Mizpah Question

[NtrentT]

Im thinking about headeding over to the Mizpah hut camping area this summer, Id like to stay around there for 3 nights but work may prevent that. So I may only be able to do 2 nights.

Whats the hike like over to Mizpah hut, ive read that its 2.6 miles of gentle grade, with a smooth surface for the trail. Sounds pretty easy, so I am assuming I could bag Esienhower the same day I arrive, rather than crash at the campsite and wait for morning.

Anyone ever do this?

[Telemark]

Yes, it's a fairly quick trip to Ike from the hut/Nauman. It's probably a good idea to grab a platform early as it is very popular on the weekends. You can make it to the hut in an hour and a half if you hurry. There are some steeper sections, it's not like the Wilderness trail, but in general it's a fairly mellow trip.

From the hut, the climb to Pierce is somewhat steep, then you get to play on the ridge to Ike and back. On the way out you can hit Jackson and Webster.

-dave-

[NtrentT]

Sounds fantastic.

Im just going to have to get the directions from 16 to the Trail head.

I usually drive up 91N to St.Johnsberry exit and cut across on 2E, or somtimes hit 3

[RR]

No matter which way you get there. The summit cairn of "Ike" is inhabited by wasps. On warmer windless days they can get very cranky. Tag and scoot is the best strategy. Try to get other parties between you and the summit if you stop up there....

[NtrentT]

No matter which way you get there. The summit cairn of "Ike" is inhabited by wasps. On warmer windless days they can get very cranky. Tag and scoot is the best strategy. Try to get other parties between you and the summit if you stop up there....

Ohhhhh

Very good to know, thanks for that info.

Rep given !

[pulverschwein]

The summit cairn of "Ike" is inhabited by wasps. On warmer windless days they can get very cranky.
Really? Is this an ongoing problem for numerous seasons? Never noticed, but I think I've only been on Ike in winter and spring, usually in cool, wet conditions. I never would've guessed they could survive in an environment over 4,700'. I have seen a type of mini yellow jax high in the whites and daks, but they always left me alone and I thought they were relatively harmless.

As someone who's allergic to bee stings, I always thought I was in the clear once I reached treeline - guess I was mistaken! Any other above treeline pesky, stinging insects you know about?

agree w NTrent - thanks fer the heads up. Would've repped ya if they'd let me.

[Seeker]

No matter which way you get there. The summit cairn of "Ike" is inhabited by wasps. On warmer windless days they can get very cranky. Tag and scoot is the best strategy. Try to get other parties between you and the summit if you stop up there....

Really? Huh, I have not experienced this. Maybe my Ike summit days have been cooler ones.

I can say that the summit of Adams is infested with blacks flies! UGH! Everytime I am up there it's a total swarm.

[RR]

Really? Is this an ongoing problem for numerous seasons? Never noticed, but I think I've only been on Ike in winter and spring, usually in cool, wet conditions. I never would've guessed they could survive in an environment over 4,700'. I have seen a type of mini yellow jax high in the whites and daks, but they always left me alone and I thought they were relatively harmless.

As someone who's allergic to bee stings, I always thought I was in the clear once I reached treeline - guess I was mistaken! Any other above treeline pesky, stinging insects you know about?Midges and blackflies assail me on the Pinnacle in Huntington. Those wasps you mention sound about right...they can get very aggressive....well I did sit on their doorstep and some of the stones moved...maybe that's why they chased my pard and me halfway off the summit.

[surf88]

Sounds pretty easy, so I am assuming I could bag Esienhower the same day I arrive, rather than crash at the campsite and wait for morning.

Anyone ever do this?
Since you used the word "bag" I would recomend Starting at the Crawford Depot up the Webster Jackson Trail and Bagging Mt. Jackson also. Once on that trail, I got caught in one of the worst thunder storms I have ever been in. :eek:
I'm always amused at how the term peak bagger was originally a derogatory remark, and now its a badge of honor.

[NtrentT]

Since you used the word "bag" I would recomend Starting at the Crawford Depot up the Webster Jackson Trail and Bagging Mt. Jackson also. Once on that trail, I got caught in one of the worst thunder storms I have ever been in. :eek:
I'm always amused at how the term peak bagger was originally a derogatory remark, and now its a badge of honor.

Thanks for the advice.

As for the word bag, its no badge, just a term meaning SUMMIT. Dont know why people read into words so much, and take them in other ways than they are obviously intended.

But thanks for the advice.

[PWDR8S]

Mmm.... biting, chewing, bloodsucking and stinging insect on mountain trails... We NEVER get those up here! http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif I think I've encountered and stirred up a Yellow Jacket or Wasp nest inadvertantly about every 7-8 hikes.... Fotunately none while doing TUX. http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif I've become much more cautious and discreet when clomping around in my wafflestompers.

I would agree with Surf on starting near the Crawford Lodge..... Once you get up on high, you hike the ridge and enjoy the views for miles. It's one of my favs.

[Telemark]

There was a problem two summers ago with wasps on Ike, but I don't think that has been a perenial issue. I haven't heard about them this summer yet, so it's hard to say if they're back. Something to watch out for, but I haven't heard of it being a problem this year.

From R16 in Conway? If so, just hop on Rt 302 in N Conway and take it past Attitash, Bartlett, and into Crawford Notch. At the top of the Notch (narrow rocky pass, it's obvious) you'll see the AMC's Highland Center on the left. Just past that is the Mt Clinton Road, and the overnight parking area is 100 feet in on the left. You'll need a WMNF parking pass, or you can buy a 2 day pass at the self-serve kiosk, it's $3/day.

The Crawford Cut-Off trail takes you from the parking area to the main Crawford Path. It's about 2.6 miles to the hut from there via the Crawford Cut-Off, Crawford Path, and Mizpah Cut-Off, it'll take you roughly 2 hours of steady hiking. If you want to hit Jackson on the way you'll need to hike back along 302 to the start of the Webster-Jackson trail near the top of the notch. That's longer, but allows you a choice to go over just Jackson or add Webster first. That hike will take you significantly longer, but the views from both peaks are quite nice.

-dave-

[NtrentT]

There was a problem two summers ago with wasps on Ike, but I don't think that has been a perenial issue. I haven't heard about them this summer yet, so it's hard to say if they're back. Something to watch out for, but I haven't heard of it being a problem this year.

From R16 in Conway? If so, just hop on Rt 302 in N Conway and take it past Attitash, Bartlett, and into Crawford Notch. At the top of the Notch (narrow rocky pass, it's obvious) you'll see the AMC's Highland Center on the left. Just past that is the Mt Clinton Road, and the overnight parking area is 100 feet in on the left. You'll need a WMNF parking pass, or you can buy a 2 day pass at the self-serve kiosk, it's $3/day.

The Crawford Cut-Off trail takes you from the parking area to the main Crawford Path. It's about 2.6 miles to the hut from there via the Crawford Cut-Off, Crawford Path, and Mizpah Cut-Off, it'll take you roughly 2 hours of steady hiking. If you want to hit Jackson on the way you'll need to hike back along 302 to the start of the Webster-Jackson trail near the top of the notch. That's longer, but allows you a choice to go over just Jackson or add Webster first. That hike will take you significantly longer, but the views from both peaks are quite nice.

-dave-


Dave ....

U Da Man !

Thanks.

[Seeker]

Dave ....

U Da Man !

Thanks.

He is, in fact. ;)

Hike the Whites (http://www.hikethewhites.com/)

[surf88]

Thanks for the advice.

As for the word bag, its no badge, just a term meaning SUMMIT. Dont know why people read into words so much, and take them in other ways than they are obviously intended.

But thanks for the advice.
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend or imply. :)
It's just a term that I have personally adopted as a term of indearment.

[NtrentT]

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend or imply. :)
It's just a term that I have personally adopted as a term of indearment.

No offence taken, just wanted to make sure it was stated that I dont hike/climb/whatever for bragging rights. I purely enjoy it. Its my church as some have said.