Difficulty Level: Strenuous
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Chapter: Boston-Manchester-Worcester-Providence

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SUMMARY:

Peak bag Mounts Willey, Field, and Tom.  Three 4K mountains in the Willey Range of the White Mountains.  Be prepared for a challenging hike with steep scrambles and ladders.  Poor weather may postpone this hike.

Difficulty: Strenuous (rough terrain, elevation)
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 3650 feet
Hiking Pace: Moderate with necessary hydration and scenic spot stops


The Mountains

Mt. Willey (4285 feet), Mt. Field (4340 feet), and Mt. Tom (4051 feet) are mountains on the NH 48 4K list.  They  are located near Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains within the Willey Range. 

Our Route

First we will meet at the AMC Highland Center to spot some vehicles and carpool to the Willey House Site 2.7 miles south on Route 302. (Note: the Willey House Site and the Willey House Station site are two different locations.)

From the Willey House Site we will hike the Kedron Flume Trail to the Ethan Pond Trail (1.3mi. 1150ft.).  This section will be very steep and rough.  We will turn right onto the Ethan Pond Trail and follow it to the Willey Range Trial (0.3mi. 200ft.).  We will hike the entire Willey Range Trail to the A-Z Trail while summiting Mt. Willey and Mt. Field (3.4mi. 1950ft.).  The climb to Mt. Willey will be very steep and rough, it will involve the use of ladders in some locations.  We will turn right onto the A-Z Trail and hike 240 feet to the Mt. Tom Spur Trail.  Here we will hike to Mt. Tom and back (1.2mi. 350ft. round trip).  Than we will hike the A-Z Trail to the Avalon Trail (1.0mi.) which will take us to the AMC Highland Center (1.8mi.).  Parts of the A-Z and Avalon Trails will be a moderately steep and rough decent.

What To Bring

Sturdy and trail tested hiking shoes are a must.  Avoid the use of cotton clothing.  Jeans will not be permitted on the hike.  Bring plenty of water (suggest at least 2 liters), a lunch, and high energy snacks.  Other items: 1st aid kit, flashlight, sun block, rain gear.

Misc. Trip Notes

We will designate a lunch spot while hiking.
The hike will immediately start out steep and rough.
This is not a dog friendly hike.

Your Hosts

Brian (WalkaboutBrian) and Mark (Markus24)

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Meeting Point Parking Lot: N44 13.266 W71 24.732

From Boston, central and south-central New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord, etc.):
Take Interstate 93 North to Route 3 North (Exit 35).
Take Route 3 North to Route 302 East (near Twin Mountain).
Take Route 302 East approximately 8 miles to the AMC Highland Center.

From eastern and southeastern New Hampshire (Portsmouth, etc.):
Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North.
Take Route 16 to Route 302 West (in Glen).
Take Route 302 West approximately 10 miles to the AMC Highland Center.

MEMBERS SIGNED UP FOR THIS EVENT:

Active List:
WalkaboutBrian Age: 37 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Barnstead , NH United States	Send Email
markus24 Age: 39 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Rockland , MA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
whitemthiker Age: 56 Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy Merrimack , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
nhmtseeker Age: 39 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate North Conway , NH United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)