AMC Hiker Shuttle...

[SherpaWill]

I plan on using the AMC hiker shuttle this June from Garfield to Highland, which is the closest it gets to my destination, the Ethan Pond Trailhead. Does anyone know if they will drop me at the trailhead or somewhere closer or do they stay strictly to the route.

 

[Lefty E]

Take a look at the shuttle schedule on the website and it shows a drop at Webster Cliff trailhead on 302...I do not know the answer about if they will drop you closer but would think not....

 

[MichaelJ]

The Webster Cliff trailhead is at the foot of the short driveway to the Ripley Falls/Ethan Pond trailhead. That's as close as you get, for sure.

 

[RoySwkr]

The Webster Cliff trailhead is at the foot of the short driveway to the Ripley Falls/Ethan Pond trailhead. That's as close as you get, for sure.

If the van is ahead of schedule you can ask the driver if he'll take you up the extra .3 mi

 

[SherpaWill]

The way the schedule works Webster isn't the stop after Highland, regardless of the time of the day. I guess it shouldn't be too hard to hitch a ride from Highland or I can always walk the rail road tracks to Ethan or Kedron.

 

[TJsName]

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodging-shuttle.cfm

It looks like there is an 8:30am (for shuttle route #2) that goes to Webster Cliff, as well as a 12:55pm (for shuttle route #1).

 

[SherpaWill]

The problem is getting from Gale River to Webster. The shuttle is going the other way when it gets to Webster.

 

[TJsName]

Ahh, I see the conundrum now. Yeah. Maybe just go in from Zealand Rd. and hit of Ethan Pond from the other side? I'm guessing you can easily thumb it though.

 

[SherpaWill]

I think walking the tracks would be cool, as long as no trains are coming.

 

[TJsName]

I think walking the tracks would be cool, as long as no trains are coming.

I think it is technically prohibited, but I don't know the trail schedules.

 

[MichaelJ]

I think walking the tracks would be cool, as long as no trains are coming.

Technically, trespassing. Not to mention you'd be going over the big trestle which could range from terrifying to fall-to-your-death. Be careful.

 

[KRobi]

If you can get to the Highland center then you can spot a bike before you begin. When you get back to HC, it's all downhill to Ethan Pond trial (except for the .3 up at the end). Lock up bike and come back and get it after you're done.

 

[SherpaWill]

Yeah, I don't see myself going that route. I've crossed that trestle many times in the Winter, without the fear of getting run over by a train.

 

[thegibba]

I second the bike ride down the notch. It's quite Exhilarating. 40+MPH around those bends on a bike was quite the rush. Gotta Dress like you are above treeline in these temps though going down.The last bit of up at the end isn't that bad however.

 

[SherpaWill]

I'll be doing a 3-4 day trip through Zealand Notch and the Pemi Wilderness and carrying a fairly heavy pack, so I think the bike ride down that hill may not be a good idea.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I've hit 56mph going down that hill from the HC towards Bartlett. No pack though.

Wheeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
Tim

 

[SherpaWill]

Wow! Maybe I'll try it wearing the pack on someones handle bars!

 

[TJsName]

If you are just returning to your car, then drop your pack and ride down. If not... then what route are you taking?

 

[SherpaWill]

We are hiking in from Ethan Pond, through Zealand Notch to the Twinway, and then Garfield Ridge back to Gale River. Probably 3 nights. I figured the car spot at the end would be easier than hitching back to the start when we're done. We'll probably just walk the 3 miles to Willey House from Highland and hike in the Kedron Flume Trail. It's all downhill.

 

[Lefty E]

Keep us posted with the dates, maybe someone will be able to help you out...I was able to help out Brambor this morning and have done a few other vftt members in the recent past...