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Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek
Jefferson, NH, Kilkenny, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
The Starr King Trail just below the summit of Mt. Starr King
Route: Starr King Trail
Leading up to the weekend, the forecast looked great - 70 degrees each day and sunny. Then the weather guys pulled a John Kerry and changed their minds. Nonetheless, being that it was 07/07/07, I decided I'd deal with the chance of rain and give Mt. Waumbek a chance.
We arrived at the trailhead relatively late (the morning weather appeared to be better, but sleep seemed like a nicer option). Despite the threatening clouds, the small parking area was nearly full.
The Starr King Trail started off rather flat before embarking on a moderate pitch for awhile. With limited scenery and turns, the ascent is rather boring. About halfway up, things become gentle again, before a short moderate final ascent to Mt. Starr King.
While the clouds obscured any possible views from Mt. Starr King, I don't see how there can be any strong views from here anymore - the trees are creeping up rather quickly.
With the rain falling, we decided to continue on rather than enjoy the views of the clouds.
The Starr King trail from Mt. Starr King and Mt. Waumbek is rather gentle, save for the last ascent (moderate). As expected, there were no views from Mt. Waumbek - just a cairn.
Bored, we decided to jog back between the two, walk down the steeper parts of Starr King, then jog the balance of the way - cutting off maybe an hour of hiking.
Unless someone sneaks a chainsaw up there, I don't think I'll be back on these again anytime soon. Though not a terrible hike, this is probably the most boring of the 4,000 footers I've done so far.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Starr King |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Minimal (due to weather) |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Waumbek |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Minimal (due to weather) |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, July 7, 2007 |
| Hike Commenced: |
1:28 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,675' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Starr King |
| Ascent Commenced: |
1:28 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
2:42 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:16 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,675' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,907' |
| Distance: |
2.6 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
2,267' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Waumbek |
| Ascent Commenced: |
2:42 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
3:10 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:28 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,907' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,006' |
| Distance: |
1 mile |
| Vertical Gain: |
239' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
4:39 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
03:11 |
| Hike Distance: |
7.2 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
2,628' |
|
Starr King Trail trailhead
Looking southwest into the fog from the Mt. Starr King summit
The Starr King Trail to the Mt. Waumbek summit
The summit cairn on Mt. Waumbek
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 2 West from Gorham. Shortly after passing Route 115 on the left, take a right onto Starr King Road. Continue straight up the dirt road to the WMNF fee parking area and trailhead.
Back to Mt. Starr King Profile
Back to Mt. Waumbek Profile
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