Via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
9.2 miles
We decided to hit New Hampshire's highest peak in September, hoping to avoid some of the crowds and heat. Even though we managed to avoid the heat- the crowds seemed to be just as heavy as ever. Much of the time we spent side stepping and letting large groups of people pass.
The Ammonoosuc Trail is very steep and tricky with lots of wet granite and slippery footing. The trail follows sections of the Ammonoosuc River and is quite scenic.
Once you reach treeline Lake of the Clouds Hut welcomes you depending on what time of year you hike. It closes down right at the end of the summer, so we were not able to make a pitstop. Monroe juts out to the right and the long hike to Mount Washington ventures off to the left of the hut.
The Summit of Mount Washington was packed with people and cars. It's so out of the ordinary to spend hours hiking up some of the roughest terrain and then have to look in both directions for cars. We actually had to wait in line to take our picture at the summit sign. Completely crazy.
Monroe seemed a far stretch as we headed back down Washington, but we somehow made it and then hightailed it home.
The Old Man of Monroe ;=)
Certainly a fun and memorable hike, but not the kind I would like to do every week. I like my solitude while hiking.
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