Rapha took Joyous Vagaries to the White Mountains National Forest to enjoy a long holiday weekend (May 27 – 30), making base camp at Dolly Copp Campground. Despite a forecast that included rain, there was nothing but fun on the agenda!
The weekend activity included completing one bike Trail (Presidential Rail Trail, aka PRT) on the first day. On day two, there were two waterfall visits (Crystal Cascades and Glen Ellis Falls), a hike on a “52 with a view” trail (Square Ledge), and rounding out the day with having a delicious Cheese Louise grilled cheese sandwich in Conway. On day 3, another “52 with a view” trail (Mount Avalon) was completed.
Day 1: Although there appeared to be a small threat of rain on the first day, and too early to check in at Dolly Copp Campground, it was decided to take the fat tire bikes out on the Presidential Rail Trail, riding from Whitefield to Gorham, NH. This trail is about 18 miles in length, and had some lovely views of the Presidential Range at various spots along the way. Joyous Vagaries will likely ride this trail again as it looks to be a great ride during fall foliage season.
After the ride, Rapha checked in at the campground, camp was setup and the rain began in earnest – great timing!
“Mount Madison Spring Company that bottled the spring water at the turn of the century and made various drinks, including Dolly Copp Ginger Ale.”
Source: Friends of the Presidential Rail Trail
Day 2: This day was forecasted to be a humid day with on and off rain, heavy at times, and the potential for hail. Despite the forecast, there was no dissuasion to visit Crystal Cascades, which was a short walk up Tuckerman Ravine Trail (10 minutes from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center).
The next adventure was to hike Square Ledge. Although only .5 miles to the top, the hike (for a significant portion) was steep and quite rocky. Once at the top, the view was spectacular.
Next adventure was a visit Glen Ellis Fall. The walk was short, but required going down a large series of steps to view the falls from below – the only way to see magnificent water falls! To top off the second of a three day weekend, there was a ‘food’ adventure – to experience a ‘signature’ grilled cheese sandwich at Cheese Louise. Eating at one of the picnic tables, the meal was finished just in time to avoid another rain event. Lucky again!
Day 3: Began the day early to hike up to Mt. Avalon, on the list of “52 with a view”. The temps were in the low 40’s at 6:30 AM, sunny, and much less humid. There were two stream crossing along the trail, the first of which took considerable care to cross. It wasn’t long after the second stream crossing, the ascent to the top of this 3400 foot mountain became very rocky and a bit of a steep climb during the last third of the hike up to the top.
Although the view of the Presidential Range and Crawford Path off the top of Mt. Avalon was wonderful, the climbing effort did not yield as tremendous a view as one might expect. Some people may find it glorious. Of note, there was not a lot of room at the top to comfortably sit and enjoy the view for any length of time.
