Bemis Ridge Traverse

Bemis Ridge has many open rocky ledges on it. The most popular of which is Mount Crawford, but lesser known destinations which are off-trail or had a trail go to them in the past are Mount Hope, the unnamed peak South of Mount Hope and Hart Ledge at the southern end. Mount Crawford has spectacular views but so do our off-trail destinations.

The Plan - Take the Davis Path to the ledges near the peak of Mount Crawford and then turnaround and follow trailless Bemis Ridge over several rocky peaks with views rivaling Crawford. We should have no problem making it to Mount Hope but after that South Hope and Hart Ledge will depend on daylight left, we will make a decision as a team. After completing the traverse, rather than do the traverse again and take the Davis Path back down, we will will follow a drainage back down through the open woods west towards the Saco River and follow it to an area we can ford and then roadwalk back to the trailhead or just follow the banks of the Saco through the woods to cross the footbridge near the Davis Path Trailhead.

This is a loop hike / bushwhack.

Approximate distance ~ 7 miles (3 on-trail and 4 off-trail)

Total Ascent is approximately - 2800 feet elevation gain

Difficulty - Hard

Here is a map of the route (I will print out a few of these in color to purchase)

What to bring:

PRINTED MAP (as mentioned will have 11x17 printed in color for $2)

Compass (highly recommended but we will have a couple)

Waterproof hiking shoes (winter boots highly recommended at this point, no sneakers)

Microspikes

Gaiters

3 layer clothing system (base, mid, shell (waterproof), no cotton)

Insulated jacket (puffy - down or synthetic)

Hat

Winter Gloves

Headlamp (days are much shorter sunset is at 4:13 PM)

3 liters of water or water treatment method

Snacks and lunch ~1000 calories.

Personal first aid kit

Hand and toe warmers (optional)

extra socks

extra clothing to change into after (mandatory, your clothes will get wet during this hike)

Snowshoes (we will see closer to the hike)

This is a difficult hike. The pace will be slow for the amount of distance covered because about 4 miles will be through unpredictable off-trail terrain with many obstacles. It is expected that you will have a little off-trail hiking experience. You are responsible for having a map of this hike (this is why); this is not a guided hike. You are joining like-minded enthusiasts and are responsible for your own safety and preparedness. Lets make this a memorable trip with multiple moose sightings.

BEFORE SIGNING UP - Please answer these questions if I have never hiked with you before (trip posted by James C.):

Do you have all of the gear mentioned above?
Have you participated in a winter hiking course or have winter hiking experience?
What is your most recent hiking experience (names of mountains, mileage and elevation gain)?

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