Hike Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook Trail

Victoria Boop

Hike Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook Trail

06/26/17

We chose to ascend via Beaver Brook Trail instead and it was HARD to say the least. We are avid hikers in the Whites, Adirondacks etc. and this one surely gave us a run for our money. We parked at the trailhead off 112 and paid the $5 parking fee. As soon as we entered the woods, a downpour ensued. Thinking it was just a small shower passing through (we had just checked the forecast, zero percent chance of rain!), we put on our rain coats and trudged on, not knowing what we were in for ahead. Running with our heads down in an attempt to stay dry, we also missed the sign warning of "tragic results" for inexperienced hikers or careless people. The trail ascends rapidly and many times you are only a few feet away from the gushing waterfall. This provides beautiful views, but they aren't joking when they say one wrong step could leave you dead. This is especially dangerous in the pouring rain, and descending this way is the same if not worse. We were shocked that this 7.6 mile hike took us almost 7 hours (this includes about a half hour rest at the summit) to complete, but taking into account the terrain and the weather we really ended up just being glad we didn't die or injure ourselves. All negativity aside, the summit made the trek completely worth it. The views from the summit on a clear day are incredible. The Pemi loop looks so close you think you can touch it, and on a really clear day Washington doesn't look too far either. I would hike Moosilauke again but truthfully I'd likely opt for an easier trail the next time around.

4.0