Yesterday I set out on a big adventure, completing the entire Grafton notch loop trail unsupported in 10 hours 36 minutes.
I know this area very well as I have been coming up here my whole life. I have hiked over 20 miles of this trail in separate segments but never all at once. I was very excited to do this all in a day and give it a shot to get it done as quickly as possible. Of course I chose the hottest day of the week to do it (80+ degrees bluebird day) it was brutal but dang was it beautiful. Much of this trail is so remote that it gets no foot traffic except for backpackers. I got lost several times losing the trail as it was overgrown, and lost count of fallen trees after 40. The heat and trail itself was HARD, not much is runnable and it’s all extremely technical, steep and rocky. I filtered water from streams when I could and carried all my calories with me. I even laid in some cold creeks and dunked my head in to keep cool on this hot day. Never have I been so focused on a goal like this before and I loved it. These mountains hold a very special place in my heart and I’m thankful for the whole experience ❤️