The 29th of June dawned early, as the Summer Solstice had recently occurred. However, I did not rise with the dawn. Sleeping in late, the wheels were not rolling until 9AM for the 2 hour drive North to Woodstock, NH at the northern foot of Mount Moosilauke. Making trailhead at later than 9AM is rare for me. An early trailhead eliminates many problems during a hike including parking problems, crowded trails, mid-day heat during the ascent, and a hike taking longer than planned. For this hot and hazy afternoon, I made trailhead around 11AM.
After a brief stretching session, I double checked my pack and hit the trail. The Beaver Brook Trail immediately descends into the woods and crosses three streams, two of which have excellent bridges. The trail at this point is deceptively moderate and easy, mostly dirt with occasional rock. In under 15 minutes time, the roaring waters of The Beaver Brook Cascades are first heard. Climbing over a rock slab, you witness the bottom most of the cascades that are causing all the commotion.
The first in a mile long series of Cascades, Falls, Drops, and Chutes is a three foot wide swath of water sliding down a slick rock slide. The drop is about 40 or so feet, and is a great tone setter for this hike. The trail ascends along the left (eastern) side of Beaver Brook. The Cascades are continuous along the first mile of this steep and rocky trail.
Most falls you can see directly from the trail. Others; however, required a duck through some trees and bush emerging on a rocky ledge. Due care should be taken not to slip on the moss or slick rock and one should never approach the wild water of the falls too closely! An accident near any part of the Cascades could be fatal.
Cascades of all shapes and sizes appear along the Trail. None of the Cascades feature 'freefall' water drops of more than 5-10 feet. The Cascades cling to the slick and smooth rock chutes that guides the brook down the mountain.
The trail becomes especially steep about halfway up the Cascades. The trail becomes a series of smooth, wet rock surfaces that would be nearly impossible to climb without the aid of wooden stairs (see bottom pictures). These stairs and occasional rungs allow hikers to ascend the steep, sheer, wet rock surfaces without problem.
However, further above the wooden step section, the trail becomes very rough. Climbing and stepping over step and rough rocks is very fatiguing, especially in the High Noon Heat. By now, views of the Cascades have nearly disappeared, and soon Beaver Brook trickles away in the distance.
Soon after the last whispers of the Cascades disappear in the distance, the steep trail relents and takes a sharp right. Ascending now at an easy grade, the trail soon crosses a stream and reaches the DOC maintained Beaver Brook Shelter for campers, tenters, and thru-hikers.
The trail ascends steeply again from here, only briefly though, before leveling off. Nearing the southern ridge of Mount Moosilauke comprised of Mt. Blue and Mt. Jim, the trail relents and flattens off. The Asquam Ridge Trail enters from the left (east); however, my destination was to the south west.
Believing the toughest part of my journey was over, I continued on the Beaver Brook Trail towards Magical Mount Moosilauke's Summit. However, it turns out the toughest part of the journey was only just beginning...
Part II: Mount Moosilauke Summit
