1HappyHiker
Well-known member
On each of my recent visits to North Twin via the North Twin Trail, there were full intentions of going over to South Twin. However, for one reason or another, North Twin was where the journey ended. So, since it had been over a year since last visiting South Twin, I decided to make it my single focus to go there (and there alone!!), and allow ample “hang-out” time once I got there.
To assure that I wouldn’t somehow get waylaid again on North Twin, I chose the Gale River Trail as my launch point to South Twin. I’m certain that it’s just a personal thing, but the only thing I have against the Gale River Trail is the segment from the trailhead up to the first crossing of the Gale River. It only takes about 30 minutes to do this segment, but man, do I ever find it boring!
Anyway, after enduring the “dreaded 30 minutes”, the first water crossing was problem-free. The second crossing was not quite the “hop, skip and jump” like the first crossing, but still doable. It involved having a few inches of water run over the boots while stepping on a couple of submerged rocks. But, that’s why we all buy expensive hiking boots to deal with these situations . . . right!?
As said at the beginning, I wanted to stay focused and eliminate factors that might thwart a return visit to South Twin, and I also wanted to enjoy some “hang-out time” on the summit. So, when I came to the intersection where I could either go to the Galehead Hut, or continue on to South Twin, I chose to continue on to South Twin!! This eliminated the temptation to spend time having interesting conversations with folks at the hut, and/or convincing myself to add on Galehead Mountain before going to South Twin.
Much is often said about how grueling the climb is from Galehead Hut to South Twin. And, there is indeed a hefty elevation gain of 1,150 feet in only 0.8 mile. However, for whatever reason, this climb just doesn’t seem overly strenuous to me. But again, maybe it’s just a personal thing, sort of like my dislike for the first 30 minutes of the Gale River Trail?!
Once atop South Twin, there was no wind, which is always a pleasant surprise!! And, since it was a clear day, it was no surprise that there were the usual spectacular views that South Twin offers. But, rather than bore you with a cavalcade of photos, I’ll just post a few shots shown below.
I find the Presidentials to be impressive regardless of whether they are being viewed from this particular mountaintop, or from some other spot.
Although the peak foliage color is pretty much gone, there's still some color left as seen in the shot above, and also in the two photos below (one looking toward Garfield, and the other looking toward Owl’s Head resting in the middle of the Pemi).
When descending South Twin, it’s sort of awesome looking down at the Galehead Hut far beneath you (the hut is just visible in the center-right portion of the picture below).
The above view was the only view of the hut that I got on this particular trip. Because, just like on my way up, I didn’t stop by there on my way down either. I spent too much time lingering on South Twin. But after all, “lingering” was part of the game plan!!
1HappyHiker
To assure that I wouldn’t somehow get waylaid again on North Twin, I chose the Gale River Trail as my launch point to South Twin. I’m certain that it’s just a personal thing, but the only thing I have against the Gale River Trail is the segment from the trailhead up to the first crossing of the Gale River. It only takes about 30 minutes to do this segment, but man, do I ever find it boring!
Anyway, after enduring the “dreaded 30 minutes”, the first water crossing was problem-free. The second crossing was not quite the “hop, skip and jump” like the first crossing, but still doable. It involved having a few inches of water run over the boots while stepping on a couple of submerged rocks. But, that’s why we all buy expensive hiking boots to deal with these situations . . . right!?
As said at the beginning, I wanted to stay focused and eliminate factors that might thwart a return visit to South Twin, and I also wanted to enjoy some “hang-out time” on the summit. So, when I came to the intersection where I could either go to the Galehead Hut, or continue on to South Twin, I chose to continue on to South Twin!! This eliminated the temptation to spend time having interesting conversations with folks at the hut, and/or convincing myself to add on Galehead Mountain before going to South Twin.
Much is often said about how grueling the climb is from Galehead Hut to South Twin. And, there is indeed a hefty elevation gain of 1,150 feet in only 0.8 mile. However, for whatever reason, this climb just doesn’t seem overly strenuous to me. But again, maybe it’s just a personal thing, sort of like my dislike for the first 30 minutes of the Gale River Trail?!
Once atop South Twin, there was no wind, which is always a pleasant surprise!! And, since it was a clear day, it was no surprise that there were the usual spectacular views that South Twin offers. But, rather than bore you with a cavalcade of photos, I’ll just post a few shots shown below.
I find the Presidentials to be impressive regardless of whether they are being viewed from this particular mountaintop, or from some other spot.
Although the peak foliage color is pretty much gone, there's still some color left as seen in the shot above, and also in the two photos below (one looking toward Garfield, and the other looking toward Owl’s Head resting in the middle of the Pemi).
The above view was the only view of the hut that I got on this particular trip. Because, just like on my way up, I didn’t stop by there on my way down either. I spent too much time lingering on South Twin. But after all, “lingering” was part of the game plan!!
1HappyHiker
