BIGEarl
Well-known member
October 18, 2008: Carrigain
Trails: Signal Ridge Trail
Summits: Carrigain
Hikers: Trail Trotter (Sue), Cumulus (Dennis), Kevinmac (Kevin McAllister). and me
Sue, Kevin, and I carpooled from Nashua planning to meet Cumulus at the trailhead for an 8:30am start. On the way into Twin Mountain I noticed Jen-san in one of the pull-outs and decided to stop to say hi. She had signed up for an AMC hike to Garfield, which would be her first hike since last May 6, 2007. After a couple more stops including a quick visit to the Highland Center we made it to the trailhead lot for the Signal Ridge Trail on Sawyer River Road. Two other hikers were setting off as we arrived. There were several other cars in the lot but Dennis had not yet arrived. We started to get prepared for the hike and soon Dennis pulled in. I was really looking forward to meeting him and sharing a hike. Before we got started approximately six more cars pulled in including a large group of hikers and a smaller group of four from Quebec with a couple dogs. Carrigain was busier than I have ever seen it.
The initial hike to the Carrigain Notch – Signal Ridge trails split was clear and dry except for the great amount of leaves. The usual mud pits were quite dry and very easy to pass. We started in shadows but the sun managed to start hitting us roughly half-way to the trails split. Most of the leaves are now down and the trail is covered. It’s a good idea to step carefully to avoid hidden hazards. None of us had any real problems but I think we all slipped or rolled an ankle at least once in the course of the day. We reached the trails split and made a quick stop. I wanted a couple group pictures, needed to re-tie my boots, and we were ready for the stream crossings and climb to Signal Ridge. While there, a couple other hikers passed through.
We continued past the stream crossings (two large and one small) and started the climb. Soon, we were once again in the shadows as the trail led toward Signal Ridge. This remained for much of the climb. At approximately 2500 feet we came upon a group from a private school backpacking in the area. We passed each other a couple times and met up again at the summit tower. We reached the turn at the ~3000 foot elevation and the climb eased up a little. Soon we came to the first view point where there is a nice view east to Stairs Mountain and Resolution. We were able to maintain a generally continuous climb to Signal Ridge. The trail is completely clear of blowdowns, except for one that was easy to pass under. A short distance before reaching Signal Ridge we came upon areas of ice along the trail and rime ice that had evidently blown from the trees. We would see more rime ice at the tower and on the nearby trees.
There was a breeze and lower temperature on the ridge and I think we all stopped to add a layer. The visibility was great with very low cloud cover. Along the open section of Signal Ridge we enjoyed the views and got quite a few terrific pictures. Soon, back into the spruce to head past the site of the Warden’s Cabin and on to the summit tower area. Last spring, Dennis hiked solo through this area and the following week I came through with Dave Bear. What a difficult time it was for all of us. The trail was completely clogged with blowdowns. Now it’s a different story. Everything is clear and the trail to the summit is easy to follow. We made our way up the stone stairs leading to the ridge below the summit tower and then up the final climb to the tower. Along the way we passed the two hikers that had passed us at the trails split, they were now on their way back down.
We had the summit tower to ourselves for roughly five to ten minutes – enough time for a bunch of pictures from the tower, then the crowd slowly arrived. First just a couple hikers came in and then the folks from Quebec, the gang from the private school, and a few others. There must have been between twenty and thirty on the summit for lunch. I’ve never seen so many at the Carrigain tower. We all sat around the base enjoying lunch, the warm sun, and the view. I brought a couple containers of Smoked Venison Pâté and crackers to share. It seems that not everybody likes Smoked Bambi on a cracker. I enjoyed the snack.
Fed and rested we decided it was time to head back out. The plan was to be back out by 5:00pm but everybody was betting on an earlier trailhead time. As we were leaving we could see more hikers making their way across Signal Ridge toward the summit and we would meet them on our descent. In a very short time we were back on Signal Ridge again enjoying the views. We passed across the open area, went back into the spruce, and one-by-one de-layered to stay comfortable. There were no surprises on the hike out. The crossings were all easy and ended with dry feet. After passing the Carrigain Notch – Signal Ridge trails split we made the final 1.7 miles in the afternoon sun hitting Sawyer River Road at 4:00pm – Sue won the bet but I’m not sure of the prize.
Thanks Sue, Dennis, and Kevin for a really fun day. The conditions were great and the company even better. I hope we can get together for another one soon.
Pictures will follow.
Trails: Signal Ridge Trail
Summits: Carrigain
Hikers: Trail Trotter (Sue), Cumulus (Dennis), Kevinmac (Kevin McAllister). and me
Sue, Kevin, and I carpooled from Nashua planning to meet Cumulus at the trailhead for an 8:30am start. On the way into Twin Mountain I noticed Jen-san in one of the pull-outs and decided to stop to say hi. She had signed up for an AMC hike to Garfield, which would be her first hike since last May 6, 2007. After a couple more stops including a quick visit to the Highland Center we made it to the trailhead lot for the Signal Ridge Trail on Sawyer River Road. Two other hikers were setting off as we arrived. There were several other cars in the lot but Dennis had not yet arrived. We started to get prepared for the hike and soon Dennis pulled in. I was really looking forward to meeting him and sharing a hike. Before we got started approximately six more cars pulled in including a large group of hikers and a smaller group of four from Quebec with a couple dogs. Carrigain was busier than I have ever seen it.
The initial hike to the Carrigain Notch – Signal Ridge trails split was clear and dry except for the great amount of leaves. The usual mud pits were quite dry and very easy to pass. We started in shadows but the sun managed to start hitting us roughly half-way to the trails split. Most of the leaves are now down and the trail is covered. It’s a good idea to step carefully to avoid hidden hazards. None of us had any real problems but I think we all slipped or rolled an ankle at least once in the course of the day. We reached the trails split and made a quick stop. I wanted a couple group pictures, needed to re-tie my boots, and we were ready for the stream crossings and climb to Signal Ridge. While there, a couple other hikers passed through.
We continued past the stream crossings (two large and one small) and started the climb. Soon, we were once again in the shadows as the trail led toward Signal Ridge. This remained for much of the climb. At approximately 2500 feet we came upon a group from a private school backpacking in the area. We passed each other a couple times and met up again at the summit tower. We reached the turn at the ~3000 foot elevation and the climb eased up a little. Soon we came to the first view point where there is a nice view east to Stairs Mountain and Resolution. We were able to maintain a generally continuous climb to Signal Ridge. The trail is completely clear of blowdowns, except for one that was easy to pass under. A short distance before reaching Signal Ridge we came upon areas of ice along the trail and rime ice that had evidently blown from the trees. We would see more rime ice at the tower and on the nearby trees.
There was a breeze and lower temperature on the ridge and I think we all stopped to add a layer. The visibility was great with very low cloud cover. Along the open section of Signal Ridge we enjoyed the views and got quite a few terrific pictures. Soon, back into the spruce to head past the site of the Warden’s Cabin and on to the summit tower area. Last spring, Dennis hiked solo through this area and the following week I came through with Dave Bear. What a difficult time it was for all of us. The trail was completely clogged with blowdowns. Now it’s a different story. Everything is clear and the trail to the summit is easy to follow. We made our way up the stone stairs leading to the ridge below the summit tower and then up the final climb to the tower. Along the way we passed the two hikers that had passed us at the trails split, they were now on their way back down.
We had the summit tower to ourselves for roughly five to ten minutes – enough time for a bunch of pictures from the tower, then the crowd slowly arrived. First just a couple hikers came in and then the folks from Quebec, the gang from the private school, and a few others. There must have been between twenty and thirty on the summit for lunch. I’ve never seen so many at the Carrigain tower. We all sat around the base enjoying lunch, the warm sun, and the view. I brought a couple containers of Smoked Venison Pâté and crackers to share. It seems that not everybody likes Smoked Bambi on a cracker. I enjoyed the snack.
Fed and rested we decided it was time to head back out. The plan was to be back out by 5:00pm but everybody was betting on an earlier trailhead time. As we were leaving we could see more hikers making their way across Signal Ridge toward the summit and we would meet them on our descent. In a very short time we were back on Signal Ridge again enjoying the views. We passed across the open area, went back into the spruce, and one-by-one de-layered to stay comfortable. There were no surprises on the hike out. The crossings were all easy and ended with dry feet. After passing the Carrigain Notch – Signal Ridge trails split we made the final 1.7 miles in the afternoon sun hitting Sawyer River Road at 4:00pm – Sue won the bet but I’m not sure of the prize.
Thanks Sue, Dennis, and Kevin for a really fun day. The conditions were great and the company even better. I hope we can get together for another one soon.
Pictures will follow.
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