A group of 8 hiked the Lincoln and Barlow Trails up and over Mount Kearsarge on a perfect Sunday a few days ago. Nick Baer led the group of experienced hikers. We started with a good omen — a black-throated green warbler feeding at our feet. Soon after we found a tiny snake and a huge anthill. We hiked through a beautiful meadow then the seemingly never-ending trail along the west side of Black Mountain.
Just before the steep rocky section of the Lincoln Trail, we entered an amazing grove of ferns and birch.
We scrambled to the summit for lunch. Other people were there too, most coming the short way from Rollins State Park, some up the steep Winslow Trail or the longer Barlow Trail, but probably only a few other than our group took the long route that is the Lincoln Trail.
The day was fairly clear so we could get a nice sweeping view from Cardigan to Washington and beyond on both ends.
We passed a beautiful cotton grass alpine bog.
At Winslow State Park we posed for a group photo. This photo is a composite of two images — one by Nick and one by me. There was only one dog with us.
You can see photos from a September 25, 2010 hike along these same trails in the “normal” direction by clicking HERE.
Please enjoy the slide show with a few additional photos from our hike.
