Dates: September 18, 2004
Location: Adirondack High Peaks
Team: Mike, Joe, Alan, & Sharon
Destination: Gothics, Armstrong, & Upper Wolf Jaw Summits via Lower Range Trail
Approach: Ausable Club
Author: Mike
Route In A Nutshell:
1. From JBL, moderate hiking most of the way, then steep hiking with a few short, very steep sections from JBL to the Gothics-Saddleback col via the Ore Bed Brook Trail.
2. Steep and very steep hiking from the col to the summit of Gothics over primarily smooth rock face. The trail up the face occasionally passes through small islands of conifers which provide good shelter in case of wind. A very strong, flexible cable is provided over most of the ascent by DEC to assist those wanting added security during the climb.
3. Easy traverse from Gothics' false summit to its true summit. Easy-to-moderate hiking from Gothics to Armstrong and Upper Wolf Jaws.
4. The descent from Upper Wolf Jaws to the pass between Upper and Lower Wolf Jaws is steep and involves negotiating a number of 5-10 foot ledges. However, it is entirely in wooded terrain with lots of handholds.
5. Ascent of Lower Wolf Jaws is quite steep in a number places. Fatigue will be a problem for the occasional hiker this late in the hike. Care is warranted. LWJ's summit is reached 0.5 miles from the pass and 660 vertical feet above it.
6. Moderate descent to Johns Brook Lodge via the Wolf Jaw Brook Trail from the Wolf Jaws' pass.
Details:
Gothics, Armstrong, Upper Wolf Jaws, and Lower Wolf Jaws. Together, these 4 peaks are generally referred to as Lower Range. Together with the Upper Range Trail (Basin & Saddleback), they constitute The Great Range. To do the entire Great Range in a day is more difficult than most hikers can manage, not to mention a waste, since if you manage to do them all in a day, you will be too tired and rushed to really enjoy the splendid views.More detail to come...
What will we remember from this trip? The glorious views! The quick pace once we ascended Gothics!
Pictures:
