[at-l] Gulf Hagas Trail

[Bob C." <ellen@xxxxxxxxxx (Bob C.)]

>"...Where is the turnoff to (Gulf Hagas) on the AT?" Phil asks.

It's about a mile beyond where the AT crosses the West Branch of the Pleasant
River. The AT continues almost due north along the east shore of Gulf Hagas
Brook, while the Gulf Hagas Trail swings west. Gulf walkers cross Gulf Hagas
Brook, and if they are wise spend a hour exploring Screw Auger Falls, and then
continue westerly on the Pleasant River Road, an ancient log cribbed road,
though the logs are mostly gone.

After a half mile or so, the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail turns south to the rim of Gulf
Hagas and continues along the rim to the Head of the Gulf, where you pickup up
the Pleasant River Road, which carries you to a Gulf Hagas cut off trail and
back to the AT. The names are confusing. Gulf Hagas is on the West Branch of the
Pleasant River, not on Gulf Hagas Brook.

 Yes, you can retrace the missed 3/4 mile, but by that time most hikers are not
 in a mood for doubling back. That day they most likely will have traversed part
 of the Barren-Chairback Range, slabbed down steep rocks, explored the Hermitage
 Pines and Screw Auger Falls, crossed a wide and sometimes swift-moving river,
 taken a rugged 5 mile side trail with lots of ups and downs and numerous side
 trails to the side trail. Most just want to get to the Carl Newhall Shelter or
 the Sidney Tappan campsite as quickly as possible for supper and sleep.

 Weary