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Mt. Hale
Bethlehem, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Hale Brook Trail
Route: Hale Brook Trail
With the forecast taking a dive from partly sunny to mostly cloudy, I decided to get some exercise and acclimation in by heading into the cold, snowy weather near Crawford Notch. While I knew there was some snow up there, I was surprised to see 3-4" on the roads - and even more surprised to see Zealand Road still open.
Since it was 16 degrees and windy at the base, I put on my gaitors and Microspikes inside my vehicle and quickly set foot up the trail. While there was "only" 3-4 inches down low, things quickly changed to 6-8" as I passed the water crossings.
I was surprised that, as I ascended, things didn't seem much colder. It was clear, however, that the weather had at some point been more brutal up high - evidenced by the snow built up on the sides of the trees and by upwards of a foot of snow on the trail.
Surprisingly, there were no views from the summit, thanks to the storm in progress. After adding some layers, I headed back down the trail, pausing at one point to cut up a blowdown.
While it wasn't a spectacular hike by any means, the snow covered trees throughout the area were nonetheless stunning.
Isn't it still fall?
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hale |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Minimal due to weather |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, November 22, 2008 |
| Hike Commenced: |
11:29 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,770' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hale |
| Ascent Commenced: |
11:29 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
12:55 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:26 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,770' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,054' |
| Distance: |
2.3 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
2,304' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
2:11 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
02:42 |
| Hike Distance: |
4.6 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
2,324' |
|
Hale Brook Trail trailhead
Looking at what normally would be a partial viewpoint at the summit of Mt. Hale
Directions to trailhead: Take US 302 west from Bartlett past Bretton Woods Ski Area. A few minutes after, take a left onto Zealand Road. Continue up this road (turns to dirt) to the Hale Brook trailhead/small WMNF fee parking area (right side of the road).
Back to Mt. Hale Profile
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