Overnight Backpack - Black Mountain, Jackson NH

There are at least three peaks named Black Mountain in the Granite State. This one lies in the ski town of Jackson. This Black Mountain was formerly featured on the list of "52 With A View" but lost that status reportedly due to summit views compromised by forest growth.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps ("CCC") was initiated by FDR's "New Deal" to provide employment to young men who were seeking hard work and dependable, low wages. One of their projects included the construction of the log cabin on the W-facing slope of Black Mountain. At one time, the cabin was available to anyone who hiked up to it. In more recent years, the USFS has restricted its use to those with prior reservations. We will have exclusive use of the cabin.
The cabin features four bunk rooms with a total of eight bunks and a central area with tables, benches and a well-functioning wood stove.
We have reserved the cabin for the night of Sunday, October 4th to Monday, October 5th. We'll be hiking up the East Pasture Trail, skirting the summit and dropping our packs at the cabin before gathering firewood for the evening. Afterwards, we'll settle in to enjoy appetizers and a hearty dinner. In the morning, we'll partake of a full breakfast before hiking to the summit and then back to the cars.
The hike is about 2.5 miles each way, with most of it on a forest service road. We'll set out on the (easier) East Pasture Trail. It being April, we should expect Springtime snow cover around the cabin. While some may choose to rely on microspikes, the wise will opt to bring along snowshoes. Your pack should also include a knife/fork/spoon/cup, sleeping bag and pad, headlamp, water. Leave room for food and fuel which will be distributed at the trailhead.
This is not a "killer" trip. Rather, it's a good introductory trip for those who haven't gone backpacking in a while.
All candidates will be placed onto the wait list.