Haystack Mtn., A.K.A., The Nubble 10/14/14

For the last day of our 4 day Columbus weekend, Becky and I parted ways. She just wanted to head home. It was a beautiful morning so I had to do something before heading home, no matter how short. I thought I might head to Crawford. Driving through there Saturday afternoon I spotted one of the many talus slides on the west face of Mt Webster. It's about .5 miles further north than Webster Slide. This is the spot. It looked like it would be easy to get to and not too steep. And should provide an interesting view of Crawford Notch.

But once there and pulled over at the side of the road, I decided I wanted something just a bit longer with more views. So my first thought was Mt. Oscar. Didn't like that idea so figured I'd just do The Sugarloafs. But before I made the turn onto Zealand Rd., I third choice was realized, Haystack Mtn. A.K.A., "The Nubble " I'd only been there once on the way to bagging PATN, Peak Above The Nubble. A.K.A. Unnamed Peak 3813. I didn't get to spend that much time there then.

So I drove to the gated and of Gale River Road and headed out.

In short order I was at the herd path / unofficial trail to Haystack Mtn.

Then my first glimpse of my target.

This trail is quite well defined as you can see below.

Which starts to parallel Haystack Brook for a ways. 

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It eventually crosses Haystack Brook at this spot.

I could see that this ledgey section of the brook went up for a ways so I decided to follow it for a while. Word of caution: Wet leaves on mossy slabs = Wet Butt.  :(  It wasn't anything special but killed some more time.

Nearing the climb. See what I mean about the trail. Hard to miss.

And finally, the entrance to the ledges. 

The next several shots are the climb to the top.

The summit.

Far more clouds were present on top than when I started out. But still, pretty descent views.

East

South 

West

Mounts Cleveland and Agassiz

Garfield making a brief appearance.

Presi's were once again a no show.  :(

In order, N. Sugarloaf, M. Sugarloaf, Mt. Oscar.

I spent well over an hour on top. Not a sole around, warm sun and a cool breeze. Could have sat there for hours. I relaxed first with the east view, then the west.

I did eventually have to go and the climb down was just as fun.

Back to the nice flat section of the trail.

I got to a point on the trail that I decided to shorten the return trip by cutting off a corner. Easy enough to do with nice open woods.

And .3 miles after back on the road, done. 

We had a great 4 days up north. Totally avoided the crowds. Both on the trails and on the road. Doing Saturday to Tuesday vs Friday to Monday was a, Grrreat,, decision. :D

The Tracks

ALL THE PHOTOS

EDIT:  To better explain a comment by 1HappyHiker I've included a map and the Google Earth image of it. I shows, and better explains the brook and route I believe he is referring to.

The view form the slide if anyone is interested.

First, Haystack Brook higher up.

Near the top of the slide.