We climbed out of the open forest and into dense conifers as we neared the 3,000-foot elevation mark, and then soon arrived at the next interesting spot - Loch Bonnie. A small remote-feeling lake nestled under the summit of Moose Mountain, Loch Bonnie is surely a spot likely to get you away from the masses. There's even an old-but-serviceable Lean-to near the shore of the Loch.
The trail crosses an open meadow adjacent to Loch Bonnie before heading back into the forest for a final steep 900-foot climb to the summit of Moose Mountain. Again the trail conditions were perfect for bare-booting. It was like climbing crisp, white styrofoam, and a moderate boot swing would nicely plant a step that you could put your full weight on. There was no sign whatever of any recent previous hikers, no boot track indications to let us know where the trail went. Fortunately in most places there are enough of the little white SOA signs to keep you on track, but in a few spots they were obscured or lacking, and in those cases we had to spot and scout around to find the right route.
Markers across the Meadow
First Glimpse of Whiteface
After a good stiff climb, we topped out on the forested summit of Moose Mountain. I spent the next few minutes exploring the various potential lookouts around the summit. I especially was interested in the side facing Whiteface, since I knew that would offer a view of Whiteface from a close and rare aspect.
Closeup of Whiteface Mtn Facilities
Moose Mtn Northern Lookout
Next was a good look at the northern views of Moose Mountain, of which there are several. The northern aspect of Moose Mountain is quite steep, and that, combined with the generally low and flattish lands to the north, give you a great sense of loftiness above a vast landscape.
Northern Ponds and Mountains
