Reading about Moosilauke, it was clear that it would be one of the more popular hikes on this endeavor. The main route is composed of carriage trails and relatively easy trail which pay off with one of the most stunning views of any mountain in the state. I envisioned a day of parking lot jostling and crowded trails and craved a more solitary experience. And so I decided to try a different route.
Not to go all Robert Frost, but there was a road less traveled–the Benton Trail via Tunnel Brook. This offered a back door to Moosilauke that would be a bit more rustic and remote. I mapped my route and started doing a little research. There was a brook crossing involved which might be a challenge after a few days of heavy rain, but overall it seemed like the trail for me.
Arriving at the trailhead, I knew that I had picked well. There were only two cars in the small lot and I could instantly hear the rush of flowing water nearby. This was going to do just fine.
It was instantly clear that the heavy rain was going to have an effect on this hike. The water was straight up running through the woods at points. I soon came upon a part of the road/trail that had been eaten in one big bite by a raging flood at some point in the last few years.
The next challenge was the brook that I had read about. It was indeed flowing mighty. After a few minutes exploring for an easy crossing, I resigned myself to wet shoes and waded through the crystal cold water.
After the brook, the trail took the familiar mix of rock and roots that the Whites have to offer. Some sections of trail were pure stream. I didn’t see another person on the ascent or descent.
The summit lived up to the hype. I heard a guide who was stationed at the top explaining that Moosilauke translates in Abenaki to “bald place.” The top was indeed as bald as Vin Diesel, offering panoramic views that I hadn’t been treated to on any of my peaks so far. Five or six other groups of hikers relaxed and chatted, some with dogs. It wasn’t the insane gold rush for views that I had read about in my research, but still relatively busy compared to other hikes I’d done thus far.
Making my way to the South Peak for some additional views, a hiker passed by. There was a thunderclap moment where I thought it was my close friend who had passed away years ago. He was a dead ringer. We gave each other a grin–the same one that he used to give and then continued our separate paths. It was nice to know that he was still out there enjoying it all.
Coming down I anticipated the brook crossing the entire time, but this time with relish. I couldn’t wait to soothe my sore feet and calves in a cold bath. I tromped through the crossing without a second thought, made it back to my car and bathed completely in the fast-flowing water before making the long drive home.
Distance: 18.96km
Time: 4 hours 44 minutes
Music: Bob Dylan The Rolling Thunder Review: The 1975 Live Recordings
Post-run Food: Sushi and Mountain Dew
When I Get Home 
As always, wonderful writing. I was able to visual your hike as you went along. Thank you. 😍 Aunt Sue