History / random facts: Mt Wuambek, previously known as "Pliny Major", has little information about it's name meaning or significance. I imagine it is a nod to a Native American culture or person, though. Mt Starr King is named for Thomas Starr King, a minister who lived during the Civil War era. At its summit sits the site of a former lodge, built in the 1940's, that was removed in the 1980's. The fireplace still resides there, loosely marking its location next to an open view eastward.
The Starr King trail is part of the Cohos Trail, a 162 mile trail that spans from Crawford Notch to the Canadian border, where it connects with the Sentier Frontalier's trail to Mount Megantic and Mount Gosford in Canada.
Peak Elevation: Waumbek - 4006 ft.; Starr King - 3907 ft.
Elevation Gain: ~2700 ft.
Trail: Starr King Tr.
Length: 7.2 mi.
Time on Trail : 0925
Time off Trail: 1346
This was a pretty easy hike, the mileage and elevation change made it pretty evenly graded for most of the way. Being mid-fall in northern NH there was already some rhyme ice and standing ice on some portions of the trail. We took our time so as to not have a fall. The summit of Starr King sneaks up on you but has a great view towards the Presidentials. From there, the trail descends a bit before you ascend to the wooded peak of Waumbek, which is inhabited by a colony of Gray Jays year-round.
The gray jays were out there with the people, adventurous and sociable. They were not much of a bother to me or the others who tried to enjoy lunch atop Waumbek at a blowdown-curated viewpoint that seems to be up-kept by hikers. The way down still had ice on it as the mid-day sun was only beginning to melt the sheets of ice encountered on the way up. My roomie dinged up her knee on the way down, luckily only about mile from the car.
Photos:
Mt Waumbek, Mt. Starr King 10Oct15I would love to tackle this one again, perhaps if I ever do the Cohos Trail?
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