| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moosilauke, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ravine Lodge Road, Asquam Ridge Trail, old Asquamchumauke Trail, bushwhack, Beaver Brook Trail, old Beaver Brook Trail, Gorge Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking on Ravine Road is at the winter lot, 0.75 miles from Ravine Lodge and Trailheads, outside of closed gate. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Had the perfect group of friends, all solid bushwhackers, to hike up to Moose via the old route that ran up through Jobildunk Ravine.
From the road, we headed up Asquam Ridge Trail, locating 3 old logging camp sites along the way. The old Asquamchumauke Trail (Abneki for "salmon spawning place") was easy to pick up, and the footbed obvious for almost a mile or so. As the old trail entered the ravine floor, the trail became a brook, and it became more difficult to follow amid water courses and blowdowns. We'd lose it, then pick it up again. Off and on this went, glad to have waterproof boots. Followed the trail up into the NE corner of the ravine floor. Explored around a bit. We could find no evidence of a trail heading up the ravine headwall, but followed the approximate route/bearings shown on old maps, and ended up with a steep, but safe and relatively easy climb up to the Beaver Brook Tr./ridge. Poked around trying to find evidence of the trail's route from the ridge, but did not see any evidence.
Continued on Beaver Brook Tr. towards the summit. At a point, we picked up an abandoned section of the Beaver Brook Tr. Easy to follow and wide for a bit. Hit a swampy/wet area, known as "Deer Lake" I believe, which is likely the true headwaters of the Baker River. From here the trail got narrower and narrower, the footbed more slight, until it disappeared altogether in dense conifers/krummholz, about 0.15 mi. below the summit of Moose. We had to fight our way that last few feet... and it seemed to take forever in the tangled krummholz.
Out on thick and back on the trail, we were only 200' from the summit, which we had to ourself as it was later in the afternoon.
Descended via Gorge Brook Trail... rocky but straightforward.
A most excellent day of hiking and exploring with Dave U., Wanda R., Ken H., Philip W. and Bill R. |
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 | Name: |
Beth Z. |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-10-15 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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