Mt. Pierce (Clinton), September 29, 2007

Our next hike is to Mt. Pierce, here is Deb's preview:

On Saturday, Sept. 29 we will hike Mt. Pierce (Clinton) 4310 feet. We will be heading up the Crawford Path to reach the summit (3.2 miles). On descent, we will loop around to Mizpah Hut and head down the Mizpah Cutoff before connecting back to Crawford Path. Crawford Path is a gradual climb, so I would consider this a moderate-strenuous hike. The summit offers great views on a clear day! Total miles is 6.2, 2400 foot climb.

NEXT HIKE: September 29, Mt. Pierce (Clinton)
MEETING SPOTS: Exit 14 off of Rt. 93, LL Bean/Hannaford side, Concord at 8:00 a.m.
Puffin Stop in Wakefield (junction of Rt. 16 and 109) at 8:00 a.m.
Trailhead at 10:00 a.m
TRAILHEAD: From the junction of Routes 3 and 302, go 8.2 miles. If travelling from Bear Notch Road, go 15 miles.
HIKE LEADER: Deb Hann

Deb guided us to Mt. Pierce last Saturday, here is her hike report:

The Tale of Mt. Pierce: The Hares and the Tortoises

It was the best of times, with a few unfortunate "incidents". On Saturday, Sept 29th thirteen dayhikers and two dogs were optimistic about the weather forecast. We left the parking area on Mt. Clinton Road at 10ish for the gradual climb. There were a few breaks to shed layers (then add as we neared the summit). The Mizpah Hut caretaker later told me wind gusts were recorded at 60 mph! (On Mt. Washington?!) Anyhoo, it was windy.

The "Hares" of our group were full of goosebumps by the time the "Tortoises" reached the summit (4312 feet) for the first lunch. Alex, our "Hare" on Red Bull, decided to continue on to the hut to wait for the group and duck out of the wind. Near the Mt. Pierce summit was where Tessa was pegged as a "lost dog" and tied to the sign post by well meaning hikers. I guess all of that whining and howling into the wind can be interpreted any number of ways! Here is where Jack was dining at the summit, heard Tessa was tied, and he dropped down to the trail junction to free her. He also followed her down the trail a bit to be sure we met up. This was Jack's first opportunity to be the hero. He jogs around those trails with such agility and ease! Thanks Jack!! After that, Tessa never got out of my sight.

After a brief stop at the summit (for the tortoises, longer for the hares), we climbed on to Mizpah Hut to meet up with Alex. By the time we reached the hut, the sun was bright and the sky blue. Several hikers warmed up with hot soup, the sun streaming in the windows warmed all. After a brief jaunt (2.9 miles) down from the hut most made it to parking area uneventfully.

Here's where Jack appears again. A few hikers missed the last turn to the cut off to Mt. Clinton Road. Jack realized they were on a different trail before too long and they only added a mile to their hike. Once again, hikers were happy Jack was along! Sorry I did not wait at that turn for you guys!! They were all smiles and looked very buff after that extra mileage! The Willey House was open for our Ice Cream stop, with limited flavors. No Maple Walnut...

Oh yeah, the foliage was nice as well! All in all, a nice hike and beautiful day.

Members may see more photos in our online photo album.