Bear Den Mountain
I had a mid-week day off, on purpose, to avoid the crowds. While I wait for the High Peaks to become less crowded, I want to work on my endurance and strength to hike the high peaks; I will be somewhat ready. My wife and I decided on Bear Den Mountain today. It was actually our plan-b as we originally were planning to hike Cobble Hill Lookout. However, when we arrived at the trailhead for Cobble Hill, signage stated the trail is closed due to COVID. Not sure the story on that, but I will look into it. We arrived at the trailhead for Bear Den Mountain around 7:30 am. It was a bit of a challenge finding the actual trailhead and sign-in, but with the help of a construction worker, we could locate it. It is on the north side of the...
Hurricane Mountain
I had climbed Hurricane several times before today, each time previously was in the winter or late fall. The forecast today was to be a bluebird day, with highs in the upper 70's. It was 56 degrees when I left my house at 4 am. It was quite cool with a steady breeze at 5:15 when I signed the trailhead registry. I had other things planned today so I needed to get an early start. There is something very relaxing about being in the woods as all the critters begin to wake from their slumber. We often go to the forest for peace and quiet, yet if you get there very early when everything is still asleep, it is very quiet, yet as the new day starts it gets very noisy with the chirping of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. I did not have to...
Panther Mountain
A nice little hike, especially for a young family, inexperienced/out of shape, or recovering hiker like me. I had read varying descriptions of this hike describing it as easy, short, and steep in some sections. I did not find it steep at all. The parking area for this hike is off Route 3 about a quarter-mile west of Corey’s road, on the left. It currently is easy to pass up and miss (if you're approaching from the east) as the entrance is nestled between two sets of guard rails. We arrived at the trailhead about 9 am and were soon on our way. The trail is just west of the parking area. A quick walk and we were soon on our way up. The trail is 1.2 miles round trip, with a little less than 500 feet of elevation gain to the top. The...
Catamount Mountain
The last time I hiked this mountain was in 2007 with my wife. At that time there was no parking lot at the trailhead, you would have to park along the side of the road. Now with the parking lot, it is safer for hikers to park and enter/exit their vehicles. Today the parking lot was full when I got done with my hike, and there were several cars parked on the shoulder of the Forestdale rd. I had signed in at the register just after 7 am. I would be the first hiker on the trail this morning. It was a brisk morning at 35 degrees so It didn’t take me long to get moving. The trail leading in from the register is now a wide trail (wide enough to drive a 4 wheeler down), at least up to the point of a gate that leads to private property. Twelve...
Lyon Mountain
Decided to return to an old favorite that is conveniently nearby, about 30 minutes drive. It was forecasted to be a Bluebird day, and the weather did not disappoint. I was out the door a bit after 6 am, made a stop for gas, and was soon on my way. I had decided today that I would not take my pups as I had a feeling the trail was going to be crowded. I eventually arrived at the parking area a little after 7 am. I rather quickly grabbed my pack and was soon signed in and headed up. The trail-up is pretty easy to follow, just need to pay attention to where you are going, as there are several switchbacks, and some of them you could walk straight off into the woods if you're not paying attention. One of the key things to hiking is carrying...
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