The great thing about camping at Milan Hill State Park is the close proximity to the White Mountain National Forest Trails in the Great North Woods. One of our all time favorites of anywhere in the Whites has always been the Percy Peaks in the remote Nash Stream Forest. I agreed to hike these again with Judy despite misgivings about my ability to keep up and how it would make my hip feel during and afterwards. I managed to persevere, or Percy-vere, through the hike, though I was not as strong or able as I would like to be. I was certainly glad to stand once again on these exquisite summits and gaze on the wild and beautiful surroundings, including beautiful Christine Lake which we would paddle the next day.

The lower elevation woods were stunning, emanating a warm glow from the abundant yellow and gold leaves. We rose quickly and I remembered the steepness of the trail from this side, but soon found ourselves first at the edge of the steep slide, then further on in the col between North and South Peaks, soon to be hiking the faint but obvious trail to South Percy. I must say it took a good push on my part to make the 3/10ths up the rough trail, but I made it and stood happily in the small clearing surveying the landscape from this height once gain. It was clear but overcast, no sun but distant views. After eating we descended to the col and began the easier but longer climb to the summit of North Percy. It was great to visit these two old friends again. On the summit of North Percy we lingered hoping for longer moments of the briefly appearing sun while watching a dozen or more ravens dive-bombing and flying in tight formations as they played and soared in the brisk October winds. It was wonderful to stand in such a place again, it had been too long!

Next day we made a short hike into the Devil's Hopyard, then we paddled Christine Lake where we met a young loon and his mom… pictures and trip reports are here:
Camping and paddling:

http://ghostflowers.smugmug.com/White-Mountain-Hikes/CampingPaddling/Milan-Hill-State-Park-10-13-16/45038289_WKbVXk#!i=3620078033&k=WNV6p7C

Devil's Hopyard:

http://ghostflowers.smugmug.com/White-Mountain-Hikes/Devils-Hopyard-10-15-14/45078953_Tw5jWq#!i=3624831185&k=fkFB9nC