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Mt. Martha
Carroll, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Mt. Martha Spur Trail
Route: Cherry Mountain Trail, Mt. Martha Spur Trail, (Mt. Martha), Mt. Martha Spur Trail, Cherry Mountain Trail
After working some long days, I had some time off coming to me, so I decided to enjoy the nice weather by hiking Mt. Martha.
On my way up Route 16 and the first part of 302, it was a beautiful, sunny day, with temperatures in the upper 20s. As soon as I reached the Crawford Notch area, the temperature dropped into the teens and the sky was clouded over. Mistake.
Hoping that perhaps the weather would pass through, I continued with my plan and was soon on the Cherry Mountain Trail. The first part of the trail was fairly gradual and straight - I was a bit tired and hadn't had enough for breakfast, so I was dragging. After awhile, the trail steepened up a bit, and it started snowing. By the time I reached the height of land, the surface had gone from a quarter of an inch of snow to an inch.
Arriving at the summit, I was surprised to see fire tower footings - for some reason, I didn't remember or know that there was a tower here. Unfortunately, due to the snow, there wasn't much to see from any of the viewpoints. As a result, I decided to pass on going to the Owl's Head viewpoint and instead called it a day.
Like an idiot (or, should I say, as an idiot...), I decided to continue just wearing a shirt (adding a hat and gloves) for the descent, since I'm trying to get re-acclimated to winter temperatures. By the time I was back in the parking lot, I realized that I was actually quite cold - it was a struggle turning the key to start my vehicle. I guess I'm getting old.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Martha |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Moderate (due to weather) |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 |
| Hike Commenced: |
8:24 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,660' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Martha |
| Ascent Commenced: |
8:24 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
9:25 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:01 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,660' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,573' |
| Distance: |
1.9 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
1,933' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
10:30 AM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
02:06 |
| Hike Distance: |
3.8 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
1,953' |
|
The Cherry Mountain Trail trailhead
Looking toward Mt. Deception from near the summit of Mt. Martha
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 302 west to Route 3 North, then take a right onto Route 115. The Cherry Mountain Trail trailhead and parking area will be on the right, immediately after passing Lennon Road on the left.
Back to Mt. Martha Profile
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