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Mittersill Peak, Cannon Mountain
Franconia, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Taft Cut Off on the way up Mittersill Peak
Route: Taft Cut Off, Taft Trail, (Mittersill), Taft Trail, spur trail, (Cannon Mountain), spur trail, Taft Trail, (Mittersill), Taft Trail, Taft Cut Off
Frustrated with trail conditions that had been ruined by warm temperatures, I decided to get in a ski area hike, knowing that the trails would still be somewhat firm.
The first portion of the hike up the old Mittersill area went fairly smoothly - short grass, no snow or ice, and very little mud. Once I rounded the corner and reached the spruce-shrubbed section of the Taft Cut Off, however, things became rather wet and rough - not nearly as smooth sailing as the trail is in winter. Finally reaching the top of the pitch after trying to strategically walk without damaging the moss, I next had to cut across some ice as I worked my way to the top of the old ski area.
From there, the Taft Trail was in a bit better shape - though wet in places, there was also still some firm spring snow. Reaching the top of Mittersill Peak, I had pretty decent views despite the haze.
From there to the col, it was bare ground. Above that, packed spring snow with some bare spots.
The views from the tower were pretty good, though points to the south and west were obscured by haze. Nonetheless, the views of the Franconia Ridge and south were quite good.
The descent was a bit slower than I had hoped, as I was babying my somewhat sore knee while trying not to slip on the wet sections of trail. Nonetheless, it was better than postholing around in the woods!
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mittersill Peak |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Cannon Mountain |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Monday, April 27, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
5:15 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,860' |
| Destination: |
Mittersill Peak |
| Ascent Commenced: |
5:16 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
6:12 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:56 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,870' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,617' |
| Vertical Gain: |
1,747' |
| Destination: |
Cannon Mountain |
| Ascent Commenced: |
6:14 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
6:38 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:24 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,617' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,100' |
| Vertical Gain: |
605' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
7:57 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
02:42 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
2,449' |
|
Looking up the old Mittersill ski area
Looking at the Franconia Ridge from Mittersill Peak
Looking up the Taft Trail on the way to Cannon Mountain
Looking down Franconia Notch from the Cannon Mountain observation tower
Directions to trailhead: Take I-93 North to the Cannon Mountain Peabody Slopes exit. Continue past the Cannon entrance, taking a left at the Mittersill sign. There are multiple parking areas on the left a fraction of a mile down this road. Looking uphill adjacent to the old double chairlift, the Taft Cut Off Trail is the furthest ski trail to the left (not to be confused with a dirt access road that branches out from the parking lot).
Back to Mittersill Peak Profile
Back to Cannon Mountain Profile
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