Was up really early today (0500), hoping to hike an AT section across the river from Gorham. It was a bit cool (40s) and Mount Washington had a new (light) coat of snow. After I finished breakfast at the hotel (0700), I headed east on US-2 until I crossed into the town of Shelburne - I then used North Road to find Hogan Road (dirt road, AT followed it for a bit) and drove into the woods. I tried several side roads that Google Maps said could take me to the trail closer to the Mount Hays summit but most just ended in the woods or were blocked. I gave up Plan A and decided to look for other access points nearby (to the east). I used my NatGeo book and found at least one promising lead Mill Brook Road). I then drove back into Gorham and checked out another AT trailhead on NH-16 (south of town). Didn’t hike there; instead, backtracked to explore Berlin and checkout the gravel roads I’d seen to the east on the map. I ended up on Success Pond Road, which paralleled the Mahoosuc Range and offered several more access trail parking lots. I walked some of these trails (to get a feel for them) and wrote down the mileage listed on the AMC signage I found. Unfortunately, I discovered that almost all AT access in the area requires 2-3 miles of hiking before I can log one foot of new trail. This posed a logistical challenge that I wasn’t inclined to solve today... Decided to continue north and east (into Maine) and was pleasantly surprised when I found blacktop again (ME-26) - I had no cell signal and the paper map didn’t have enough detail to guarantee I’d find a good road. I knew I could get on the AT from the parking lot at Grafton Notch State Park so headed there. By 1045, I was finally hiking (NOBO)! Most of the other park visitors were hiking the other way (up Mount Speck) so I had the trail to myself for a lot of the morning. The AT climbed up the west peak of Baldpate Mountain - the climb was strenuous but the cool weather kept me from feeling uncomfortable. I only passed a few young couples before I encountered “serious” hikers; they’d left much earlier and continued on to the east peak (before backtracking). I got a lot of info from these folks - it was clear that I’d only have the good views if I climbed both peaks. This seemed easy enough - even after looking at the terrain on my Guthook App - until I actually saw the valley between them. Wow! The day was beautiful so I kept on going, despite the daunting task. The decent from the west peak was treacherous (rock scrambles, running water, mud, rickety ladders) but I made it safely. I had to cross an alpine bog but the long views in this “saddle” were spectacular! The climb up the east peak was its own ordeal: the trail followed rocky ledges (that were inclined about 30 degrees) from the valley to the summit. Footing was doubtful the whole time and the dramatic drop offs were a bit disconcerting. Somehow, I made it up there. The 360 views were so good I could see everything within 50+ miles. I could also see some tiny people below me (taking the same journey I had) and it really put my accomplishment in perspective. Realized (after noticing how quiet it was) that I had the whole peak to myself. Lucky me! Turned around at the intersection of the Grafton Loop Trail (near summit sign) and, reluctantly, began my backtrack. My energy levels stayed in a good range so I really had no trouble getting back to the west peak. After that, though, the constant jumping from rock to rock, avoiding slippery footfalls and downhill balancing started to wear on my body. Passed many more people (some huge groups) on the way down - very happy to have missed all of them earlier... Got to my car just before 1600 - the map said I should have had 8 miles from this hike but the pedometer said I’d gotten closer to 9 (odd because it’s usually the other way around). Regardless, I managed to get some AT miles - and great views - without injuring myself. I think I’ll take it! Headed back towards Gorham for the night (ME-26, US-2), feeling good. In my room by 1700 and ate dinner (snacks). Mollie called and we had a nice talk. I spent the rest of the evening cleaning up and reading in my room - went to bed by 2200. AT Today = 4.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 1809.2 miles
