Choice of routes to Adams

[bill bowden]

Amphibrach Trail

If I recall correctly the Amphibrach also has a particularly unique stone built hikers bridge over Cold Brook to add another unusual site

 

[TroutBumNH]

Haven't done King Ravine all the way up the headwall, however, had an outstanding experience going up the Great Gully trail. Just a fun way up... overgrown... switchbacks up a waterfall... that plant that is described in the WMG... whatever it is, it's unique and you know it when you see it...

GG is just sort of funky. under utilized, strenuous... views across the ravine (you can see hikers in silhouette all along Airline)

the little scramble isn't bad... to reiterate what someone said above, just take off your pack and have fun with it!

I guess I'll have to do King Ravine next time to balance my 'northside' experience!

Mike

 

[askus3]

Bob: I think you read my mind for my descending route although David Metsky's map on his website planted that idea.

All VFTT Folk: Thus, I believe for ascending based on concensus I have chosen to go up the King Ravine Trail. This way I have two different routes to use to the summit of Adams. The Great Gully Trail is also on the west side and I would have to use the same route (Lowe's Path) twice. And although that is a contributing factor to my decision, I have already climbed to the summit of Adams using all three routes, Lowes Path, Airline & via Star Lake, so your assistance in deciding the King Ravine Trail was helpful. I have already descended the Airline from Adams all the way to Appalachia, so I ruled that route out for descent.

Now that you have helped me on camping suggestions, the North Country section of my trip (still looking for critique on my Balsams/Dixville Notch hike- see map on my other thread), my Kings Ravine-Adams hike, Crescent-Randolph hike. The last piece of the trip I now go to the experts - Jefferson!
Jrbren must have read my mind. Here is the choices pick two of the three - one for ascent and one for descent.

(A) Castle Trail
(B) Castle Ravine Trail
(C) Israel Ridge/Pandolph Path

Thanks again folks.

 

[jrbren]

My rule of thumb: I like to climb the steeper direct routes and descend the longer, gentler meandering routes where I can relax and enjoy the rest of the day after the hard work is done. Hence I would climb the Castle Ravine Trail (the one that goes right up the headwall) and on a nice day descend the castle trail (if that is that the one that goes along the castlated ridge to the north of Jefferson). If it was not a nice day I do a more sheltered hike or hike another day anyway. Although there is not much gentle about the Castle trail on the ridge, allot of ups and downs over the castles. Extremely exposed if the wind is out of the northwest.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

FWIW -

There's actually a 4th trail to ascend Adams, and it's the one I usually take - the Israel trail, which you can pick up above Thunderstorm Jct. I like it because the grades are more gradual and it gives you the ability to see the excellent rock work along the Gulfside between Airline and T-storm Jct, which is among the best in the Whites. This route takes about 10 minutes longer, but it's much easier on the knees. Especially like it on a Presi traverse because you can drop your pack on the sedge and pick it up on the way to Jefferson.

Also - have only been up Great Gully once, and don't think I'd descend it short of an emergency. Like Huntington, it's just too damn steep - same thing with King Ravine.

As they say, YMMV.

 

[sapblatt]

I know this makes for a long day, but has anyone mentioned going up to Adams via the Buttress? I am hoping to climb the Northern Presis this summer from within the Great Gulf...would probably save the Buttress for the descent...go up Six Husbands perhaps.

Agree with Kevin...it would have to be beyond an emergency to get me to go down the KR trail...although I think after you slip and start rolling it would be very quick!

 

[Quietman]

We descended the Castle Trail(down the headwall) one evening and it wasn't a lot of fun. We were in a group of 10 and the rocks on the headwall are easily dislodged and there were lots of close calls. Personally, I would ascend the Castle Trail to the Link, take the Link(steep and rough) up to Castle Ridge, go up and over the castles and take the Israel Ridge(upper section is really nice) back down. To me, going up and over the castles is the better experience.

 

[LenDawg]

King Ravine... I love Adams!

 

[David Metsky]

I've descended GG and it's not that bad. KR I think I'll pass on.

-dave-

 

[SherpaKroto]

Aaron: For Jefferson, I've always wanted to go up Castle Ravine, but up to now have not. I have heard that it is a wild trail, and know it to be rarely used when compared to the others. On the other hand, I love going up Castle Ridge. Gazing up at the first Castle (then off it) is a beautiful section.

Why not up King Ravine, summit Adams, Gulfside over to Jefferson, then down Castle Ridge? Memorable!

 

[Lovetohike]

Hey what about Jefferson from the east side? In my opinion, the classic way up is Great Gulf to Six Husbands and down Sphinx back through the Great Gulf. Six Husbands is an all time favorite, ladders and all.

 

[jn316]

King Ravine and getting back to the car

If you've decided on KRT up the headwall, and want a nice scenic loop back to the car (the ultimate objective of any hike) that takes in a lot of Adams, descend the Israel Ridge trail, checking out the view from Emerald Bluff into Castle Ravine, then take the seldom-used Cabin-Cacades Trail to the Randolph Path to Amphibrach.