*****
Coot Trail, Bobcat Trail. 1.6 mile loop with 800 feet of elevation gain.
The forecast called for constant rain, so a Terrifying 25 trail was out of the question. Instead, the girls and I opted to bop up Magalloway Mountain, a short and easy 52WAV peak.
The girls and I piled into the car and headed north. And north. And north some more. It took us three and a half hours to get to Magalloway Road, which is north of Pittsburgh, NH and just south of the Canadian border. The girls carschooled until they ran out of assignments, then listened to Freakonomics podcasts until we finally arrived at the trailhead.
Parking lot and trailhead for Coot Trail...
It may have been raining all day down in the Whites, but the sun prevailed up in North Country. Though the clouds were thick and low, not one drop of water fell during our hike.
The Coot Trail was muddy and steep, but well maintained. Our 0.8 mile ascent was straightforward and quick.
I hadn't told the girls about the fire tower on the summit; they were thrilled to see it when we reached the clearing.
Up we went...
Views all around...
The descent was tricky -- I had forgotten a map and the trails were not signed at the top. I wanted to take Bobcat Trail down...Coot and Bobcat make a loop...but I couldn't immediately figure out which way to go. There are a few herd paths descending from the summit, so Bobcat Trail is not obvious. Finally, with the help of a compass, I figured it out. Start out on Coot Trail, then take a wide path that branches to the left during the descent (not far from the summit).
At the end of Bobcat Trail, about 50 feet from the parking area....
Though I kvetched online about having to drive seven hours roundtrip for a 45 minute hike, I did enjoy seeing the Great North Woods and I look forward to returning to this part of New Hampshire. I'm fortunate to live in such a beautiful state.
*****
Coming soon...as in, first thing tomorrow morning...my review of Dan Szczesny's new book, The Adventures of Buffalo and Tough Cookie. Also coming soon...a Paravival Paracord Bracelet giveaway!
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