A Morning Hike Up Mt. Agassiz
| Date: | 11-16-2024 |
| Location: | Bethlehem, NH |
| Distance: | 1.7 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 511′ |
| Total Time: | 1 hr 25 min |
| Parking: | 3+ cars |
I had some time this morning and was looking for something quick and easy to hike. I had remembered that I wanted to check out Mt. Agassiz in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This was a bit of a drive, but it seemed more exciting than watching TV.
When I left my house, it was bright and sunny but by the time I got up to Lincoln, clouds were getting a bit thicker and darker. They were also creating some interesting shapes and swirls above me.
I overshot the trail head. It looked like a driveway to me at first but then noticed a small place for 2-3 vehicles to park but really only two can fit there. There were a few other spots a little further in.
I started up the road and soon after got to a gate with a sign that said no vehicle traffic, but hikers were ok. So, I ducked under the wires and continued to walk. The road climbed pretty steady right from the start.
After a bit of hiking, it levels out a bit and then a little further it starts climbing a little steeper for a way. There were some sort of sheds or shelters along the road. I came across a bench on the side of the trail. I figured this was a halfway bench.
The road had one steeper section then it angled up toward the summit. From the start, the road was roughly paved from years ago. Most of the road is dirt and in good condition. I passed some trails on my left that showed up on my GPS. It turns out that these are downhill mountain bike trails.
Just around the corner from these trails, the old observatory came into sight. It is a beautiful stone building but in great disrepair. I made my way around the building and took several different photos.
Around the back there is a small staircase that leads to a small lawn outlined with a metal railing and an amazing view. There is a bench there to if you choose to sit and enjoy the scenery. I stayed for a few more pictures and sometime just enjoying the view.
I could see Mt. Hale, Garfield, Mt. Cleveland and Cannon Mountain. Lots of others especially looking west toward Vermont. And I had this all to myself.
I headed back toward the trail and made my way down. The way down was much quicker. I was at the halfway bench before I knew it.
I was close to the bottom when I saw a gentleman walking up. As I looked up, my foot slipped into a small rut and I fell, in front of the only person I saw all day. I picked myself up, a little embarrassed but otherwise fine.
I made it back to the car without any other incidents. This hike is a neat little gem. It was pretty short and offered some great views. I kept thinking that this would be a great place to shoot the stars on a clear winter night.
