First off, the views on the drive alone are worth venturing to this quaint town. I was struck with the beautiful architecture that immediately brought my mind to days of old where the Vanderbilts and other ridiculously wealthy families built elaborate summer homes. Anywho, on to the hike itself.
To get there if you're coming South take 93N to Exit 35 US-3 N towards Twin Mountain. Follow this road for 12 miles, going through the lights at the intersection of 302. You'll turn right onto NH-115 N (this is where awesome mountain views start to pop up on the horizon) until you see a sign for NH-115A N, which will be on your left. You'll follow this road and see a dairy farm, more amazing views, and an old Victorian B&B. If you're following your GPS like I did...DO NOT TAKE POOL RD! (Well you can, just be prepared for an extremely bumpy ride). Go straight instead and turn right on Route 2. Starr-King Road will be on your left right (a sign for Waumbek Golf Course, the oldest 18 hole course in NH, will be across from Starr-King. Head up trying to avoid the potholes to the best of your abilities.
When I got there, there were only 3 other cars in the lot and no fee station. I'm assuming that's because Randolph Mountain Club maintains the trail. I was excited to be getting back into hiking 4,000 footers and selected Waumbek because of the promise of an easy, gradual accent. I wasn't disappointed either.
About a quarter mile up the Starr-King trail there's this intriguing, round, stone structure to the right.
See! Cool, right?
This is an old horse trough as the trail used to be used as a road back in the day. This also explains why it's a super easy trail to follow that has good footing throughout. I found the trail to be fairly dry besides two spots around mile 1 and mile 2 that were a little mucky. However, there's tons of stones to walk on so you're feet stay dry and your shoes clean. Keep heading up and be rewarded with the only views you'll get on this hike...on Mount Starr King.
Ohhh, views!
There's also this old chimney, fire-pit thing that is left over from a Summit Cabin that used to take in weary travelers.
Once here congratulate yourself for making it more than half way, stay right of the structure, and continue a mile on a ridge-line trail to your final destination: Mount Waumbek! At a staggering 4,006 feet, it just merely makes it into the 4,000 footer category. There's a cairn letting you know you've arrived and a sign letting you know where you just came from if you came up the Starr-King Trail.
This is a sweet cairn and view
Now here you can decide, do I want to continue over numerous other peaks to bag Mount Cabot as well, or do I call it a day and head back to my car? I chose the latter as I had important summer business to attend to after the hike. But, before that, let me tell you about the inspirational fellow I met at the top. He was on his 5th 4,000-footer and since January has lost over 50 pounds! We swapped stories about favorite hikes so far and least favorites. (I couldn't hide my sympathy for him when he told me he was planning the Kinsman's next as THAT has been my least favorite to date.)
After chatting for a bit, I ran down the trail making for a round trip time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. The total trail distance is 7.2 miles, although for whatever reason my app only tracked 6.63 miles. I feel like I was robbed, but it was most likely user error as it's my first time using an app to track my hike.
Until next time...safe and happy travels.
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