Summary

The open rock summit of one of the easier 4,000 footers Mt. Jackson [4052'] rewards with fine views of the Presidentials! Mt Webster [3910 ft.] has excellent views of Crawford Notch!

ROUTE: We'll be hiking a loop to the top of Mount Jackson that promises outstanding views of the sourthern Presidential Peaks! We'll begin with the Webster-Jackson Trail that passes by a short spur trail to Elephant Head. In 0.6 mile we'll reach another spur trail to Bugle Cliff with stunning views of surrounding peaks from the rim of Crawford Notch! At 1.4 we'll reach a trail junction and continue straight ahead for another mile reaching the summit of Mt. Webster. [The route left is how we will return, 1.1 miles from Mount Jackson]. We'll then take the Webster Cliff Trail for a 1.3 mile stretch that connects with Jackson's summit. A few haphazard cairns will guide us off the peak for a steep departure down where we'll eventually return back to our cars.

STATS: Approximately 6.5 miles with 2100' feet of elevation gain.

GEAR:  Appropriate winter gear required.  This must include insulated winter boots (no 3 season hiking boots, no exceptions), MicroSpikes, snowshoes, NON COTTON layers of clothing, a pack big enough to hold even the clothes you take off once you warm up.  No hydration systems.  Bring a headlamp or flashlight because we may be hiking out in the dark. Don’t forget lunch and snacks.

PACE:  This will be a group hike at a moderate pace; we will stay together and the slowest hiker will set the pace.  If you are unable to control your pace, enjoy great company, and hike with the team then please don't come.

HIKE PLANNING INFO:  We will send out an e-mail a few days before about the weather forecast and additional details.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome to join us back our house for dinner. It's $10 per person to pay for our food cost; please note price increase. You may want to bring a change of clothing to be more comfortable and you can use our showers.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. Please note the 2016 price increases: Friday night is $25 and Saturday night is $35 [includes dinner]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From the traffic lights at the intersection of US 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, turn east on US 302. Drive 8.6 miles, passing the AMC Highland Center and Saco Lake, to a hiker's parking lot on the right [west] side of the highway just before entering Crawford Notch. The trailhead is across the road. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.