Cherry Mountain - Martha and Owls Head peaks

Today we decided to tackle two peaks on the Y-Alpine list - both part of Cherry Mountain just outside of Twin Mountain - Martha and Owls Head. The forecast called for a 50% chance of rain, so we were delighted to see the sun shining when we arrived at the trailhead.

Sunday Oct 10, 2004

This is the route we took today up to Mt cherry.

Directions to the trailhead:From Twin Moutain head north on Rte 3, turning right on Rte 115. The parking lot is 1.9 miles on your right, opposite Lennon road.

This is the profile of the hike from our GPS.

The night before we let the boys enjoy the fold down sofa in our travel trailer.

The start of the trail. Although the sun was shining with blue skies we were in the shadows of the mountain - temp was 48 degrees at the start. As you could see from the GPS profile and map the trail goes straight up the mountain. The trail used to be the path of phone lines.

The begining of the trail is over grown, but it quickly widens into a well traveled trail.

About 15 minutes into the hike Geri decided she had too mnay clothes on and changed.

The trail was leaf covered but the footing was good. Higher up the trail had some rocky sections that brought a sweat to our brows.

Geri and Kerry making their way up the trail which held a steady grade the entire way.

AS we climbed higher the woods opened up revealing bright blue skies as a backdrop to the bright colors.

Kinsale was sure we were playing King of the Hill! It was shortly before this spot that the boys spotted their first moose!!! Although they wanted to play with their new friend, the moose wanted nothing to do with the boys and headed away quickly.

The trail ends at a fire road where you take a left and head .2 miles to the summit.

The fire road is popular with snow mobiles during the Winter.

There are views in 3 directions at the summit. Here if you look closely you can see the ski runs at Bretton Wods. By the time we reached the summit clouds had moved in, although the sun kept making an appearance all day.

You can just make out the slide on North Twin and Peak Above the Nubble in the shot.

This is the view looking North.

What happened to Geri??? Don't worry - they didn't push her over the edge.

The trail to Owls Head is marked, although you have to go 10 feet down the trail before you see the signs.

Martha's Mile is the trail that leads over to Owls Head and is in very good shape.

Kinsale leads the way.

Geri in Owls Head summit with the boys - Martha's peak in the background.

The view south was breath taking.

A view of Martha's peak.

Geri and the boys waiting for me to join them for lunch.

We won't be able to hike with Kerry and Kinsale until next June as their owners head to Texas for the Winter months.

After our hike we took a drive to Crawford notch to view the sites.

Silver Cascade.

Another angle.

A view of the road as it winds down Crawford Notch.

Geri waiting for me to cross the road :>

The railroad tressel just below Crawford Station.

A view of Crawford Notch.

We decided to check out the Mount Washington Hotel - wonderfull grounds.

We took Cherry Mountain road back to 115 and found this pond.

A view of Owls Head from the East.

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