Question about Doubleheads, NH

[mirabela]

I'm looking for a moderate medium-ish mountain to take my son (almost 5) up on a first "big mountain" snowshoe hike in a couple of weeks. We'll be staying at a cabin in Jackson, NH, so I thought Doublehead might fit the bill, but I've never been up it (them?) before.

My questions:

1. Which peak has the better view?
2. Is it bad form (or a hazard to anybody, us or them) to snowshoe at the edge of the ski trail?

I think we're more likely to do an up-and-back on one peak than the whole loop.

Thanks for any insight you can offer ...

Matt

 

[Amicus]

Neither Doublehead has a totally clear summit, but there are at least a dozen vistas in all directions to be had right off the Trail that connects North and South. I think North gives you the a very nice array, by paths near the cabin that include a Climus privy. These include a nice panorama of Washhington and the Presidentials.

The Trail to North is a one of those '30s CCC X-ski trails, as you indicate. If you stay on the side, I wouldn't think you'd mess up any ski tracks.

 

[roadtripper]

Lots of people do snowshoe along the side of the ski track, so that's not really an issue.

Make sure to check out the view behind the cabin. Also, if the snow is deep enough, the "new trail" is a great descent route off South Doublehead. It's not always broken out though (which can make it a lot of fun), but it is easy enough to follow.

 

[1HappyHiker]

Regarding your question about which of the Doubleheads has the better view, it probably boils down to a matter of personal taste. However, I much prefer the views from South Doublehead to those of North Doublehead. I was there just a little over a month ago.

Below is a photo of Carter Notch taken from South Doublehead. And, if you click HERE, it will link you to my VFTT trip report for this hike.

 

[Lefty E]

Doubleheads

Views are nice from both, with my preference being the view from South..if the Old Path is broken out, you might want to take that up to the col and then decide to go right for South or left for North..the New Path back down is pretty steep though and maybe icy this time of year I would not descend that way. Get to the South outlook and then backtrack and head up to North to see the cabin and view eastward..then you could take the ski trail out..in warmer weather the rocks below the cabin are a great place to relax!! Keith (Lefty E)

 

[audrey]

I may be overcautious, but all of the Doublehead trails are steep and would not be fun for a 5 year old unless the snow is good. The ski trail to and from North would definitely be my choice. There are several vantage points for views, more than enough for kids, who aren't as interested in them as we are.

My favorite time for Doublehead is the fall. South Doublehead is carpeted with brilliant red blueberries among the white lichens and has an open airy feel. The ski trail is all golden with beeches. And there's so much for the little ones to see and touch along the way. Some pics here:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576573993vZMkCx

 

[peakbagger]

I did the doublehead loop (with road walk) last year and it was pleasant but mostly in the woods. The south trail was steep. The hiking trail for the north end shares about half its route with the ski trail than splits off and zig zags its way up to the col.

I would suggest Kearsage North as a better option. Its always packed out, is very well graded and has a lot of sunny exposure once you get out of the softwoods. There is sub summit off the the side that tends to block the prevailing north to northwest wind for the lower 2/3rd of the hike. Once you get to the top of the open areas, it may be a logical turn around point as the last section of trail is in the woods and there are couple of steep spots, but the fire tower cant be beat for a destination. Usually plenty of folks and occasional dogs on the route. The trailhead is lot easier to find than the doubleheads, just head south on RT 16 and take the kearsage road (just before the scenic vista) and then follow the road to the parking lot on the left.

 

[DougPaul]

The trailhead is lot easier to find than the doubleheads, just head south on RT 16 and take the kearsage road (just before the scenic vista) and then follow the road to the parking lot on the left.

Also known as Hurricane Mountain Road, IIRC.

Doug

 

[mirabela]

Thanks, everybody.

Some great feedback here.

It's sounding like South might be the best option, assuming decent snow. My kid actually likes steeper, rougher stuff as it keeps him more interested than just walking along, but obviously we don't want anything super icy or with big fall potential, etc.

Kearsarge North sounds great, but the miles are a little long for him. In our summer and fall experiences, three mile hikes are perfect, four is OK, anything longer is a bummer for him. I think Kearsarge is around six.

We snowshoe a lot, like several times a week, and he's pretty good on varied terrain. I'm looking forward to taking it on the road, and I think he is too.

 

[Raymond]

I’m guessing you’ll find that the trail up South is steeper than you want, but the views are definitely better there.

 

[Stan]

South indeed has a nice view, especially of the valley. I like North better because it has two views, including the one to the east which is close enough that even if you have to break trail it is worth it. The view from North depends upon visibility ... if there is a low ceiling the prime attraction, Washington, may not be visible anyway.

If the cabin on North is occupied perhaps you will be able to enjoy a warm respite though the stove is not all that efficient. If it is not occupied it will be locked.

I never went up the trail from the road to South so I can't compare them. I've been up the ski trail to North several times, most on one trip when I lugged up about 5 gallons of water for my group ... actually, 4 gallons of water and about a gallon of wine.

Three questions: 1) What are some of the other hikes your son has done? 2) How much weight can he carry? 3) Is the cat coming, too?

 

[mirabela]

My son has done things like Lowe's Bald Spot (in the pouring rain, LOL) and hikes in VT including Nebraska Notch from the Trout Club side, Wheeler Mtn., Osmore Pond, Haystack Mtn (the one in the NEK, there are like 5 with that name in VT I think), Sterling Pond from Smugglers Notch, etc. So -- some rugged scrambly stuff on routes up to 4-5 miles. He can carry his own warm clothes and water.

The cat is not coming.

 

[Stan]

Congratulations on the hiking partner! My son started some serious hikes when he was 8. A few years later we started peakbagging and finished the 100 highest over 10 years ago. We still hike together a lot.

Conditions will probably determine your success in summiting. I'd recommend a loop down to the col and the Old Path, from South Peak it is probably an easier way down. It is very steep from the North Peak.

The cat is not coming.

No, of course not, how silly of me to even ask ... I'm sure it'll be napping in the warmest spot it can find until you get back to wait on it.

 

[mirabela]

Thanks ...

This is actually hiking partner #2 in development. His big sister (6) is already a full-blown maniac.

 

[mirabela]

OK, I think we see the way: ski trail -> old path -> south doublehead, with options from there including down the way we came or up to the cabin on the north peak. Avoid the very steep new path. Got it.

Thank you everyone for all the input, very generous.

Now we can hope for an excellent clear day like the big sister and I had yesterday: