Hedgehog Mountain - 5/13/09

After really enjoying the rather leisurely trip out to Lonesome Lake I decided to take another shorter hike, one that I could take my time with. I had always heard that Hedgehog Mountain was a good “Bang for your Buck” peak, meaning it offers good views without an overly strenuous hike. After a sunny drive East over the Kanc I arrived at the parking area, down a short dirt road opposite the Passaconaway Campground. In short order I was geared up and hit the trail.

Spring on the UNH Trail

At the outset it was a lovely, completely flat walk. The trails in this area are also used as cross country ski trails in the winter, and I imagine they are quite nice in that season. After taking some pictures of flowers along the way I arrive at loop intersection. I had decided to do the loop clockwise, going to the East ledges first, for these are the most heralded views of the hike. I tramped along at a relaxed pace, trying my hand at identifying the various trees and flowers, and taking more pictures.

Close-up of Hobblebush flowers

The trails passes over what only seem like minor ups and downs for about a mile before beginning the fairly tame climb up to the ledges. Before long I was walking on exposed rock and soon came out on the broad expanse of rock with a view even better than I was expecting.

View from the East ledges; Passaconaway on right

After taking some pictures and a quick snack break I hoisted my pack and set off for top. The ledges then swing along to the right and the ledgy knob of the summit then comes into view, not far ahead. Not too much later I came out onto more ledges with views of varying degrees of impressiveness. The views from the top are interspersed among a few different open ledges. Potash Mountain is close at hand, and views to the East and North are opened up. I had my lunch on one of the ledges, gazing off toward Carrigain and Lafayette.

View Northwest from summit; Passaconaway on left this time

I continued on the loop and was now on the descent which seemed to be a bit steeper than the other side, but still pretty mild. After what only seemed like a few minutes I arrived at the signed side path to Allen’s Ledge. This is an interesting three-tiered viewpoint. Oddly enough the higher ledges off the more restricted views, but the uppermost outlook atop the knobby ledge offers an interesting look back to the summit. The lowest is the most open and is the most dramatically perched, almost like a balcony.

View from Allen's Ledge

After taking in these sights I was back on the path and on my way down. This was quick business, and soon after I was back at the loop junction only a short walk from the car. I vastly enjoyed this little loop and would certainly like to return.