Black Cap Trail

1.1 Mile 650' Elevation gain

White Horse Ledge Trail/ Bryce Path

4.1 Miles 1150' Elevation gain

With heavy rain in the forecast we decided to scrap our backpacking plans and instead get a room where we could spend a couple of days doing short hikes in the rain and then returning to dry surroundings. WE got a room in Intervale and set off to do a little bit of redlining by visiting Black Cap. Although we went in late afternoon the dreary overcast left little hope that we would see a sunset, even though the rain held off. Thankful that we were allowed an evening hike, we were happily surprised when the sun lit the western sky. Despite its small stature Black Cap was an excellent hike with good footing and provided some lovely views for little effort, and its ledge covered summit was fun to explore.

Rain started around midnight and was going steady, but lightly next morning. We decided to explore the trails around White Horse and Cathedral Ledges. We started out at Echo Lake along the trail that leads around this beautiful lake. Angling northwest off of this along the Bryce Path we soon rose up to the junction with the Cathedral Trail. We did not visit Cathedral Ledge this time, but will in the future. We followed along the White Horse Trail to the ledges above Echo Lake and took in what views were offered in the now steady rain. Continuing on we followed this around the summit of White Horse Ledge and then west and south until we looped around again to the north as we crossed along the base of the ledge. Here huge boulders littered the ground, having broken off the ledges above. We followed the Bryce Path back to the Echo Lake Trail and continued the loop around the lake and back to our car. Nice little hike!