Moosilauke Hike Suggestions

[thetrailboss]

So I just got involved with the local BSA troop and they are putting me in charge of a summer hike. We're going to be staying overnight at Ravine Lodge so the boys won't have to cook...and we're going to be ascending Moosilauke by the SE approaches out of the Ravine. I've been looking at the maps, but I've only ascended it from the NW (Benton Trail). I have a loop planned out....(Snapper to Carriage Road, Gorge Brook Trails). I'd prefer to go to South Peak last because that view gives a very interesting perspective of the mountain and its size, but I'm flexible. Which way is best for ascent? Are there other loops? We're also looking for advice for short hikes/activities in the area for Sunday. I suggested The Flume, Loon Gondola, or Cannon Tram. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

TB

 

[riverc0il]

damn, just erased my post. here goes: short hikes in franconia notch include mount pemmigewasset, lonesome lake, and bald rock/artists bluff. the basin for an interesting side distraction. you could make a full and fun day with all the atractions in the notch but it might be crowded on the weekends. lost river is also in the neck of the woods and is interesting for a tourist trap type place. send the kids up the short dilly trail for an amusement to get them huffing and puffing!!!

 

[David Metsky]

I find it's easier to go up Gorge Brook, across the ridge and down Snapper, but it's exactly the same distance either way, 3.7 miles. You can make for a longer loop by going up the Asquam Ridge trail to Beaver Brook to Benton to the summit, that route is 5 miles. One last option to extend the trip would be to go up Gorge, down Carriage Road past Snapper all the way to Hurricane, and take that back to the Lodge. That's probably about a 5 mile trip down.

Lost River is an interesting diversion, run by the SPNHF. Artist Bluff is about 5 minutes, you can loop up over Bald Peak to make for a 30 minute loop. If you go to the Cannon Tram visit the New England Ski Museum at the base.

-dave-

 

[ga2ski]

The only time I hiked the Moose it was up Gorge brook and down the carriage road and Snapper. Relatively easy.

In terms of other activities . . If you are going to pay to go to the flume, the tram or up loon, try Lost River, very close to the Moose. The boardwalk and caves are pretty cool.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

Take it easy on the second day...I second ga2ski's idea of the Lost River...