Full Throttle in the Crescent Range (19-Sep-2009)

[1HappyHiker]

The word “planning” is a somewhat repulsive to me. Whereas I take delight in words like “impromptu”, “spontaneous”, “spur of the moment”. Perhaps my dislike of “planning” reached a pinnacle with a job I once had where the corporate planning department ruled the roost, and an inordinate amount of time was required to incessantly produce detailed plans for the future. I’d guess that less than 50% of the plans ever came to fruition, and so the whole process made little sense to me. My apologies to anyone out there who might be employed as a corporate planner! I mean no disrespect to your work; it’s just not my cup of tea!

Anyway, here is how my little rant about “planning” is related to this Trip Report. Lately, there have been a number of factors (volunteer trail work, etc) that have prevented me from fitting in any prolonged hikes. However, the other day I unpredictably had the opportunity for about a 5 hour stretch of hiking. I relished the process of quickly cobbling together an "impromptu", "spontaneous", "spur of the moment" 9+ mile loop-hike in the Crescent Range!

Probably not everyone feels the same, but I think the Crescent Range is a magnificent place to hike just for the pure joy of hiking. Yes, there are some viewpoints here and there along the myriad of trails on that smaller mountain range located directly opposite the Presidentials. However, the main attraction for me is being able to hike “full throttle” through beautiful forests on well-maintained trails. And by “full-throttle”, I’m not talking about trail running. I simply mean that you can cover great distances very quickly because of the well-maintained trails and because the terrain is generally mild-mannered.

OK, so what was the hike that I quickly put together? I did a loop that utilized the Vyron D. Lowe Trail, plus the Four Soldiers Path, Underhill Path, Crescent Ridge Trail, Sargent Path, and a short road-walk.

As indicated earlier, most of the personal joy for this particular hike was derived from simply hiking through the forest. However, this loop did take me to a couple of viewpoints such as the ones on the Four Soldiers Path, and also the spot known as Lookout Ledge. Both of those locations provide an impressive up-close view into King Ravine. However, equally appealing to me is the eastward view toward the Carter Range that you get from Lookout Ledge (shown below).

EASTWARD VIEW FROM LOOKOUT LEDGE

But, the view into King Ravine view is undeniably photo-worthy! Below are 2 photos. The first snapshot was taken from a spot along the Four Soldiers Path, and the second one was taken from Lookout Ledge.
(Particularly on the Four Soldiers photo, you’ll note a light coating of “white-stuff” at the higher elevations!)

FROM FOUR SOLDIERS PATH

FROM LOOKOUT LEDGE

1HappyHiker

 

[NewHampshire]

Nice John! My peakbagging desires have never really materialized likemany, but the spirit of the red line is in me and I must say I look forward to a visit to the Crescent range now. Seems like too many ignore this area because of its general lack of notable peaks that would entice the major hiing public, but it sure looks like a winner of a spot to me!

Brian

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Nice!

We've been to Lookout Ledge and beyond in the Crescents and the views of King Ravine are stunning as your photos show.

We went on a particularly hot and buggy day, so didn't venture as far as I would have liked. Will have to return!

KDT

 

[1HappyHiker]

Brian & Kevin: Thanks for your replies. Yup, there are some mighty fine hikes in the Crescent Range. There are some good views from certain locations, however many of the hikes (including the one I did) are predominately walks in the woods. But sometimes, that can be nice change of pace.

The moose seem to love the Crescent Range. Although I didn’t spot any moose on this particular hike, I’ve frequently seen moose while hiking in this mountain range. They are usually too far away to get a meaningful photo. However, I can’t help but feel that if I had Forestgnome’s patience & skills, there could be some magnificent photo-ops!

 

[carole]

Yup, there are some mighty fine hikes in the Crescent Range. There are some good views from certain locations, however many of the hikes (including the one I did) are predominately walks in the woods. But sometimes, that can be nice change of pace.

"Walks in the woods" is even better on snowshoes. It's a lovely area after fresh snowfall - and even a few more views.

 

[NeoAkela]

Hey John, that company sounds a bit like mine... micro-management, surveys, and lists! We just got a new 8-page weekly list that lists the other lists so we don't forget to do one list while finishing the others. A list of lists! Of course, those making the lists have never done the job, so they figure even more lists will correct any problems folks might have completing the first list.

Enough about that, though!

Wow - those are some great shots up King Ravine - what a nice angle! What's that frosty stuff up there - don't they know it is still summer??

I believe I am neglecting to explore the Randolph area often enough - those views encourage me to return soon!

 

[1HappyHiker]

Carole: Snowshoeing in the Crescent Range! I’m happy you mentioned that! It wasn’t until this past winter that I “discovered” snowshoeing in that area, sort of by accident!

It was very late in the season, and there was very little snow on the south-facing slopes of the Crescent Range. However, just as a precaution, I took my snowshoes with me just in case there might be some spots where I might need them.

Well, I was beginning to think that I was just carrying around “dead weight”. However, once I got to the north-facing slope on the Four Soldiers Path, it was a whole different world! I definitely needed my snowshoes in the deep unbroken snow on the other side of the mountain. It was delightful!!

Chris: Thanks for your comments. Aren’t large corporations interesting?! Sometimes you just have set back and roll your eyes with sheer astonishment!

 

[forestgnome]

Nice views from an area I haven't yet explored. Thanks!