Trail: Austin Brook Trail
Elevation: 2,270 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
Miles: 7.0 miles Roundtrip
Duration: 4.5 hours (includes stops for trail photos & 30 min @ shelter)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead parking: 44°24'45"N 71°4'6"W
Originally I was set to solo a practice hike to the Hermit Lake Shelter at Tuckerman Ravine today. But when I awoke this morning and read Jeff D's email about a possible practice hike to the Genetian Pond Shelter, I decided to check it out instead. It's mileage/gain is similar to the mileage/gain we expect to backpack to the South Colony Pond on our Colorado trip. Once at the Pond, we will be setting up camp. So I did a quick search of trail/trailhead info and got on my way.
The trailhead is located on North Road of Shelburne, NH.
Yes, that's a turnstyle!
Along the Austin Brook Trail
At mile 3.1, after crossing over the Bog on bog bridges, the trail bears left at the base of a steep slope. It's just 0.4 miles to the shelter and the Mahoosuc Trail, but it's rather steep. I ain't gonna lie, it was tough but tougher on my knee coming down this steep section. This is just one section of the steep part leading up to the shelter.
At the shelter
Genetian Pond with North Bald Cap mountain in the background
Notice all that beautiful rock for multi-pitch climbing!
As you can see in my photos, the weather was just beautiful! It was cool to start off. But towards the end of my hike, under the wooded areas, I was bait for swarms of mosquitoes...and a tick! Hopefully, I won't have to worry about those pests in Colorado! :) There were 8 other folks on the trail and I spoke to another woman solo hiker who had hiked the Colorado 14ers. She didn't have problems but did notice that she was huffing and puffing more than usual due to the thin air. She said that I shouldn't have any problems hiking but to take rests and stops along the trail if needed.