Moosilauke is a
remarkable mountain. At 4802', it is the
tenth highest peak on the AMC NH-4000 list.
It has a prominence of 2932', making it the
third most prominent peak in New Hampshire (Washington
and Lafayette are #'s 1 and 2). But what
really sets it apart from all the others is
its shear size. If we define the massif as
being bounded by Tunnel Brook, Kinsman Notch
and NH Route 118, Moosilauke occupies an area
of approximately 30 square miles. It is a
range unto itself, and most likely would have
been labeled as a range if it weren't for the
fact that the peak of Moosilauke shares this
massif with no other peak having a prominence
greater than 170'. Baker River and its
tributaries form a gulf comparable in size to
Great Gulf in the Presidential Range and
there are numerous ravines, those on the
northwest slopes being as challenging as any
in the Whites.
But a
mountain of this size can't get away without
having a few named knobs and nubbles -- at
least eleven in this case:
East
Peak; 4640+; DOC95
Mt. Blue; 4529; USGS
South Peak; 4523; USGS
Mt. Jim; 4172; USGS
Mt. Waternomee; 3920+; USGS
Mt. Braley; 3770; DOC95
Mt. Kirkham; 3320+; DOC95
Sayre Peak; 3157; DOC95
Hurricane Mtn;. 3015; USGS
Chokecherry Hill; 2971; USGS
Bald Hill; 2397; USGS
These
eleven peaks could be done in a challenging
bushwhack/trail hike of about 16 miles, using
Moosilauke Ravine Lodge as the base point. I've
been told that there is a Middle Peak shown
on earlier maps. Haven't found it yet. Please
contact me if you have any information
on this.
