5 of 52
Instead of the mapped 3.4 miles in the book, I only went 3.1. The book map showed a trail around Devil’s Soup Bowl, but the map at the trailhead didn’t show a clear indication and it wasn’t well marked, so I cut that portion short. With a pending snowstorm possible of hitting at any time, I didn’t want to get lost.
Devil’s Soup Bowl and Graves Hill were the main features I explored on the trail, although there were several other options and a myriad of other trails in the area. This could easily be a week’s worth of hiking once it’s warmer so I could hike and camp in the area. I was a little disappointed on the continued obstruction of Devil’s Soup Bowl even at peak winter, but I understand how much less visible it would have been with leaves on the trees. The topographical layouts of the feature sure indicate a very interesting set of slopes. I took in the fresh air and a moment of rest at the top of Graves Hill before heading back where I’d come.
The cross-country skiers I came across were really entertaining as they struggled up the side of Graves Hill. I stepped off the trail to let them pass because it was too narrow for all of us. They offered a picture only after they had passed me, or I would have gladly taken one. I have never had an interest in cross-country skiing, but watching them struggle further convinced me to stay away from the sport.
In most cases, the path was extremely narrow, but easy to navigate. Of course, I now come fully prepared with microspikes and two trekking poles, but there was very little ice and was mostly just fresh powder to dig the tread of my boots into. The book mentioned confusing color-coded trails that were fixed a few years ago, so the bright colors on the trails were unexpected. They must have meant they made them less confusing, which I’d have to agree with because they were pretty easy to navigate.
While only on it for a very short amount of time, I can now officially say I’ve been on the North Country Trail (NCT), one of the Triple Crown trails I hope to one day hike, if I can keep this up. It’s kind of interesting to think that the first time I stepped onto one of these behemoths that it was not, in fact, the Appalachian Trail (AT), as it beckons from my homeland (sort of).
Raven K 