Stairs Mtn., June 2, 2007

Diane leads the first hike in June; this is what she has prepared (complete with black fly warning):

9.6 miles round trip allow about 7 hours - gain around 2800'. We will take Davis Trail and at about 1 1/4 hours we'll come out to open ledge with views for a break and within several tenths we will come to the cut-off for Crawford Mtn. which we will bypass. We will remain on Davis Trail until we've gone a total 3.7 miles to the Junction of Davis and Parker Trails staying on Davis Trail (not towards Resolution). Continue another .3 miles to the junction of Davis and Stairs Col. Be on the lookout for the weatherworn sign marked Stairs Mountain. The sign is well camouflaged on a tree. An easy scurry of less than a half hour brings you to the peak with fine views. Be prepared for black flies.

NEXT HIKE: June 2, Stairs Mtn. 3463'
MEETING SPOTS: Puffin Stop in Wakefield (junction of Rt. 16 and 109) at 7:00 a.m.
OR, Exit 14 off of Rt. 93, LL Bean/Hannaford side, Concord at 7:00 a.m.
Davis Path Trailhead at 9:00 a.m
TRAILHEAD: On Rte 302 immediately after Notchland Inn about 12 miles east of Junction Rte 302 and 16 and 5 miles south of Wiley House/Crawford Notch State Park.
HIKE LEADER: Diane King

Last weekend, Diane took us on a nice hike to Stairs Mountain, here is her report:

Saturday (8) two-leggeds and (2) four-leggeds started our hike just after 9 along Davis Path. It was a little humid and not too buggy until we hit the ledges where we enjoyed a sunny view and colorful stories but did not enjoy the black flies. With the steepest part over, we forged on along a woody ridge trail to Stairs Mountain trail sign. We weaved under and over blowdowns and switchbacks to the top. We got a gentle rainfall a couple hundred feet from the top which felt refreshing. At the top instead of a sunny dry view on the small flat rock face, we encountered heavier rain but it was not windy or cold. Everyone donned slickers and pack covers and stood beneath the trees for lunch.

We started back down and the sun came out within 10 minutes so our rain gear was ditched. We had a mix of sun and clouds and another stop at the ledges to greet the flies. There was eager anticipation of the ice cream stop at the Willey House but only half the group mustered up for the treat since the drive and hiking times were long enough considering we got back to the parking lot around 4 p.m.

Welcome Nicole to the Seacoast Day Hikers and we hope to see you on many more hikes!

Members may see more photos in our online photo album.