach tree forest and lovely mosquito's! They weren't too bad so bug spray was not needed all day. A long journey took us to an interesting ledgy climb up to a pine forested ridge and across to a junction sign. Here we were startled by a man who came out of the woods with a chain saw! Apparently he was just as startled! He noticed my Forest Society hat and asked if we were members. I told him we were new stewards for the Moose Mountains Reservation. Turns out he was a trail maintainer for the Belknap trails and used to work for the Forest Society as a Forester. A great person to meet on the trails! We asked where Mt. Anna was to find out we were standing on the summit! He pointed us to a view that was just down the trail a little more ways. He said he just topped some view obstructing trees and said we had to go check it out!

So off we went! And sure enough there was a wonderful ledge view to the South and West. Particularly of the nearby pond and on a clear day he said you could see Monadnock from this point. It was a nice and quite spot. The sky's remained overcast but otherwise rain free and it was turning out to be a pretty good day. We decided not to push our luck and head back.

So after a quick break we headed back past Anna and back up to Straightback. A young couple was taking a break at the summit and the guy was asking all sorts of questions about the trails and peaks. He was rather intrigued when I told him the mountain in the distance with the building on it was Gunstock. He was excited to learn there was a trail all the way through to it and said he would head that way.

We continued onto Mt. Major. The summit was very busy, not surprisingly. People, kids and dogs! 40 or so people, yuck! We took a quick look over Lake Winnipesaukee and the barely visible Ossipee and Sandwich Range hazed in with clouds. We weaved around the people and around the backside of the summit foundation. From here we decided to head down Boulder Trail (orange blazes).

We continued to pass people coming up and heading down. Many were making there way up the steep ledge section. I have to say, some looked like they were ready to drop dead. Some had young kids who were having a hard time and some adults were even annoyed by the onslaught of climbing. Some people just don't know what they are getting into! Then again, this very busy summer mountain has no kiosk or trail map at the parking lot. A shame considering all the tourists that visit this mountain. Many out of shape and many with children who would benefit from a sign showing the trails, distance and difficulties. We arrived back at the parking lot at 2pm, the parking lot full and cars parked down along the road.

Knight's Pond Conservation Area 4/16/11

"The Out House Still Stands!" (pictures)

Difficulty: Easy (access road and well maintained trails)

Directions: Heading North on Rt.28 in Alton, take a right onto Rines Road. The road will change to dirt, keep left at a fork. At the top of the hill is the road on the left. A small parking area is on the right for when the road is gated.

Report: The weather being "iffy" again for Saturday we decided to hit some small hikes and play out the day as it went. The plan was to head to Castle in the Clouds to view the water falls, then hit a couple other small forests/conservation areas. As we were coming close to Wolfeboro on Rt. 28 Scott mentioned checking out a place where he used to live with his sister. He said there was a farmhouse that had since burned and a big pond down a ways from the road. Now Scott hadn't been here for about 25 years and there was no telling what happened to the property. Probably a housing development or something! Well, we arrived at the now gated road with a sign reading "Knight's Pond Conservation Area". Scott was shocked, I was excited! Another pond and forest saved....YAY!!

Cold and damp we threw long sleeve shirts and wind breakers on. As we walked the dirt road it was neat to be told what the property used to look like. "There was a big farmhouse and lawn here where this birch glade is", "a garden down the hill where that chain link fence is", "there was a cow pasture up there and a pig pin here where this wire is". And, "the out house is still standing! We used to have to walk across the lawn and road to go to the bathroom!" Too funny! I remember him telling me a story about running into a moose in the dead of night while making his way to the bathroom, LOL! We continued on down the road as it descended to a small summer time parking area and a kiosk. Then the road continued to descend until it reaches the shore of the pond. Before this there is a trail sign pointing to the left.

The trail enters the woods and then brings you along the South shore of Knight's Pond following it clockwise. A Wood Duck took flight at one point and I was disappointed that it flew to the far shore. But excited to see that they are at this pond! I'll be sure to return to try and get some pics of them! Beaver activity is seen all over. Trees chewed up all along the trail and water. The trail climbs up the banking then begins to follow the marsh at the West side of the pond. Then it crosses at a beaver dam. Such a beautiful spot! We continued on the trail following the North side of this long marsh. Scott spotted a male and female Mallard in the water and I was able to snap some photo's of them!

As we continued on, rocks and boulders became prevalent as we entered a wonderful boulder field. We stopped and took a break at the largest boulder. Here there is a trail that leaves on the right and loops around the peninsula that separates the pond and the marsh. This is an easy must do and adds about 500 feet to the trip. Winds were whipping across the water here and making it very cold. This cold, windy and damp weather has to stop! There is a good view from this trail across the marsh and down to the several beaver homes. Once the loop was made and back on the main trail we continued along the East shore noting some side trails. One that cuts back across the boulder field that we must have missed somewhere. And another that went North.

Continuing along we passed some more boulders until reaching the road again at a small beach, where Scott said they would swim at. Ending the trip was a mile long road hike uphill! All told, about 4 miles. We couldn't stop talking about what a beautiful area this was and how happy we were that it was saved and conserved for wildlife! It's by far the largest undeveloped pond I have been at and love the natural state it is in. Quite, full of wildlife and just plane beautiful! A large pond, marsh and boulder field. What more can you ask for!! A plaque at the end of the road at the shore lists the Organizations and people responsible for making Knight's Pond a conservation area in 1990. Thank you to all!!

Mt. Major 2/6/11

"Frozen" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: The wind was howling outside as we awoke at 6:30am. It was an interesting night! What was originally supposed to be 3-6 inches of snow turned out to be an inch of snow and a night of sleet and freezing rain. To top that off a thunder storm rolled through about 11pm which took me by surprise! The sun was shining however this Super Bowl Sunday morning. The clouds were a-glow in dark orange as the sun rose from behind the hills. I quickly decided to scrap what was supposed to be a fresh powder snow shoe up Locke's Hill and instead do the undoubtedly ice covered Mt. Major. It had been some years since I have done Major in ice and I was excited.

We arrived at the trail head at 8:00am. Art was right on time (a Mt. Major regular) and he was heading up his usual way up the Express route off the boulder trail. We geared up, deciding to leave the little used snow shoes behind as the trail was well packed and holding a fresh crusty inch of snow. Threw the micro-spikes on and headed up the Mount Major trail. Trees were coated in ice and made an erie noise as the wind blew the branches to and fro. The rising sun shined through lighting them up like glass. I threw aside the occasional branch that lay in the trail, apparently not able to withstand the weight of the gripping ice on it's bow and falling to it's doom.

As we climbed the temperatures got cooler and the winds picked up. Scott began to fall behind but I pushed on and coaxed him along. We slowly snaked our way around bent frozen trees and snow drifts to the first ledge followed by the second ledge and then the third and final. We arrived at the summit at 9:30am. Winds were whipping at a face numbing 40 mph. Views were beautiful as always, although the Ossipee mountains and beyond were wrapped in gray snow clouds. Ice covered trees shined brightly in the sunlight up here. Snow was deep, nearly a foot and crusty on top.

Scott rejuvenated took the lead down as usual. We made our descent of the ledge and crossed paths with a lady hiking up with two dogs. One of the dogs this tiny little black thing was so cute and adorable! We talked with the lady a bit and the little dog kept barking at her to "let's go!" We soon arrived at the cut off for the Express route and made quick time down the softening snow. We passed Art on his second trip up this trail today! We chatted, I updated him on my parents whom he passed often on the trail and we returned to our descent. We arrived back down quickly, hitting the Boulder trail for a short 100 feet then back on the parking lot at 10:00am Always the perfect little hike on any day!

Mt. Major/Straightback/Straightback North 11/21/10

"A Major Figure 8" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: Once again Scott and I didn't make it to the White Mountains :'( The forecast was for bitter temperatures and a breeze, and with some things do to at home we decided to stay close by yet again. Well it turned out to still be a great day and wonderful weather! We decided on Mt. Major and figured we'd attempt to tramp some new trails. And of course I had to tell the mountain "HI" for my parents who moved to Georgia this past fall and whom are really missing "their" mountain!

We arrived at the relatively quite parking lot, maybe 8 vehicles including the red van of never-miss-a-day-on-major Art! We began at 9:30am and I decided to take the Boulder trail on the Left side of the parking lot (orange blaze). I had come down this way two or three times with my mom in the winter and was curious as to how it was on dry ground. We made our way past some boulders and stopping to put our necks and heavier hats on. The ground here-and-there was thin curly ice crystals topped with dry mud. Following the logging road we soon came to a trail off the right side. This is what I remember coming down but the blazes continued down the road. I was confused at first but realized that what I thought was the boulder trail is apparently one of the many unmarked trails on this peak.

Continuing on up a hill and through birch and beach tree glades then into a red pine glade. I love red pines!! Then we saw why this trail is called boulder trail! A huge boulder field lay ahead of us. No matter how many boulder fields I've been at it's always very cool. Midway up we began to noticed charred trees and brush. Apparently this was the area where the last forest fire occurred this past summer. Views began to peak through the trees of Alton Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. The trail became steeper as it climbed up to and around a large ledge.

On top of the ledge views open up even more and a wonderful half mile hike up this East ridge to the summit of Mt. Major. This side of the mountain was spectacular and I can't believe after 20 or so years of hiking here I had never ventured off the main trail! Ice now appeared on the trail and ledges here-and-there. The summit reached (1786') at 11:00am we were greeted by Mt. Washington glowing almost an orange color as the sun shined off it's white peak across the lake. The summit area was quite and empty, visibility was excellent! I pulled my phone out and sent a pic to my mother. The cold set in quick upon stopping so a short breather here then off to find the Quarry trail.

Down the red/blue blazed trail to the Quarry Spur junction, which we took. New territory for us now! The trail drops down to a col. through a logged area. Then climbs up to a ledgy area of Straightback North summit. We banged a right now on Quarry Trail up to the peaks wooded summit (1910'). We continued down the other side to nab some photo's of Gunstock with it's snow guns blasting white stuff on the mountain. The trail soon drops steeply and it was decided we'd head back towards Straightback instead. Once back to the North summit ledge views of Mt. Major were wonderful and unique from here. A very worthwhile side trip!

Down this small ridge to the ledges below Straightback we stopped here to relax a bit and have a lunch break at 12:30pm. The sun was glimmering off the lakes or ponds to our East. Once done with lunch we packed up and headed up over Straightback's summit (1880') and back down to the Brook Trail (yellow blaze). We followed this trail down, well, Scott did. Once we got to visibility of the brook I took off down the banking and through the woods to snap photo's! Back on the Mt. Major trail (blue blaze) we began to pass many people headed up. We finished our figure 8 loop at 2:00pm. Total mileage about 5.5 miles.

Mt. Major 11/2/10

"Playing Like Kids on Major" (pictures)

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: The original plan for Tuesday with my brother and his son Jonathan to hike Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME was shot down that morning when my brother told me that he would not have his son today. I was hoping to get JJ up on his second mountain but it would have to wait! My bro still wanted to hike so we decided he would come my way and we'd do Mt. Major. It was a beautiful day. A little cool but very nice. We made our way quickly up the Main trail passing several people along the way. We reached the ledges which had some ice here and there. A small break on the ledges, I sent a picture to my mom in Georgia who hiked this every day was missing it. Onward up the icy ledges we reached the summit 45 minutes from our start time. We spent more time up here than usual. Jeremy had not been up here in a long time and the vivibilty today was amazing. Mt. Washington as usual this time of year showing off a bright white over the Ossippee range.

After exploring the entire crown of the summit we made our way down, jumping rocks and playing around like we were kids again. I found the unmarked trail I used to take in the winter which connects from the Main trail level road area to the first ledge. Down we went running through the forest and leaf covered trail. I had to stop a few times to figure out which way the trail went, then off we went again. I was happy to make it back to the main trail knowing that my mind is still sharp enough to remember this obscure route I used to travel! Once down to the boulder section I decided to explore this area more in depth. I have never really got deep in the woods here and there is a huge expanse of boulder all along the trail. Again we jumped up, over, around, through and inside the boulders like we were kids again (and I was reminded the next morning that I was not, I was SORE!!). We finally made it back to the truck, all-in-all I think we were on the mountain 2.5 hours or so! Great afternoon and always enjoy having my Bro along with me :) (pictures)

Mts. Major & Straightback 3/13/10

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: With no ambition to tackle the Northern peaks or the drive there and with the pending windy, rainy forecast for later in the afternoon Scott and I decided to stay close to home. So we packed lightly and headed for Mt. Major with the hope to explore some of the other trails that I have been hearing about. Growing up climbing Major I never ventured off of the main trail and didn't know just how much hiking there is to do on the Belknap Range. We started out on the Main/Mt. Major trail at 8:15am, the regulars already there, Art being one of those. I noticed a basic trail map on a tree that I don't think I ever looked at before and noticed that I have had my trail names mixed up. I always thought the Main/Mt. Major trail was the Boulder trail and thought Boulder trail was the Brook trail...But the Boulder trail leaves the left side of the parking lot, Mt. Main/Mt. Major trail the right side and Brook trail stays on the logging road where the main trail breaks right.
Back on to the trip report here, the sky was overcast but the sun managed to peak through the clouds quite a bit today. Winds were certainly blowing, right through the trees even. The trail went back-and-forth from crusty packed snow to bare ground and taking a left at the Brook trail junction the snow took over with only some rock hopping on the trail and bare sections of rock on the lower an middle ledge areas, all barebootable but spikes wouldn't have hurt. Trash was showing up under the melting snow which was a bit depressing. I picked up wht I could particularly a Pringles can. Also I tried to fix the strings blocking the re-vegitation areas but some were still under frozen granular. We scaled the snow covered ledges and made Mt. Major (1786') summit around 9:30 (first stopping on some ledges below to take pics in a more wind protected spot). We took some more pics of Lake Winnipesaukee thawing out, the clear sky's North to Mt. Washington and continued on to the West side of the mountain and picked up the blue and yellow blazed trail that I had never know about!

Down some easy, pretty ledges we dropped back into the trails passing the Brook trail junction (where a small beech tree branch nearly took my eye, there were many on these on the back trails at eye level) then the Quarry Spur trail junction. Onward keeping left at both of these junctions we passed through some woods, past a small boulder and up and down some very minor PUDS. Soon we climbed opening up into an open knoll dotted with small pine trees. Then reached the cairn topped rock summit of Straightback Mt. (1890') just after 10am. Pictures taken we headed back down (removing a small blow down) the way we came and took a left onto Brook Trail. Here we passed a group of three men with Full packs, GPS units and a metal detector. I asked what they had planned and they said they were doing Major and Straightback...a bit overboard I thought and what do they plan on finding with a metal detector? But I'm not judging anyone. Down we went reaching the brook then down the logging road back to the Main trail and parking lot, finishing at 11:30am.

This was a pleasant loop hike that I plan to do more often. And I am certainly looking forward to checking out the trails and mountains around and beyond this area in the future.

Trip Overview:
Total Mileage: 4.6 miles
Total Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,450 ft.
Total Trip Time: 3hrs, 15min.
Weather/trail: Overcast with some sun. Temps in low 40's? Moderate winds on South side of Major and on the summits. Trail well packed, light traction recomended.

Pics of this hike HERE

Mt. Major 2/27/10

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: The heavy snow up North keeping me from hiking (no snow shoes) I stayed South and we did our usual up Mt. Major. Everything was covered and encased with snow, it was very pretty. The summit area was enveloped in fog which blended with the snow covered summit cone. Another mild day and always nice to spend some time with Mom! Also got to meet Art when we were descending. My mom always talks about seeing him on the trail. He is 70 (I think she said) and he hikes up and down the Major 2-4 times (back-to-back) everyday. A very pleasant, smart guy. Also talked to his friend who was asking about my White Mountain excursions. They mentioned two cat tracks down near the bottom of the trail and they were wondering if they might be Bobcat or Lynx tracks which certainly got my attention. I found them later on and based on the 1 inch length and checking my book back home it looks nothing more than a gray fox...oh, well.
Check the pics HERE

Mt. Major 11/7/09

Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rough especially on ledges)


Directions: From Alton, NH take Rt. 11 West and follow it for about 6 miles. Trail head parking lot is on the left (blue sign)

Report: With Scott down for the count with the flu I figured I would tag along with parents and hike Mt. Major in order to still get out and get some hikn' done. I met them at the lot at 9:10am, there were already a dozen cars there on this sunny day. Off we went keeping to the right of the forks which are now blocked on the left sides. My father 53 year old father kept a quick pace jogging back and forth at times I kept up to about half way, but I am not used to that pace and don't have the cardio stamina he does so I dropped back with mom. We past but a couple people and only a couple at the top (others must have went on to the other peaks).
Views were outstanding. It has been two years since I have been up on my hometown mountain and that was before I new the WMNF peaks as well as I do now. I didn't realize how many are visible from this bald peak. To the NorthEast was snow capped Moosilauke, then Sandwich Dome, Whiteface, Passaconaway, Snow capped Monroe & Washington and then the Ossipee range. About 5 minutes rest then back down. We arrived back near the bottom when the crowds began to shuffle in.

I took pics on the way down of boulders and one imparticular rock that has a root fossil which I remember from years back as a kid...always been one of my favorite trail features (besides the enormous amount of boulders). Back at the now almost full lot a group grabbed our attention. They were about 15 Chinese people, in a circle doing stretches with the leader yelling out words in there native tongue. Looked like Chinese boot camp, good for them We arrived back at the car 10:20, just over an hour, awesome Now off to meet my brother where we got breakfast (Spanish Eggs Benidict for me, Mm, Mm, Mm!)

I must say I missed this mountain and plan to spend some time on it this winter. Still a great trail despite the large amount of traffic and the view is always fabulous.
Pics of this hike here> http://www.flickr.com/photos/excape1/sets/72157622754245970/