GuitarWIzard - May 1, 2002 10:19 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled Comment
Ok, fixed it. I would've had pictures up by now, but unfortunately when I went up there last week to take pictures, I had my camera set to manual film speed versus automatic setting with the DX meter.....needless to say, I have to go back up there again and take pictures next week.
There is an area called Sages Ravine that is just about 1 mile north on the AT after the junction with Paradise Trail (take a right and head down rather than the left to head up the mountain).
There is an exceptionally well maintained camping area with pit toilet(s) on the north side of the river. There is a fee in season to stay the night due to the high foot traffic volume this area was receiving.
If you go before Easter the caretaker is not yet in attendance and their tent platform is the choice spot overlooking the river. Great place and very peaceful camping in the late winter early spring. The approach to the ravine can get very icy in the winter if the foot traffic has been substantial. Pick your path down the slope carefully.
The most direct route to the summit is off of Mt Washginton Road. Turn north onto Factory Street just south of The Lock Up. (It's a very small road.) Merge onto signed Mt Riga Road and continue northwest for several miles. Turn right (north) onto Mt Washington Road. Look for the Bear Mtn trailhead sign on the east side of the road.
The trail heads straight east. You can stay on the main trail and then turn north towards the summit when you reach the AT.
If you're looking for the most direct route, watch carefully for a nearly hidden use-trail 1/2 mile from the trailhead that branches off to the north. The trail will enter a campground after about 1/2 mile. There is a forest service hut and information signs there and a larger trail that heads east on the north side of the campground. That trail will cross the AT, at which point you turn south towards the summit. But that's not the shortest route.
The shortest route cuts east through the campground and then south directly toards the summit on a very small but usable use-trail. This might save you 1/2 mile versus looping around to the AT. The route is class 2 with a distance of ~1.5 miles from trailhead to summit.
GuitarWIzard - May 1, 2002 10:19 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentOk, fixed it. I would've had pictures up by now, but unfortunately when I went up there last week to take pictures, I had my camera set to manual film speed versus automatic setting with the DX meter.....needless to say, I have to go back up there again and take pictures next week.
Hope you have a good trip!
Dana
fox5659 - Apr 25, 2003 7:56 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThere is an area called Sages Ravine that is just about 1 mile north on the AT after the junction with Paradise Trail (take a right and head down rather than the left to head up the mountain).
There is an exceptionally well maintained camping area with pit toilet(s) on the north side of the river. There is a fee in season to stay the night due to the high foot traffic volume this area was receiving.
If you go before Easter the caretaker is not yet in attendance and their tent platform is the choice spot overlooking the river. Great place and very peaceful camping in the late winter early spring. The approach to the ravine can get very icy in the winter if the foot traffic has been substantial. Pick your path down the slope carefully.
Alpinist - Jun 19, 2005 10:20 pm - Voted 8/10
Untitled CommentThe most direct route to the summit is off of Mt Washginton Road. Turn north onto Factory Street just south of The Lock Up. (It's a very small road.) Merge onto signed Mt Riga Road and continue northwest for several miles. Turn right (north) onto Mt Washington Road. Look for the Bear Mtn trailhead sign on the east side of the road.
The trail heads straight east. You can stay on the main trail and then turn north towards the summit when you reach the AT.
If you're looking for the most direct route, watch carefully for a nearly hidden use-trail 1/2 mile from the trailhead that branches off to the north. The trail will enter a campground after about 1/2 mile. There is a forest service hut and information signs there and a larger trail that heads east on the north side of the campground. That trail will cross the AT, at which point you turn south towards the summit. But that's not the shortest route.
The shortest route cuts east through the campground and then south directly toards the summit on a very small but usable use-trail. This might save you 1/2 mile versus looping around to the AT. The route is class 2 with a distance of ~1.5 miles from trailhead to summit.