May Showers Bring... May Snowstorms: Hiking Mount Moosilauke

May 6

This was my second time hiking Mount Moosilauke and it did not disappoint. I like this mountain because I find the forest here to be particularly beautiful and the hike itself is moderate so you can really enjoy yourself without getting too exhausted. When we got to the parking lot it was a bit blustery and we were the first ones there. The trail was pretty wet, and I tried really hard to not get my hiking boots/socks wet. All of the previous hikes I’ve done in 2021 have resulted in soaking wet boots and socks, really quite unpleasant! There was a thin later of snow at the bottom and as the elevation increased, so did the amount of snow. Only until we hit the exposed alpine zone was there deep snow. Otherwise, it was pretty smooth sailing and there was no need for snowshoes or spikes.

The temperature of the hike was perfect- hiking in 40-50 degree weather is definitely a sweet spot. However once we reached the exposed alpine zone, we started to get a taste of the infamous wind that always seems to be on top of Moosilauke. The conditions up top were also whiteout, so you couldn’t see much of what was ahead. When I think of May I think of sunshine and flowers… but May 1 was 100% winter on Moosilauke! We kept our eyes peeled for cairns and probably went off the path at some point, but we found the summit sign! Our stay was brief as the weather was a bit intense. When we were descending, I went to take a sip of water from my water bladder and realized the tube had frozen 😣 Ah well. We also saw a handful of people on our way down - the sun had started to shine and people were coming out to hike!

PARKING

In the winter there is parking right before the gate to Ravine Road. In the summer the gate is open and you can park on one side of the road.

MILEAGE

The Gorge Brook Trail is 7.1 miles round trip. There is an additional 1.72 miles (0.86 each way) added to the hike when the Ravine Road is closed for cars.

ELEVATION

4,802 ft/1,464 meters

TERRAIN

Lots of rocks to step over, moderate incline

THE VIEWS

360° views! “Kinsmans to the north, the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge to the northeast, the heart of the White Mountains to the east, Lake Winnipesaukee and neighboring lakes to the southeast, and the Green Mountains and Adirondacks to the west” (Wikipedia)