VT and NH Down… into Maine

Vermont is done

Vermont was one of the best states in the north so far. There was so much moose poop but sadly I didn’t see moose in Vermont however I got to walk on hiking trails over mountains where ski resorts were. Vermont was a great state and one of the best in the north. Vermont was full of nice views and fairly easy hiking.

And then came New Hampshire…

In most of the books you read they tell you a lot of stuff about what to expect going into New Hampshire and the famous White Mountains. Most NOBOs tend not to give into much of this hype since by this point you have hiked a long way but believe me it’s real but the views are well worth the hike.

The first white  mountain you encounter going north is Mt Moosilauke. The south side climb up isn’t too bad but the wind on the summit was intense. Luckily the view was clear and amazing. The climb down in true white fashion was intense. As I hiked off my first White mountain I was due for resupply and a stop at the luxioirs Notch hostel which supplies all you can eat pancakes for guests.

After my hostel stay I went to tackle kinsman mountain and experienced my first full day in the Whites where I hiked for 11 hours and got all of 14. The climb up was a little steep.

With all this hiking behind me the next great view up for the hike north was the famous Franconia Ridge. The view and the weather on the ridge was one of the best experiences of my thru hike. That moment you break above the tree line and head for the first mountain almost make a thru hike.

The next super climb in the Whites in the famous Mount Washington. Again the weather and view were awesome after a stay in the dungeon at Lake of the clouds hut I was happy to get a great view.

After my trip to Mount Washington I took a trip to Gorham, NH and stayed at the Barn hostel before heading back out to push towards Maine. The views in the rest of New Hampshire was pretty great as I pushed towards the border.

As I left the Whites and headed toward Maine I was hoping for a little relief after in Maine bit the first part certainly didn’t deliver.

As I went into Soutnern Maine I went into he famous Mahoosuc Notch. I started it at about 6 pm, not recommended, and finished in about an hour and 20 minutes. It was one of the most fun sections of the trail for me. Climbing out of the arm was not super fun but it was part of the fun.

I am currently in Andover, ME and ready to head back to the trail and enjoy the last few miles of the trail.