Goodrich Rock
We chose to hike something small last Sunday; The Flying Monkey in Plymouth, NH was showing The Princess Bride on the big screen at 1pm and we wanted to see it. Goodrich Rock Trail seemed an ideal pick for the day. The total length is just over 4 miles, elevation gain is trivial (less than 1000 feet), and the trail is on the elective portion of The Terrifying 25.
We arrived at Livermore Trail around 9am...
...walked a flat 0.3 miles...
...and arrived at Greeley Ponds Trail.
Greeley Ponds Trail was decimated by Tropical Storm Irene last year. Part of the trail is still closed...
...but, thankfully, not the part we needed for our hike.
The following photos show how Greeley Ponds Trail goes from normal to incredibly damaged (south to north -- from the intersection with Livermore Trail to the intersection with Goodrich Rock Trail).
Goodrich Rock Trail...
Immediately, we began to go up (the grade is moderately steep).
Half a mile later, we arrived at the Davis Boulders.
This one looks like it might topple over...
Goodrich Rock is a few tenths of a mile beyond Davis Boulders.
The trail winds down and around the left side of this glacial erratic and leads the hiker to a ladder which ascends the rear portion of this massive boulder.
This ladder's the reason this trail is on The Terrifying 25 list (the hike itself is tame). The wood is solid and the bolts are sturdy, so we didn't find the ascent difficult.
Alex climbs the ladder...
Sage climbs the ladder...
It was fairly easy to get little Max up there. I stuck him under one arm and made my way up.
Views of Waterville Valley from the top of Goodrich Rock...
Tecumseh...
The girls...
We ate our "summit" munchies...
...then began our descent of the ladder.
Ascending this thing wasn't that big of a deal, but DESCENDING it was a different story. I threw my pack down to the rocks below, then began the hair-raising process of getting my feet onto the first rung and turning myself around so I was facing the right way for the descent. It took a few tries and a giant leap of faith, but I did eventually manage. Next, Alex backed Max to the ladder. I held on with one hand and got Max securely under one arm with the other. I then made my way slowly down the rungs until I reached the bottom. Phew! After tying Max to a tree, I went back up and spotted each of the girls as they came down. Was this the most terrifying thing I've ever negotiated? Not exactly. Still, it wasn't easy and a fall here could kill you.
Once back on the ground, the four of us beat feet to the parking lot. We had a movie to catch!
In sum, Goodrich Rock's a quick and easy hike and the ladder provides a bit of excitement. Nice views from the top. Thumbs up.
On the next Tuesday Trip Report: Seek the Peak!
4 comments:
I'll have to say I'm not real fond of the ladders either....same problem as you. Going up is no problem, but starting that descent sure messes with my equilibrium. We don't have ladders in the Smokies, but we have lots of narrow log bridges that are sometimes high up over the rushing water. Those mess with me too!!
Hope you are taking care of yourself!
Those log bridges sound both frightening and wonderful! :) About the ladders...funny, every time I ascend one, I forget how nervous I'm going to be when it's time to come back down.
Prema and I just did this today (actually yesterday, since it's now Monday!) I jokingly said to myself, "This ladder should be on the Terrifying 25!" I froze for a few seconds on the descent! I also just posted on NETC, "Don't even think of bringing a dog up this!" I am so amazed that you were able too! Beckie
Hi Beckie,
This IS on the T25! If you have a moment, join the T25 Facebook Page ("Terrifying 25") and post a picture or two. :)
Regarding the dog...that was not my best owner moment, lol. Should have tied the leash to a tree at the bottom of the ladder instead of hauling poor Max up the rungs. Thankfully, he's a little guy and it's easy for me to stick him under one arm. Still...definitely wouldn't recommend anyone else doing what I did.
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