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Bear Mountain
Hebron, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the steep Bear Mountain Trail
Route: Bear Mountain Trail, Elwell Trail, (Bear Mountain), Elwell Trail, Bear Mountain Trail
Having previously climbed Bear Mountain in less than optimal spring conditions, I headed back over on a cloudy afternoon.
The Bear Mountain Trail started off fairly gently - by the look of the footbed, it's not heavily travelled. After crossing a dry brookbed, the trail climbed steeply, eventually hitting some minor scrambles. For a small-ish mountain (compared to larger peaks nearby), the ascent is certainly a workout.
The Elwell Trail looked much better travelled. After heading over a few ups and downs, I eventually reached the near-summit ledge (the footbed suddenly looks much less travelled after it) and then did a dozen or two foot bushwhack up to what I think is the highpoint (an old trail marker is near the top of it).
The views from the near-summit ledge were decent - Newfound Lake was blue in the foreground, whilst Plymouth Mountain and the Ossipees could be seen in the distance.
The descent went fairly smoothly, though I did take my time coming back down the steeps.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Bear Mountain |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 |
| Hike Commenced: |
4:57 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
950' |
| Destination: |
Bear Mountain |
| Ascent Commenced: |
4:57 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
5:22 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:25 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
940' |
| Summit Elevation: |
1,847' |
| Vertical Gain: |
967' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
5:59 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
01:02 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
1,037' |
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The Bear Mountain Trail trailhead on Bear Mountain Road
Looking at Newfound Lake from near the summit of Bear Mountain
Directions to trailhead: From Bristol, take US 3A North, then take a left onto West Shore Road. Continue right on West Shore Road when Caridgan Mountain Road branches off straight. Eventually, after pulling back away from the lake, take a left onto Bear Mountain Road. Where Panorama Lane goes uphill to the right, continue straight onto the dirt Bear Mountain Road. The Bear Mountain Trail trailhead will eventually be on the right. There is limited room to park roadside at a fork in the road just beyond the trailhead.
Back to Bear Mountain Profile
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