d&d
Member
east sleeper via downes brook, kate sleeper trails. water in brook was running preety good for this time of year, but all nine crossings were ok with boots on and kept feet dry. some of the trail has been eroded from irene, but no big problems. 6.1 miles to summit, 2600 ft gain. 4hrs, 30 minutes including picture taking and breaks. first 1/3 of trail is very gradual and easy going. 2cnd third gets into narrower trails and some wash out. elevation gain is last third of the downes brook trail. upper portion on kate sleeper trail enters a wonderful boreal forest with beautiful mature balsams. lots of blue bead lilly, moss, and moose tracks. this is a great area that really can give you a back country experience. total time in woods was 9hrs and seen no other human. downes brook trail would be tough during high water if you were doing in the spring or after heavy rains. no bugs other than 1 fly on summit that wanted a hunk of my lunch. a great day in the woods!
