Split Rock, Boott Spur Trail – Pictured here along Boott Spur Trail is Split Rock; this interesting glacial erratic is split in half. The scenic Boott Spur Trail begins off of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and ends at Davis Path. If you are hiking Mount Washington and want extensive alpine zone exposure and breathtaking views, this trail is a great choice. Because most of this route is above treeline, hiking it on a perfect weather day is the best option.
Boott Spur Mountain (5,550 feet) and Boott Spur Trail are named for Dr. Francis Boott (1792-1863). Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Boott was a botanist involved with scientific expeditions to Mount Washington and other parts of New Hampshire during the 1800s.
During the last Ice Age, glacier ice carried large boulders, called glacial erratics, long distances from their original locations. When the glaciers retreated some 10,000-14,000 years ago, these glacial erratics were left behind. Glacial erratics, like Split Rock, are found throughout the New Hampshire White Mountains and New England. One of the largest glacial erratics in North America, Madison Boulder, is located here in New Hampshire at the 17-acre Madison Boulder Natural Area.
Interesting links:
Boott Spur Trail
Glacial Erratics Photographs
Madison Boulder, New Hampshire
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
To license any of the photographs above for usage in print publications, click on the photograph.
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.