Crawford-Davis-Stairs-Isolation
Davis Path - Isolation Trail - Dry River Trail
August 16, 2009
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The Davis Path is one of our favorites. Grab it on a clear day and you’re rewarded with multiple peaks with views. Our plan was Davis path to Mt Crawford, to Mt Stairs, over to Mt. Davis, Isolation, continue northward to Isolation Trail and down to Dry River back to 302. Our group today was a combination Meetup group and Views/Rocks. This turned into a great combination of hikers with old buddies and new faces, and a pretty evenly matched crew pacewise. . We consolidated into a 2 vehicles, leaving the bulk of the cars at the end of the hike (Dry River Trail) and started our hike promptly at 8am on the Davis Path.
The initial portion of the Davis starts out fairly tame, meandering through a wooded section with a few small stream crossings. From there, the grade is fairly steep and steady to the ridge before Mt Crawford. The short jaunt up to this peak gives a great view proving that there are indeed magnificent peaks less than the magic ‘4,000’ feet.
The trail from Crawford toward Stairs, starts fairly level with some interesting rock slabs and vegetation. Nearing the Resolution Shelter, the trail gets steeper until you reach the spur to Stairs Mtn. This outlook near the peak is always so dramatic with the huge drop off. More great views and a good spot to rest and grab a bite to eat. Geri was playing Trail Nazi to try to keep the crew on our book time schedule, so we headed out again after a quick stop. Next stop, Mt Davis – more views and food and we look for something of a breeze to cool off. We’re in the midst of the Aug heat wave – making for a hot & sweaty day.
On to Isolation where we ran into BikeHikeFish. Another peak, ie more food, views and a bit of lounging. Such a treat to get to this peak on a clear day. Keeping to our schedule we head out, continuing northward towards the Isolation Trail. This is much less traveled trail – a bit over grown is spots. But really quite lovely and new experience for most of us. 2.4 miles and it links to the Dry River trail, scouting along the river. We hit a good spot on the river and most everyone was busy filtering, pumping or dropping iodine tablets to replenish water supplies on this very hot day.
We’re getting a bit tired, but the last 4.9 miles are quite flat and fairly easy hiking. The group breaks up slightly, but we make it back to Rte 302 just 5 minutes over the 12hr book time. Not too bad considering the size of the group and our enjoyable breaks at the peaks and river. This turned out to be a great loop with a fun group. Definitely worth repeating. And the best part, …it’s a Sunday and we have the whole week off!!
Directions to Trailhead
From Twin Mountain, follow Route 302 South through Crawford Notch. After passing the Willey House continue for @ 5.6 miles. There is a large dirt parking lot on the left. Park and walk North to the bridge crossing the river.
Length of Hike:
12:05 hours
20.5 miles
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