Hiking in the rain isn't as bad as it seems.

Many people see rain in the forecast and decide to cancel their wilderness plans for the weekend, most of my family included. But they fail to see the benefits that adverse weather can bring to a day of hiking. Working on a farm during the summer the few days I get off are usually caused by rain, so I end up hiking on rainy days often. I've actually come to enjoy these days, and usually so does Nina. Hiking in the rain does actually have its benefits.

Less Crowds

Since most people will not hike during rainstorms or decide to turn back early you tend to get the trail to yourself. This is great for us because I can let Nina loose and she can run freely up and down the trail without me worrying too much about encountering other hikers. While hiking Mt. Cabot the only person I saw was the caretaker of the hut who was out for a jog along the trail. Having a summit to yourself is an awesome, peaceful feeling that every hiker needs to experience.

A very cold, and windy rainy day at the summit of Mt. Lafayette.
Forecast called for 50 degrees and sunny..... not quite

Motivation

Shitty weather is a great motivator! At the end of a rainy hike I'll get back to my car, look at the time and realize I hiked way faster than usual. The confidence boost of hiking over 10 miles up a 4,000 ft peak in cold, pouring rain makes you feel invincible, like you're on top of the world (or a mountain). 

The Views

Wait... what views? Well yeah, most of the time the rain blocks any vista you were hoping to see. The day of the picture above the weather was forecasted for 50 degrees and clear skies. I was so confident I didn't even bring my raincoat to save weight, and it ended up being so cold when I brushed the water from my hair it turned to snow! There were only a few glimpses of the fall foliage below when the clouds occasionally broke. 

But...... On the days that the weather decides to clear just for you when you reach the summit, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mountaintops look like jagged islands in a sea of clouds and mist. You feel completely disconnected from the world below. This to me is what makes hiking in the rain worth it, the chance of getting other worldly views that almost make time stand still.

The skies cleared like a scene from a movie once we reached
the summit of Mt. Eisenhower 

I don't take too many pictures of these views because a photo doesn't capture the true beauty or emotions of these moments. I do however have a couple photos from rainy day views. I highly encourage you to go out and push through the weather it can be extremely rewarding, just go prepared.

View from the Bulge (possibly the horn?) below Mt. Cabot

Cool fall view from when the rain finally cleared on the way down from
 summiting Lincoln and Lafayette.