Noonmark & Round 9-30-2018

Round Mountain

The first time that Kailee & I climbed Noonmark (in 2017) we summited into a cloud & were socked in with zero visibility. Nevertheless, it was an extremely fun climb that both of us enjoy reminiscing about. Hiking the full Noonmark & Round Mountain loop became a goal for Kails... I was asked about trekking it for a full year.

We began our hike at the Ausable Club/AMR and walked up the road to the Noonmark trail register. After signing in, we followed the same route as last year (Stinson Trail) into the woods and up Noonmark. The skies were looking a little questionable. Would we be socked in again? Despite the clouds moving, we were offered some excellent views of the Great Range & Giant at the various lookouts on the trail.

The Wolf Jaws from a lookout on Noonmark.

Kailee has grown so much over the past year & her climbing skills have evolved. She made what used to be nail-biting sections look easy peasy.

It was a little overcast when we hit the summit of Noonmark. But, there was still views a plenty!
Noonmark is often regarded as having one of the best views in the High Peaks Wilderness & it did not disappoint!

The Great Range from Noonmark.

After some snacks, we descended the Adler Trail into the col between Noonmark & Round. We then headed North on the Old Dix Trail and took a right at the Round trail junction.

Dix from Noonmark.

Hanging at the summit of Noonmark.

Round was a relatively easy climb from this trail. There's plenty of open rock along it that offer some great views. We got knocked off trail for a second thanks to the open rock. So keep that in mind if you're going to do this hike.

Climbing Round.

We arrived at the summit of Round & were extremely impressed! Wildfires in the early 1900's left much of the summit bare. The stellar vista was very similar to those of Noonmark - with the added bonus of Noonmark being a part of the view. The sky cleared up considerably during our trek between the summits and it had warmed up...Making this a perfect spot to lounge around for a while.

Noonmark (foreground left) & the Great Range from Round.

We descended via the Round Mountain Trail. Let me tell ya something, that trail is steep! No major obstacles or anything. Just a steep descent. I'm glad that we descended it rather than climb it! It was a long, but enjoyable 2.3 mile walk from the summit to the car.

Goofing off on Round Mountain's summit.

Back at the Ausable Club road, we met a father with his son (who was the same age as Kailee). They had just finished climbing Dial & Nippletop. We congratulated them & Kailee told them that she had completed 20 High Peaks. Both were very impressed.

Arriving at our car, we were both happy to change out of our stinky hiking clothes. Kailee was glad to have checked a big hike off of her bucket list!

Just for kicks, we drove to Sharp Bridge to check things out like our previous adventure at Noonmark. We love Sharp Bridge & popping by for a few minutes in the off season is always fun.

Sharp Bridge in Autumn colors.

Noonmark & Round Mountains offer great hiking experiences. Kailee & I suggest that you check these peaks out!

Note: Although Noonmark & Round are mid-sized peaks, the mileage is comparable to a High Peak hike. My GPS showed it as an 8 mile hike with 3320' of elevation gain & 3337' of elevation loss. It's a calf burner!

Giant Mountain from Round.