NH Bushwhacks

[Nate]

For Scar Ridge, West Peak, rumor has it the best way to go is from the Big Rock Campground. Has anyone done this who can attest that it's easier than coming up from Little East Pond? If so, how crossable is the Hancock branch of the Pemi River at that point? Any suggestions for finding the peak from the road (i.e. would I be better off angling directly to it, or should I ascend the ridge and then head over to the peak? On the AMC map of the area, it appears a brook heads up towards the peak, and I was wondering whether or not following it would be an easier way to go.
Also, for the Peak Above the Nubble, what is the consensus for the best way to climb it - by crossing over Haystack en route or by heading straight up from the road? This is another peak where a brook climbs a decent way up its slope, so I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to follow it.
Any guidance for hiking either peak would be greatly appreciated, so thank you in advance for any that is provided.

 

[Davehiker]

Welcome, Nate! It's good to have new blood.

The Scar Ridge bushwhack has been covered a lot, lately. Here's a link to a very recent thread that has a lot of info that you might find helpful. If you do a search, you will find other threads that have lots of other info.

I don't have any personal knowledge of this hike, however, Bob & Geri's page has good info and pictures of the approach from Little East Pond. It seems, however, that most of the posters here prefer the route up the ridge from the Kanc. There has been some discussion of which ridge to climb, the existance of herd paths, and the Hancock Branch crossing.

Peak Above the Nubble also has been climbed from both sides. Again, Bob and Geri's page has a wealth of information, and pictures are also on MichaelJ's page has pictures from a trip. Again, I'm sure a search will turn up more info, and others have better information than me.

VFTT members have a wide range of experience,and I think you'll find them helpful. Look around, and if you have more questions, just ask.

 

[bobandgeri]

If we are ever convinced to try the Scar Ridge hike again, we would do it from the Kanc and NOT Little East Pond. That was the toughest hike we have ever ever done. Be sure you wear long pants/sleeves when you go!

 

[Papa Bear]

For Scar Ridge, West Peak, rumor has it the best way to go is from the Big Rock Campground. Has anyone done this who can attest that it's easier than coming up from Little East Pond?

Both Harryk's group (Saturday) and Onestep and myself (Sunday) did it this weekend from big Rock with "relative" ease. See the Trail Conditions for brief reports. Never did it from the south (Litttle East Pond), so I can't personally compare, but the stories indicate that is a tougher route.

If so, how crossable is the Hancock branch of the Pemi River at that point?

It was a rock hop this weekend (although I managed to stick my foot in!)

Any suggestions for finding the peak from the road (i.e. would I be better off angling directly to it, or should I ascend the ridge and then head over to the peak?

Use the ridge, you are near the "canister bump" at the top. A short but tough whack west .3 miles brings you to the "x3774 bump". Get a good map off Topozone and use map and compass. I'll have a report up in a day or two.

 

[Papa Bear]

Also, for the Peak Above the Nubble, what is the consensus for the best way to climb it.

Onestep and I also did this over the weekend (Saturday). Once again I can't compare, but we certainly had an "easy" time starting from Haystack Road. See Onestep's Trail Conditions entry. We went up through some logging and then up the ridge, hitting the East Peak on the way up and then over to the summit. Full report will come shortly.

This is another peak where a brook climbs a decent way up its slope, so I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to follow it.

My experience is that it's better to follow ridges than brooks, although there are exceptions. Some folks like to head up and climb the slide on the northeast of the peak.

Note well however, that there is never a concensus in these matters. You might use the same route and by being off slightly one way or another, have a much tougher (or easier) time. The best bushwhackers (not me!) seem to be able to follow the lay of the land and avoid thick spots instinctlvely. Of course it comes down to experience.

Good luck. Pick a cooler, less humid day than we did!

 

[SherpaKroto]

This should help. We didn't find Scar too tough when we did it. It will give you a rough idea of what we used for a fairly easy climb thorough mostly open woods. It also starts at a very easy split in the East Branch for your crossing. Good Luck!

 

[RoySwkr]

Also, for the Peak Above the Nubble, what is the consensus for the best way to climb it - by crossing over Haystack en route or by heading straight up from the road? This is another peak where a brook climbs a decent way up its slope, so I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to follow it.

Going by Haystack/Nubble is definitely the best way to climb it, if you climb Haystack too, as it's a far better peak

We tried going up one of the brooks/slides once in winter, but there were so many fallen trees & such that we left it

And my advice for Scar Ridge is to go from the height of land on East Pond Trail, as you go over 2 peaks you will want someday

 

[Raymond]

Check Frodo's January report on Peak Above the Nubble. I followed his directions in May (my Trail Conditions write-up is in there, too) and it was fairly easy. Frodo and his companion (whose name is escaping me; sorry) thought that route was the easiest of the three they'd done between them.

Regarding Scar Ridge, I had to wade through Hancock Branch in June; I guess the water's come down enough the last month to rock hop. I hit the top of the ridge, but didn't find the canister. I followed a brook down. The route was quite steep and thick with spruce. It delivered me to the old sand pit west of Big Rock.

 

[Papa Bear]

OK. I just posted my trip reports for Peak above the Nubble and Scar Ridge (as well as Cannon) which we did last weekend.

Report

We did pretty well on both bushwhacks.