Pine Link and Howker Ridge Trails to Mt. Madison

[B the Hiker]

I have searched the threads to see if there is an existing one, but they all seem tangential.

Some friends and I are hoping to do Mt. Madison next weekend as a loop via Pine Link and Howker Ridge Trails.

Is there any reason to go up one and down the other? I am recovering from a little injury. If one trail is more bouldery/bangy/big steppy, I would prefer that for the ascent.

Thanks!

Brian

 

[DayTrip]

I've done a similar loop coming up from the Randolph East TH. I've never come up Pink Link the entire length from the TH. From the split at least of these two trails I'd go up the Howker Ridge Trail and down Pine Link. Howker Ridge as you probably already know is pretty rough and rugged in the upper parts and with the possibility of slick conditions I'd rather be climbing it. Pine Link is very much like the upper parts of the Watson Path, with more reasonable grades, less boulder fields and grasses. I remember enjoying that section quite a bit actually. It has a steady grade in the trees and is usually super wet but I remember it being more comfortable than Howker.