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Mt. Jefferson
Randolph, NH, Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Castle Ravine Trail
Route: Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Castle Ravine Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, (Mt. Jefferson), Jefferson Loop, Six Husbands Trail, Edmands Col Cutoff, Gulfside, Israel Ridge Path, Castle Trail
The ascent up Castle Trail to Israel Ridge Path to Castle Ravine Trail was generally quite tame until reaching the ravine headwall - the only thing slowing progress was multiple brook crossings that were even tricky in low water.
The Castle Ravine Trail was not quite as tough as I thought it would be - though steep with some minor scrambles and talus fields, it didn't seem to be overly technical. Nonetheless, I probably wouldn't want to venture out there in wet or icy conditions.
Upon reaching the ridge and weekend crowds, I skirted around Jefferson via the Gulfside, summitted the crowded peak from the south, then headed down the Six Husbands Trail to the Edmands Col Cutoff. Though scenic, the Cutoff had subpar footing, making for slow going.
Back at the col, I headed up the Gulfside toward Sam Adams. While I had thought about heading to the peak, I instead decided to call it a day and descend down the Israel Ridge Path.
The first portion was quite scenic - in my opinion more scenic than going up the Castle Ravine Trail. Once in the woods, the trail was steep in places, including a few ladder/stairway descents. Upon reaching the Castle Ravine junction, it was a fairly tame walk out.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Jefferson |
|
Length: |
Difficult |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Heavy |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, July 16, 2011 |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,500' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Jefferson |
| Time Elapsed: |
03:23 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,500' |
| Summit Elevation: |
5,712' |
| Vertical Gain: |
4,412' |
|
|
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
07:33 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
4,912 |
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The Castle Trail trailhead off US2
Looking at Mt. Adams from near the summit of Mt. Jefferson
Looking up the upper Six Husbands Trail
A lush area above the Edmands Col Cutoff
Looking down the Israel Ridge Path
Directions to trailhead: Take US 2 West from Appalachia. Shortly after passing the Lowes Path trailhead, the Castle Trail trailhead will be on the left side of the road, as well as a small parking area located adjacent to a field.
Back to Mt. Jefferson Profile
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