We're definitely in the White Mountains now. The climb up to Mt Moosilauke is a steady relentless climb, but not difficult because it is good trail. Without tough footing, it is just like climbing the stairs to the top of a 400 story building with a pack on. Piece of cake.
The top is alpine terrain, reaching above the tree line as Balsam firs and Red Spruce shrink to eight feet, then three feet, and then are gone, providing a wonderful open 360 degree view which is so rare on the AT. I can see more rugged mountains to the north, challenges for the next week.
It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon so the mountain top has perhaps 50 day hikers who came up an easier side trail. It's great to see so many people enjoying the outdoors.
I summited at 2:15 and enjoyed lunch at the top and then accidentally added some bonus miles by dropping down 1000 feet on the wrong trail. I got to see the summit again at 4:00!
The descent (the correct one) was amazing as the trail plunges straight down next to cascades and waterfalls. The water is a nonstop series of jaw dropping spectacles.
This is easily the prettiest stretch of the AT yet.
13.9 miles to Kinsman Notch
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