Since I've been in college, the centrally-located Moosilauke tab has seen the most action through enroute-to-school hikes. At this point, very few sections remain as I've hiked Moosilauke 3 times and the trivial Appalachian segments are done. However, when Liz and I set out to hike from the Vermont border to Route 25, we cut our trip short due to the heat and the downer that is Atwell Hill Trail. Then, this past spring I attempted the Route 25 to 25C section over Mount Mist and reactivated the flu I hadn't given myself enough time to recover from before I could finish.
With that in mind, I had one tiny section of AT left to complete the western part of the state. The 7-mile section from Route 25C to Webster Slide Mountain was peaceful yet social and provided a unique view down to the quiet Wachipauka Pond!
I started late, parking next to the giant pile of garbage situated underneath the powerlines beside the trailhead. There wasn't anything good- just old VCRs and pieces to a stereo system. From here, I gradually started up Wachipauka Pond Trail, which was far muddier than a few months ago. At times the trail drained alright, but for the most part, it was battered in Altra prints and pole plants.
I never felt too strained ascending Mount Mist, as before I knew it I was passing the catchy sign atop the small peak. Descending, however, was steeper and substantially muddier. As I ventured down, I started hearing miscellaneous clanging, which I was relieved to find was a DOC trail group putting in some water bars and rock steps.
Once I revisited the trail junction by the pond, I took a left up Webster Slide Trail. Though only 0.7 miles, this trail is eroded as hell, steep, and side-hilled. I would most dislike this after the leaves fall, as even in August the remnants of autumn caused me to slip. The climb, however, was well worth it as the trees cleared to a lovely view of Wachipauka Pond. My view of the pond was obstructed by trees from the viewpoint, however, I did not feel comfortable venturing out on the rough catwalk that may or may not have been clearer.
Backtracking down to the junction was oddly less treacherous than getting up in my opinion, and my hike back was nicely broken up with the passing through-hiker. I saw a good ten of them, all traveling solo. When I got back to my car, I was able to "gift" toilet paper and Kate's bars to one Blue Blaze. Though my car is usually a convenience store of sorts, my back-to-school clean-out stole much of my trail magic potential. I imagine I'll keep the TP stalked for the rest of the Appalachian Trail season here in New England!
Final Stats:
7.36 miles
1,845 gain
Comments