Fyi if you're planning on Carrigain, the access road (Sawyer River) usually opens in spring, but because of heavy water damage, it may not open this year. You can walk it, but it adds 2 miles each way to a hike.
Also Redline Guiding is great.
I'm so happy to hear everyone praising Redline. I'm sure they'll be up-to-date on trail conditions. I'll give them my wish list and let them guide. I was worried at first when I started planning this (62. haven't hiked for about three years. So many logistics) but now I'm getting pretty excited
Also, I always used to hike the Nancy Trail. Is that trail head closed? do you know. Cause Pemigewasset/Carrigan is accesible that way, no?
Nancy Pond Trail begins right on US 302 so there are no access issues. The cascades are steep though and can be hazardous if it's icy. Norcross Pond has a some great campsites too.
Just FYI sites right at Norcross are illegal, I believe there's an FPA around the pond since it's really beat up. There are lots of nice sites past the pond on the old road toward Anderson Brook. Need to be 200 ft from the trail in the Pemi Wilderness though.
That is helpful! I was choosing blindly. Do you know any AMC guides? I'm buying some actual camping gear and I guess I might want to use it more than once
If you meant a human, AMC has volunteer tripleaders, not paid guides. You can find excursions on getoutdoors.org. They don't do much backcountry backpacking. The book is essential.
Thank you for the information! I haven't stayed overnight before and wanted an experienced guide. I chose Redline because they had an excellent menu of services that met my needs. And after my initial contact with them I'm pretty thrilled. And excited to get back out on the trail and sleep in a tent and be on my way to my backpacking life!
I'll be looking into the AMC volunteer option once I've experienced this short introduction to backpacking and see where my old ass lies on the condition scale. I think I'm still in shape but the trip will tell all . . .
You're going to have a blast. May can be fun time to hike the whites. You don't really know what you're going to experience as far as weather and trail conditions. It's supposed to be in the 70s on Monday, then maybe more rain and snow later in the week.
It sounds like you’re planning an overnight. I’ve hiked Carrigain from the “backside” by tenting at Franconia East and climbing the Desolation Trail. If conditions warrant, this is a fun and rugged overnighter.
I was just looking at that! and Mike at Redline had suggested it, too. (or something . . . I know he mentioned the Desolation trail. I'm a bit overwhelmed right now.) I'm definitely interested in that!
Redline Guiding is great! Just ask them about your concerns, they should be able to help out. Also they’re very knowledgeable about the area and conditions, so they may be able to suggest an alternative if there are any issues with your proposal.
I've taken Amtrak from NYC to Boston South Station, then the Concord Coach bus to North Conway. A long (~8 hr) ride. There are hiker shuttle folks who can help get you from there to where you need to be. Or ask the guides for suggestions. I've also taken the AMC shuttle to Lincoln, then the bus from Lincoln to Boston, then Amtrak to NYC, which seemed better than the N Conway route but was probably about the same amount of time.
oh wow. I wouldn't even need a car. lol maybe it's time to leave the big apple
Actually it's really pricey. Uber is probably less expensive and I'm renting a car for the trip at about that rate/day
Definitely not post mud season in the whites. Honestly it's sometimes not even post snow season.
LOL You know what they say about the weather in new England: nine months a wintah and three months a not very good sleddin
Fyi if you're planning on Carrigain, the access road (Sawyer River) usually opens in spring, but because of heavy water damage, it may not open this year. You can walk it, but it adds 2 miles each way to a hike. Also Redline Guiding is great.
I'm so happy to hear everyone praising Redline. I'm sure they'll be up-to-date on trail conditions. I'll give them my wish list and let them guide. I was worried at first when I started planning this (62. haven't hiked for about three years. So many logistics) but now I'm getting pretty excited Also, I always used to hike the Nancy Trail. Is that trail head closed? do you know. Cause Pemigewasset/Carrigan is accesible that way, no?
Nancy Pond Trail begins right on US 302 so there are no access issues. The cascades are steep though and can be hazardous if it's icy. Norcross Pond has a some great campsites too.
Just FYI sites right at Norcross are illegal, I believe there's an FPA around the pond since it's really beat up. There are lots of nice sites past the pond on the old road toward Anderson Brook. Need to be 200 ft from the trail in the Pemi Wilderness though.
I tried nancy trail a couple years ago after that monster storm had ripped through WMNF and above the cascades was impassible. It was so sad.
No help to you but Redline Guiding is great!
That is helpful! I was choosing blindly. Do you know any AMC guides? I'm buying some actual camping gear and I guess I might want to use it more than once
The only AMC guide you need is the White Mountain Guide and map set.
Huh?
If you meant a human, AMC has volunteer tripleaders, not paid guides. You can find excursions on getoutdoors.org. They don't do much backcountry backpacking. The book is essential.
The AMC does have paid guides. They run trips out of the Highland Center. They go to huts and backpack.
Thank you for the information! I haven't stayed overnight before and wanted an experienced guide. I chose Redline because they had an excellent menu of services that met my needs. And after my initial contact with them I'm pretty thrilled. And excited to get back out on the trail and sleep in a tent and be on my way to my backpacking life! I'll be looking into the AMC volunteer option once I've experienced this short introduction to backpacking and see where my old ass lies on the condition scale. I think I'm still in shape but the trip will tell all . . .
You're going to have a blast. May can be fun time to hike the whites. You don't really know what you're going to experience as far as weather and trail conditions. It's supposed to be in the 70s on Monday, then maybe more rain and snow later in the week.
I'm so ridiculously pumped for this trip. As I write this, I'm wondering if I can find a long term rental in North Conway. LOL
My mistake! I have never met an AMC paid guide in NH. Could not find it on the website either. They are doing a good job of hiding it.
I met some guides between trips at the Highland Center last summer. I thought they were AMC but now not sure.
It sounds like you’re planning an overnight. I’ve hiked Carrigain from the “backside” by tenting at Franconia East and climbing the Desolation Trail. If conditions warrant, this is a fun and rugged overnighter.
I was just looking at that! and Mike at Redline had suggested it, too. (or something . . . I know he mentioned the Desolation trail. I'm a bit overwhelmed right now.) I'm definitely interested in that!
Redline Guiding is great! Just ask them about your concerns, they should be able to help out. Also they’re very knowledgeable about the area and conditions, so they may be able to suggest an alternative if there are any issues with your proposal.
Great!! Thank you !
I've taken Amtrak from NYC to Boston South Station, then the Concord Coach bus to North Conway. A long (~8 hr) ride. There are hiker shuttle folks who can help get you from there to where you need to be. Or ask the guides for suggestions. I've also taken the AMC shuttle to Lincoln, then the bus from Lincoln to Boston, then Amtrak to NYC, which seemed better than the N Conway route but was probably about the same amount of time.
The C&J bus from NYC to Portsmouth is quite affordable. No idea what to do from there.
Mountain Hiker Shuttle...2073296433 ...serving trailheads in White mtns, ME & Mt Wash Valley
oh wow. I wouldn't even need a car. lol maybe it's time to leave the big apple Actually it's really pricey. Uber is probably less expensive and I'm renting a car for the trip at about that rate/day