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|
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, Mt. Weeks (South Peak), Mt. Weeks (Middle Peak), Mt. Weeks
Jefferson, NH, Kilkenny, NH, Randolph, NH, Berlin, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the The Starr King Trail on the way to Mt. Starr King
Route: Starr King Trail, (Mt. Starr King), Starr King Trail, (Mt. Waumbek), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (Mt. Weeks South Peak), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (Mt. Weeks Middle Peak), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (Mt. Weeks), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, York Pond Trail
Having never been past Waumbek, I was eager to give a traverse to York Pond a go, even with a bum knee.
Starting in fall on the Starr King Trail, we had some halfway decent foliage as we worked our way up. Just prior to reaching the evergreen, we entered winter - snow covered trail and trees. Due to a decent amount of foot traffic a day earlier, the trail was a bit slippery - thus, we donned light traction.
Reaching the summit of Starr King, we had halfway decent views of the Presidentials and Franconias (unfortunately the trees block what could otherwise be a tremendous viewpoint).
Our next stop was Waumbek. After reaching that summit, we continued east for a few dozen feet to the viewpoint and had excellent Presidential views.
After saying goodbye to part of our group (only doing an out and back), we continued to East Waumbek. Near the summit, there was a halfway decent (albeit small) viewpoint to the north, as well as some nice obstructed views along the ridge. The trail appeared to be heavily travelled - by wildlife.
Things never became overly steep as we worked our way up to South Weeks. After having lunch on the wooded summit, we headed over the other two Weeks summits - both wooded. Other than some very obstructed, occasional views along the way, there was not much to see.
Reaching Willard Notch, we descended the York Pond Trail, soon re-entering fall. Reaching the flats, we bushwhacked around the double water crossing (not necessary to cross, as they surround an island - going to the right downhill avoids it). After that, we carefully tried to avoid the mud pits that plague that trail in places.
Reaching the trailhead, we packed up and were pleased to see the gate was still open at 5 PM, an hour later than advertised.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Starr King |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Moderate |
| Destination: |
Mt. Waumbek |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Moderate |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks (South Peak) |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Minimal |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks (Middle Peak) |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Minimal |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Minimal |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Sunday, October 18, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
8:47 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,675' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Starr King |
| Ascent Commenced: |
8:47 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
10:42 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:55 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,675' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,907' |
| Distance: |
2.6 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
2,267' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Waumbek |
| Ascent Commenced: |
10:49 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
11:15 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:26 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,907' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,006' |
| Distance: |
1 mile |
| Vertical Gain: |
239' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks (South Peak) |
| Ascent Commenced: |
11:27 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
12:44 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:17 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
4,006' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,885' |
| Distance: |
2.5 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
535' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks (Middle Peak) |
| Ascent Commenced: |
12:59 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
1:31 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:32 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,885' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,684' |
| Vertical Gain: |
180' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Weeks |
| Ascent Commenced: |
1:34 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
2:26 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:52 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,684' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,901' |
| Vertical Gain: |
624' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
4:37 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
07:50 |
| Hike Distance: |
7.2 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,895' |
|
Starr King Trail trailhead
Looking west of the Franconia Ridge from near the Mt. Starr King summit
The Starr King Trail on the way to the Mt. Waumbek summit
The Northern Presidentials trying to break out of the clouds as seen from near the summit of Mt. Waumbek
The Kilkenny Ridge on the way to South Weeks
A lack of views from South Weeks
The Kilkenny Ridge on the way to Middle Weeks
A lack of views from Middle Weeks
The Kilkenny Ridge on the way to North Weeks
Slight views from near Mt. Weeks
Directions to trailhead: For the Starr King Trail, 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. For the York Pond Trail, take Route 16 to Berlin, then take Route 110 west. York Pond Road will eventually be on the left. Continue through the Fish Hatchery (do be aware that the gates are only open during the day, usually 8 AM - 4 PM). The York Pond Trail trailhead and small parking area will eventually be on the left, shortly after passing the Unknown Pond Trail parking area on the right
Back to Mt. Starr King Profile
Back to Mt. Waumbek Profile
Back to Mt. Weeks (South Peak) Profile
Back to Mt. Weeks (Middle Peak) Profile
Back to Mt. Weeks Profile
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