The narrow cut in the trees turned out to be a very well-defined but narrow path that led between thick young evergreens. The path led directly up the moderate slope towards Redington, and continued this way for another 1/2 mile, until the edge of the recently-logged area was reached. The path then enters an area of much older growth, but is still distinct and easy to follow.
Fifteen to twenty more minutes of reasonably gentle climbing brought us to the summit of Redington. Although the summit is fully vegetated, there's a large swath of it that's been cut away (presumably as part of the wind turbine investigation). This open area provides limited views north and west towards the Crockers. Just off to the north-east side of the open area is an old-style white plastic summit canister with a register inside. The canister still shows the original elevation of Redington: 3,984 feet.
courtesy JInnes
Redington Summit Canister
Joining in on the celebration
We met two other hikers up on the summit of Redington. One of the hikers -- Francis -- had just finished his New Hampshire Hundred Highest (a rival peak-bagger list to the Northeast 111 that I was doing), and was celebrating with a small bottle of champagne. He was nice enough to include us in the festivities, and we sampled a bit of his bubbly drink.
Back through young forest
After some friendly conversation and a snack break, we figured it was time to head back down. With such easy trail conditions (no blowdown and very smooth unobstructed walking along the old logging roads), we were back down at the end of the Caribou Pond road in no time flat (well, just over an hour, to be precise). From there, it was a simple and somewhat boring trudge for another twenty-five minutes to the car.
Conditions, Caribou Pond Rd
Thus concludes the account of our Mt Redington climb. As long as you stay on the correct route, this is a very easy peak to climb (especially with the current bits of flagging tape and crude arrows marking the way). We were able to cover the entire 8 mile hike in under four hours - a very quick clip indeed. We were so fast, in fact, that we were back in time to for a proper lunch stop, which we had at the White Wolf cafe in Stratton. What a cool little spot to eat: lots of character and very good food!
Mt Redington marks my 107th peak out of the 115 I need to climb to complete the NE 111. Getting close!
Interactive Trackmap, Mt Redington Climb
Start Time:
7:59a.m.
End Time:
11:54a.m.
Duration:
3h54m
Distance:
13.13 km
(8.16 mi)
Average Speed:
3.4 km/hr
(2.1 mph)
Start Elevation:
2466ft
(752m)
*
Max Elevation:
4025ft
(1227m)
*
Min Elevation:
2455ft
(748m)
*
End Elevation:
2470ft
(753m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Total Elevation Gain:
1546ft
(471m)
*
Total Elevation Loss:
1547ft
(472m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Elevation Graph
