July 11, 2010 Hike #3
After climbing the Hancocks in the morning and Mount Moosilauke in the early afternoon, I had time for one more small hike. I decided on Cannon Mountain via a "different" approach. I wanted to go over Mittersill Peak. I started from a trailhead at the end of Tucker Brook Road.
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I immediately went over a bridge.
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Just after the bridge I had a choice. I could continue on the road or take an unnamed trail. The trail seemed to draw my attention with its bright orange flagging. I had no idea where it went but decided to give it a try. If it was taking me up to Mittersill Peak, it was going the long way. But every time I was about to give up on it, it turned back in the direction of the mountain.
Passing a small waterfall
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Over a small bridge. I hope it holds me.
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I continued following the flagging.
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I passed by an old shed or cabin.
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Just as I started reaching the steeper section, the trail turned back down the other way. Hmmm? Now what do I do. I was about 1 mile from the top of Mittersill Peak. The woods was very open. It was tempting to bushwhack but I knew I would undoubtedly end up finding thick spruce up high. I went for it anyway. I bushwhacked straight up for a quarter mile before stumbling across another trail. I took this for a few minutes but it seemed to be going along the side of the mountain rather than up. I started bushwhacking again running into thick spruce. The next quarter of a mile was very slow going. As I went up, I worked my way north knowing eventually I would come out on a ski trail. Sure enough I did. I had about 1/3 of a mile to the top of Mittersill when I came out on a ski trail.
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Passing an old ski lift.
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Almost on Mittersill Peak
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Looking up to Cannon Mountain from Mittersill
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I was soon engulfed in clouds, but continued on to the summit of Cannon. Although there was no view, I climbed the tower anyway. The breeze helped cool me off.
Heading back to Mittersill
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I guess this is the best view I'm going to get on a cloudy, rainy day like today.
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That was definitely my toughest time bagging Cannon Mountain. It usually takes me about 2 hours and it took me 3 hours 45 minutes. This is a great approach to Cannon Mountain, however there is definitely an easier way to do it. I wouldn't recommend my route to friends or family.
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