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About
Waterville Valley, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Pine Bend Brook Trail
After getting back late the night before, I wasn't looking to go too far or hike too long. Thus, I decided to do a more moderate local option. I was particularly interested in trying the full Pine Bend Brook Trail soon, as I knew the area was slated to be heavily logged in the near future, as part of the Kanc 7 project (during which, the Pine Bend Brook Trail may be closed).
Arriving at the Pine Bend Brook Trail trailhead, I decided to don my Microspikes, as the trail looked to be bulletproof. While there were a few glimpses of sunlight, things were mostly cloudy, with the sounds of some moderate winds ripping through the trees.
The trail was pretty gradual for quite awhile, lollygagging its way across some brooks. Then, shortly after crossing the wilderness boundary, things picked up quickly, as the trail worked its way up a fairly steep gully.
Above that, I was back into familiar terrain, was I soon met up with the Scaur Ridge Trail. After the steep final ascent, I was standing on North Tripyramid, in the middle of a mild snowstorm.
Since there weren't any views to be had at this point, I didn't loiter for too long. My next stop was the middle peak. As I neared it, I saw a few passing glimpses of blue sky - not a bad sign. Eating a sandwich at the summit, the snow started to let up a bit and the clouds pushed out briefly, offering some decent views south and east.
Back on the north peak, I headed back down to the north viewpoint and decided to wait a bit. While initially I could only see Mt. Potash, the clouds soon moved out for a bit, giving a great view of Carrigain.
I took my time on the descent, as the trail was quite slippery in the steep parts. Though I could have gone with crampons, I decided to stick with my Microspikes, complemented with an ice axe. As I neared the gully, the snow started to pick up at a decent pace - so much for spring!
Nonetheless, by the time I reached the trailhead, some blue sky was starting to poke through again. Despite the snow and winds, it was a nice day to be out on the trails.
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The Pine Bend Brook Trail trailhead on Route 112
Looking at Mt. Carrigain from the viewpoint near the summit of Mt. Tripryamid's north peak
The looking down the Tripyramid Trail on the way to the Middle Peak
Looking at Mt. Passaconaway (right) from the Middle Tripyramid summit
Back to Mt. Tripyramid (North Peak) Profile
Back to Mt. Tripyramid (Middle Peak) Profile
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