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Ascent of Mount Carrigain on 2007-06-10

Climber: Diane Mancino

Date:

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Mount Carrigain

Location:

USA-New Hampshire

Elevation:

4680 ft / 1426 m

Ascent Trip Report

This was a great hike. If you only hike 10 trails, this should be one of them.

There were only 2 hikers on this trip, Magic and myself. The weather at home looked horrible at 6 am and I dreaded the hike as I drove up I 91 in the rain. "Not another rainy hike! It rained harder and I was commuting on faith that I really did read the right weather report, that said light showers possible.

I headed east over I93 and suddenly the sky cleared in Franconia-the roads were dry! OK lets see this famous mountain! I've heard over and over how peak baggers save Carrigain for their final summit because of the 360 degree views. I arrived late. Sawyer River road is about 20 minutes south of the Rte 3/Rte 302 intersection

The sawyer river was running high enough to make the crossing difficult. It took us 15-20 minutes to cross. I finally decided that taking my boots off would be faster, and I had a 80% chance of falling in anyway. I was glad I had a bandana to dry my feet.

The signal ridge trail is a good trail- some flat forest floor, some boulders. It is a 5 mile trek to the summit of Carrigain where there is a fire tower you can climb and get fantastic views. We ran into Big Earl on the hike. He was hiking solo. We visited for a while and continued to the summit. Signal ridge below the summit also gave us some big mountain views. I took some videos of the great views- It really turned out to be a good day. A little hazy, but low wind and it was about 65 degrees-

The trail didn't have any blaze markings, but was easy to follow. We passed some camping areas, a water well- I'd treat the water, personally. I carried 3 liters of water, a high protein drink and that was enough liquids to complete my hike

About 3pm the bugs were out- I lightly sprayed for bugs before the hike, Magic didn't. I didn't get bit all day. Loved my new polyester hat. it kept the sweat and hair out of my face..and probably scared the bugs away.

I did end up falling into the river on the way back, but it sure felt good.

Day after report: I feel pretty good- sore feet from the long hike ( I think I need different innersoles), but I could do deep knee bends and function without trouble.

Summary Total Data

Grade/Class:

pleasantly moderate

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail, Bushwhack, Stream Ford, Scramble

Gear Used:

Ski Poles

Weather:

Pleasant, Calm, Partly Cloudy

Ascent Statistics

Trailhead:

Signal ridge trail

Descent Statistics

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