Fleeting Moments of Fall
Oct 27, 2026
As we get closer and closer to stick season, the past week of beautiful weather has seemed like a last hoorah for the trail running season. Although I’m eager for winter and the sight of snow-capped mountains, I’m grateful for this stretch of nicer days as our dry trail season dwindles. Hoping to get my share of the sunshine that many took advantage of throughout the week, I set off up south Baldface at 3pm.
A lack of clear skies...
Nearing the base of the South Baldface slabs, a grouse made its presence known with an eruption of fluttering. By the time I broke the treeline, it was clear that the stretch of beautiful weather was coming to an end. My hopes for a clear sunset were quickly fading as dark clouds settled over the Presidential Range and began moving toward western Maine. The closer I got to the top of Baldface Ridge, the more I could feel moisture hanging in the air.
Looking back, towards South Baldface.
After continuing past the Bicknell Ridge Trail junction, I found myself on unfamiliar sections of trail. The ridge between South and North Baldface is wonderful, meandering in and out of the trees over broad stretches of exposed slab. Beyond the Baldface Circle Trail junction, the trail dips mostly into the woods, following an enjoyable, moss-covered tread that makes for excellent running. My mind drew parallels between this and certain sections of seldom used RMC trails that make for an incredible running experience.
The tread of the trail in question.
Like all good things, though, it couldn't last forever. Before long, I reached a stretch of rocky terrain. As I used my hands to vault over a steep rock ledge, a snowshoe hare darted off the trail and disappeared into the moss-covered understory.
By the time I reached the Meader Trail junction, daylight was beginning to dwindle. I watched a bat flutter around in front of my headlamp before continuing along the Basin Rim Trail, where navigation became increasingly difficult. A combination of fading light, leaf-covered tread, and unfamiliar trails made for some challenging running. A few slips, but no falls.
Still looking back at slabs of south Baldface.
Descending the Basin Trail and passing Hermit Falls, I eventually neared the Basin Brook Reservoir. I spotted a bridge ahead crossing Basin Brook and, as I approached, took my earbud out for the first time in far too long.
Almost immediately, I heard the unmistakable sound of a moose nearby, crashing through the understory.
I took the near encounter as a reminder to pay closer attention to my surroundings. Fortunately, it wasn't long before I was rewarded for doing so. Looking up through the canopy for the first light of the rising moon, I caught sight of a barred owl flying low along the trail corridor. They really do fly silently.
Closer to the reservoir, the full moon began to rise above the ridge. I stopped for a few moments to take in the stillness of the lake as the glowing moon climbed into view. It was one of those moments that makes you grateful to be exactly where you are, even if the evening hasn't gone quite as planned.
The Hunter's moon, rising over Evans Notch.
I eventually started moving again. Not long after, I caught a strong, pungent odor that I assumed belonged to another moose. As grateful as I was to have seen the barred owl, the thought of startling a bull moose in the low light during rut season was considerably less appealing. A little more anxious now, I found myself repeatedly turning to peer into the woods on either side of the trail until I reached the short section of road that would take me back to my starting point.
My list of wildlife sightings was already growing, but it wasn't complete just yet.
Moving from one field to the next, two whitetail deer suddenly crossed the road, scaring the hell out of me. With only half a mile of running left along Route 113, I had covered fourteen peaceful miles without seeing another person.
Speaking of RMC trails.
Feeling tired and a little sluggish, I put one AirPod back in to help carry me the rest of the way to the car. I shuffled into the trailhead parking lot without a spectacular sunset to write home about, but with something arguably better: a fulfilling evening of solitude, unfamiliar yet superb trails, and an abundance of wildlife encounters.
As stick season approaches and the mountains begin their transition toward winter, it's hard not to feel a little reluctant to leave these long days of dry trails behind. But if this run was any indication, there's still plenty to appreciate out there, even as the light fades and the seasons begin to change.
My Kit:
Running Belt: Raide LF 2L
Shoes: La Sportiva Prodigio Pros
Headlamp: Black Diamond Distance 1500
Socks: RTW Defeet
Shell: BD Distance Shell
Snacks: Precision 90g, Carbs 50g, and some Trader Joe’s gummy mix