The Randolph Community Forest trails have haunted me since I began my trace, but for what? With a bit of route pre-planning, the RCF trails were not only easy to navigate but super enjoyable too! While I may not have enjoyed this route in poor weather, especially its sneaky elevation gain, today was a perfect glimpse into the changing seasons.
After a ridiculously long trip from Vermont, I met up with Lucas at the Vyron D. Lowe trailhead then drove over to the far end of Durand Road to begin our hike with Ledge Trail. We were unsure of where to park as there was no obvious trailhead or turnout, so we just tucked the car as far over as we could and left a note just in case. As we began our climb, we quickly accumulated a couple hundred feet before turning on Notchway Trail. At every trail junction, I almost felt surprised that the mass of trail junctions on the Randolph Hill map was real. The frequency of white signs and vaguely familiar trail names kept me adding mental notes all day, especially those that popped out on random roads. Among these, we out-and-backed grassy lane, crossed the upper EZ-Way, and then began trekking up Mount Crescent Trail.
By the time we got to the empty Mount Crescent Trailhead, we had already hiked 3.5 miles up Lookout Ledge, paths, and roads- but the incline was far from started. As we ascended Mount Crescent, I was swiftly reminded of how aggressive the 1,412-foot climb over 1.6 miles was. The last time I did this hike, I hadn't looked at the gain which was killer as I'd hiked 21 miles the day before. Even on fresher legs, this was still as hard!
The worst part is arguably the beginning, before and after Castleview Rock. There is a sneaky rock slide before transitioning to an ordinary relentless climb. Come 2800 feet, the elevation lines tucked super close together with one quick slab to ascend before the South Viewpoint. The view not only had a perfect cool breeze but also captured Madison, Adams, and Jefferson perfectly. It was the perfect spot to make out the ridges each Appalachia Trail follows, pick out Madison Hut, and watch the sun bounce off Crag Camp's roof. Another great part of this perspective was how easy it was to follow the gentle ridge of Lowe's Path swinging right of Adams.
Just beyond the South Viewpoint, we traced out a few more summits from the true summit. Left to right: Starr King, Waumbek, The 3 Weeks, Cabot, Bulge, Horn, Rodger's Ledge, and Percy Peaks were super easy to pick out. The Crescent Range has some of the most unique perspectives in the state in my opinion, all without the crowds of more popular views!
From here on, the trails were all new to me. We spent the most time heading down Crescent Range Trail, a gentle moss-covered roll with a stunning footpath. Though there were a handful of breathy-ups, particularly after Carleton Notch Trail and up Randolph Mountain, it was overall just a more attractive version of Kilkenny Ridge Trail in its runnable nature.
From the unnamed peak after Carleton Notch Trail to Randolph Mountain, we dropped steeply to a saddle before immediately rising. While this looked worse from the unnamed peak, it was a good last effort before our gentle descent.
When we came down to Four Soldiers Path, I was reminded of my journey to Pond of Safety last year, the trail was of course just as overgrown and untracked as before. Soon we topped Lookout Ledge, an interesting perspective down the Moose River Valley and then up King Ravine. It was nearly a lower replica of the South Lookout on Crescent, which was almost more fascinating because my eye was drawn to different features of the Northern Presidential capture.
After Lookout Ledge, the hike drew on a bit but this could also be on account of my route being 3 miles off from the true distance we traveled. Moreover, the trail awkwardly sidehiled over un-crushed leaves and muddy stream crossings, leaving less to be desired by comparison to the morning's mossy miles. One aspect of the Vyron D. Lowe trail I enjoyed was the bright red leaves on low sections of the trails, especially as a few trees had entirely turned!
All in all, I was impressed (for the third time) with the Randolph Community Forest trails, and again very challenged by the Crescent range! There isn't a better low-traffic area to hike around the Whites, but keep that secret between me and you. Don't worry I don't get many readers these days.
Trails covered: Ledge > Notchway > Pasture > Grassy Lane (O-B) > EZ Way > Mt. Crescent Trail > Crescent Ridge Trail > Vyron D. Lowe Path
Total Stats:
11 miles
2,567 gain
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