Mount Jackson - NH

It was the third and final day of our hiking trip.  My legs were tired, but I knew that this one last day would be worth it.  Our plan of attack was to hike Mount Jackson and scoot over to Mount Webster, even though it was a little out of the way and less than 4000’.  I was excited to hike one last time and knock off another 4000’ mountain, especially one that was named after the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (Mount Jackson is actually named after Charles Jackson, a NH geologist.  Rather deceptive since it is on the southern side of the Presidential Traverse).

The Webster Jackson Trail was a very enjoyable hike.  The first mile is rather moderate with a few decent overlook points.  These points are well marked and have really great views of Tom, Field, and Willey along with the rest of Crawford Notch.  After about a mile of hiking, the trail forked for a direct path up to Jackson or Webster.  Tim and I took the route leading us to Webster (the path on the right).  It started with a solid 100’ descent.  At the bottom was a gorgeous waterfall.  The only problem with the steep descent is it adds another 100’ we have to ascend again…  The rest of the hike was, again, moderate with a few moments of steep sections.  After a brief pit stop at the top of Webster, we crossed the ridge to Jackson.  This trail only had a few more feet of elevation gain.  However, the final push before the summit was a steep scramble.  Nothing Tim and I couldn’t handle though.  And it was worth it!

Tom, Field, and Willey

The southern Presidential Range

Photogenic alpine dog

Tim is probably only 10' in front of me...  but 50' higher! 

At the summit of Mt. Jackson

NO CLOUDS OVER WASHINGTON!  IT EXISTS!

At the summit, I enjoyed a Moat Mountain Czech Style Pilsner Lager.  Considering the only other type of pilsner I’ve had before was your typical “cheap beer”, this tasted amazing.  It was very smooth, and light tasting beer; perfect for the summit of a 4000’ mountain.

Mount Jackson (including Mount Webster)

            Views – 4 (Much different views from the other hikes of this trip.)

            Time – 4 (Able to hike and head back to VT before dinner time)

            Difficulty – 3.5 (Some steep and slippery sections)

            Beer – 4.5 (Moat Mountain Czech Style Pilsner Lager)

            Overall – 4 (Great views of Presidentials, enjoyable beer, another great 1/2 day hike)

This post concludes my hiking trip with Tim from August 18-20, 2014.  I apologize for taking so long to make all of these posts, but I have been busy in recent weeks (fantasy football, Arcade Fire concert, work, etc.).  Again, in times between hikes, what could I do/post to bridge the gaps?  Is there anything more or less that you want from this blog?  Thanks for your input!