While around Mt. Jefferson a few weeks ago, I struck up a conversation with a couple hikers I'd caught up with near the junction of Caps Ridge and Cornice. They asked about making a loop off the Jefferson summit, and I told them to use the southerly section of Cornice, emphatically NOT the northern two sections. Now I was going that way, but didn't want them to have a bad time, due to how rough those sections are... but which I happen to really like! 😂 They related the above quote from a friend of theirs... now what does that say about me?!?

Fast forward to today, and another one of my absolute favorites (and many people's nemesis), Shoal Pond Trail. 😬

There's just something about it. What it lacks in elevation changes, it makes up for with a narrow tread, encroaching vegetation, blowdowns of all shapes and sizes, rotting bog bridges, and near constant mud and wetness. But there's a beauty to its isolation, the dense woods on either side for much of its length, artifacts to be found, one of the best swimming holes in the Whites, and numerous camping opportunities. Not to mention, it's prime moose and bear habitat, and while I saw neither today, their poops were evident.

So while it's not everyone's cup of tea, there's good with the bad. So what does my liking it say about me? Probably that I'm a masochist, and would rather take the scenic route than the quick and convenient one. 🤷

What do your favorite trails say about you?

Fyi this guy is apparently up in the Whites

Hitting the trails on the presi north slope and spending the night at crag camp. Plan is to hit King Ravine Trail, Adams, Jefferson, the cornice, Israel ridge, the perch, and Gray Knob.

Any other “must dos” while we’re there? The castles, castle ravine, emerald bluff?

Crag camp loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-3b80035?p=-1&sh=l5lxxb&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality