Hitting the Trails: 11/02/2013 Mount Madison

Saturday, 11/02/2013

Mount Madison - Mount Adams

Appalachia Trailhead / Maple Walk / Sylvan Way / Howker Ridge Trail /Osgood Trail / Mount Madison / Osgood Trail/ Star Lake Trail / Mount Adams / Lowe's Path / Randolph Path / Thunderstorm Junction / Spur Trail / Amphibrach Trail / The Links Trail

I realized I've been close to Madison a couple of times this year, but never hit the summit, so today was the day! I also wanted to get another look from Adams after my great traverse up the old Adams Slide Trail a couple of weeks ago.

I parked at Appalchia and stayed level for the first mile or so to link up with the Howker Ridge Trail. I haven't done this trail in a couple of years. Took a break at the Bear Pit, the. Kept heading up towards the ridge. There are some great views once you get above tree line and keep heading up to the junction with the Osgood Trail. I could clearly make out the cairns along the ridgeline of the Osgood Trail. The summit of Mount Madison was clear with partial views of Mount Washington, which was in the clouds. The auto road, however, was clearly visible and for the first time this season, not a single car on the road. Any summits to Washington now will not include a respite in the visitor center. I headed back down Madison towards the Hut, which was also shut down for the season. I passed a group of guys taking a break at the Hut and I continued on the Star Lake Trail towards Mount Adams.

The climb was slow and steady and I eventually reached the spot where I had intersected with the old Adams Slide Trail. I looked off in the distance for signs of any white quartz cairns marking the way, but there were none to be seen. I reached the summit of Adams where a couple were perusing a map and a solo female with shorts was waiting for the cloud cover to blow off. She generously offered to take my summit photo and both groups left me alone with the summit. After about five minutes, there was a clearing offering nice views. I headed down and briefly rejoined the couple, who were headed to Jefferson, before making my way towards Thunderstorm Junction. Surprisingly no snow to speak of, after I had seen my fair share headed to Jefferson last week.

I took some new trails (for me) back down to the Appalachia Trailhead. I'm sure this is old news, but it was the first time I had been exposed to the intricate tubing system lining a section of the woods near the trailhead. I'm assuming it's some kind of system for water, but it appeared to take quite an effort to erect this thing. What the heck is it? Why is it there? I'll have to see what Google can tell me about it.

Another great day in the mountains and it may be the last trip with no significant snow for a while, we'll see.