SUNDAY RIVER WHITECAP – THE HIKE
SUNDAY RIVER WHITECAP – THE HIKE
Say Sunday River and most people think ski. About six miles due north of well known Sunday River Ski Area in western Maine, Sunday River White Cap provides an excellent hike to a barren summit with outstanding views of this mountainous region. No lines, crowds, or expensive tickets. However, no ski lift will propel you to the summit, physical exertion is required. Friends Gary and Suzanne joined us for a late winter climb to the top of this 3,400 foot majestic peak in the Mahoosuc Mountain Range. Forgoing recently constructed Grafton Loop Trail, we chose to bushwack beginning on Route 26 in Grafton Notch State Park. Since several feet of snow had recently fallen, we anticipated a demanding snowshoe while orienteering to higher elevations above tree-line. Fortuitously, an earlier group of hikers had cleared a hard-packed path which we unabashedly followed. It doesn’t always pay to be the “early bird” when winter mountaineering as breaking trail on snowshoes is a strenuous, laborious task under the best of circumstances. Bushwacking through a dense forest in deep, drifted snow can test the hardiest hikers. Arriving above tree-line, glorious views and blustery winds greeted us. The claws and crampons on our snowshoes were adequate for ascending a hard-packed snow and icy surface to the summit where harsh gales from the north forced us to seek shelter below a ledge facing south where we found our trail breaking benefactors huddled. Expressing profuse thanks for their efforts, we donned our parkas and joined our new friends for a leisurely lunch. Shielded from winds howling above us, we savored unparalleled views of rugged Mahoosuc peaks and the imposing Presidential Range of New Hampshire looming beyond. Panoramic views of Baldpate and Puzzle Mountains were our exhilarating visual fare while descending the exposed summit cone into fierce headwinds. Severe conditions subsided after reaching the protection of stunted mountain scrub and we ended our trek cruising gently downhill on a winter super highway we had helped construct. Refer to our book, Mountains for Mortals – New England, for comprehensive information, photos, maps and elevation profiles of 30 more great New England hikes. Visit our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com to learn more about our book and other outdoor adventures.