Near-Peak Colors Around Mt. Jackson

After my high-altitude hiking in Peru, where the oxygen is limited, hiking in NH's White Mountains near sea level was a piece of cake! I felt great! And I didn't need to break for breathers on the way up.

We got a late start, so we met quite a few people coming down from the summit. Everyone of them lamented the lack of views due to the low cloud cover. "It's not worth it," several said. Well, I'm glad we continued.

Miraculously, when we reached the summit, the sky cleared and we had 360 degree views! Autumnal colors were vivid in areas of sun; less so in areas of cloud cover. Not quite peak yet though.

Although the summit of Mt. Washington to the northeast was occluded by clouds, the rest of the mountain, and the area around it, was majestic to behold.

The trail near the summit is very steep and rocky, and requires some tricky foot and legwork to get over massive boulders. Fortunately even the wet rocks weren't too slippery.

A very enjoyable 6-hour hike! And it was Mike's very first Presidential! Congratulations, Mike!

5.2 miles, 2,150' elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Jackson = 4,052 feet
Route: Webster-Jackson Trail and Mount Jackson Branch both ways