Hikers: Jon, Jacques, Mary, Mary, Millie, Gig, and Pat
Weather: 60s, Sunny
Distance: ~8mi
Elevation Gain: 2200 ft
Duration: 6 hrs 30 min
We had a good turn out for our trip up the Red Ledge Trail over North Moat and down the Moat Mtn Trail. The loop is 10 miles with a decent amount of elevation gain. The first couple of miles were very flat and easy to travel. There were a couple stream crossings that might be difficult at high water, but not today.
Soon after the last stream crossing, the Red Ledge Trail starts to climb abruptly up the ridge. The ridge has a lot of ledge with lots of open areas and nice views. The ledge is not particularly steep, but there are several places that require large steps. Mary’s dog Luke had a difficult time on these large steps. Mary had to carry him over many of them and the dog significantly slowed our pace. The views and the brilliant weather made it very easy to enjoy a slower pace and many rest breaks. We had a great group, so the conversation came easily as well. I particularly enjoyed talking to Millie, who is a very avid hiker. She has thru-hiked the AT and has thru-hiked the Long Trail each of the last 5 years. She went on the Tuckerman Ravine hike earlier this year, but it was the first time I met her husband Gig. He seemed very nice as well.
As we climbed higher up the ridge, it became more and more open. The rock is similar to the open peaks of Acadia. Luke continued to struggle, so we ultimately decided that it was best for Mary, Mary, Luke, and I to head down. Jacques had taken off ahead of us in anticipation that he’d be slower than the rest of the group, however we never did catch up to him. Jon and Jacques had come in a separate car, and so had Millie and Gig, so they could easily continue on the loop without any logistical issues of trying to meet up again. So that is what we did. Jon, Millie, and Gig caught up with Jacques at the Moat Mtn Trail junction, and Luke did much better once he was pointed down hill. He did very well for a 13 year old golden retriever, and would have been fine if it wasn’t for the big steps.
After the hike, Mary, Mary, and I met Millie and Gig at Flatbread’s for a quick drink and appetizer before heading home. Mary had borrowed Gig’s poles, so it was a good excuse to get back together.
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