Black Mountain (Lower Summit, Jackson) 11/19/11

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

View from the Lower Summit

Black Mountain (Lower Summit) 2757'

East Pasture Trail/ Black Mountain Cabin Trail

6 Miles 1200 +/- Elevation gain

Kevin, Judy, Emma and Blue

We took another leisurely, low-altitude day on a hike to the lower summit of Black Mountain in Jackson. We were blessed with a beautiful Indian Summer day as we made the trek along the East Pasture Trail which is a well maintained fire road and part of the Jackson Cross Country Ski Touring Trails. Warm temps and sunshine and virtually no wind made the hike feel like early autumn rather than late November. Great Brook runs beside much of the trail and the sound of its trickling cascades was a s soothing as the warm sun. There are a few pastures along the trail that offer good local views and are filled with ancient apple trees.

Carter Notch

Along the way I noticed a short trail leading west and I followed it to an old grave marker. I wonder if it was a homesteader who maybe had planted the apple trees? At any rate, he chose a beautiful spot for his final resting place. Not far past there we came to the Black Mountain Cabin Loop and headed up. Taking the counter-clockwise direction we came to the summit lookout first where we had lunch before descending to the cabin. The partial views from here were gorgeous and it made us think how nice they might be if we were standing on six feet of snow!

Trail Dogs

After eating we dropped down to the cabin where we found the view to Mount Washington was maybe even better than the view from the summit. there were some occupants there for the night so we got to poke around inside and see the set up. We maybe staying a night or two this winter! After our short visit we made our way back up in a counter-clockwise loop to the East Pasture Trail which we followed back down, stopping again at the pastures along the way. A nice gentle day out on a beautiful afternoon in the mountains. Tough to beat!

View from Black Mountain Cabin

We also made a quick loop of Echo Lake earlier in the day.

White Horse Ledge Reflected in Echo Lake

Full set of pics HERE:

KDT

 

[bjc]

Those are some stunning photos. That last one of Echo Lake with the shimmering reflection is ridiculously beautiful !! I wish I could take a photo that was half as good as any one of yours.

 

[forestgnome]

nice! nice views from Black Mtn....like it

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Thanks!

@ Forestgnome- Indeed, a great view for minimal effort! The view from the cabin was stunning, will definitely return!

@ BJC- Well, thank you! You CAN shoot great photos! It just takes patience and time. Just slow down a little and take the time to SEE what it is that brings you out there. We all go for much the same reason, it is the natural beauty that surrounds us in the mountains that draws us back again and again. Take the time to enjoy it and snap a few pictures while you do. The great part about digital is you can take as many as you want to be sure you capture the scene!

As the old timers will tell you, F11 and BE THERE! 8 )

KDT