I have hiked Mt. Pemi several times in the last few days from the south (Indian Head Trail), since that is one of the first trails to melt out in our area. Today I decided to see what the northern approach (Mt. Pemi Trail) was like.
I started quite late (11 AM) to let the temps warm up a bit (freezing overnight
). On my drive to the trailhead I had noticed that the northern slopes of the mountain seemed to have hardwoods almost to the top, an encouraging sign.
The trail was wet, in several places a small stream had "adopted" the trail. There were a few blowdowns, but nothing serious. My initial impression of hardwoods until up high turned out to be correct, and the trail was completely snow-free until a couple of hundred vertical feet from the summit. But most of the snow/ice was in patches, and all were either reasonably stable (snow or horizontal ice) or could be bypassed. Note that the ascent to the summit from the north is much less steep than the final segment of the Indian Head Trail.
Excellent views on the summit, the Franconias are almost completely bare above treeline (I know there is deep snow under the trees). Ski slopes on Loon are melting out, great view to the south.
Then down to Rt 3. Again, the trail is wet, with few blowdowns. The sun was beating down from the south through the open hardwoods, this was most agreeable given the cool temperature and the occasional gusting wind.
At the trailhead I had the choice of returning to my car along Rt 3, or returning over Mt. Pemi, I chose the latter. The second ascent was more tiring than the first, and the final push up the summit cone was painfully steep. Note to myself: next time I want to do a double traverse start from the south, to get the summit cone out of the way early, while still fresh.
In spite of the wind I had a long leisurely lunch on the summit, then descended slowly to my car.
A great day, my first serious (sort of) hike this spring: 7.4 miles and 2,700 feet.
I started quite late (11 AM) to let the temps warm up a bit (freezing overnight
). On my drive to the trailhead I had noticed that the northern slopes of the mountain seemed to have hardwoods almost to the top, an encouraging sign.The trail was wet, in several places a small stream had "adopted" the trail. There were a few blowdowns, but nothing serious. My initial impression of hardwoods until up high turned out to be correct, and the trail was completely snow-free until a couple of hundred vertical feet from the summit. But most of the snow/ice was in patches, and all were either reasonably stable (snow or horizontal ice) or could be bypassed. Note that the ascent to the summit from the north is much less steep than the final segment of the Indian Head Trail.
Excellent views on the summit, the Franconias are almost completely bare above treeline (I know there is deep snow under the trees). Ski slopes on Loon are melting out, great view to the south.
Then down to Rt 3. Again, the trail is wet, with few blowdowns. The sun was beating down from the south through the open hardwoods, this was most agreeable given the cool temperature and the occasional gusting wind.
At the trailhead I had the choice of returning to my car along Rt 3, or returning over Mt. Pemi, I chose the latter. The second ascent was more tiring than the first, and the final push up the summit cone was painfully steep. Note to myself: next time I want to do a double traverse start from the south, to get the summit cone out of the way early, while still fresh.
In spite of the wind I had a long leisurely lunch on the summit, then descended slowly to my car.
A great day, my first serious (sort of) hike this spring: 7.4 miles and 2,700 feet.
