Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Max # People: 12

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Moderate

This early season trip is considered MODERATE. Although a short distance this is a VERY steep grade for 1.6 miles.

In the heart of Pinkham Notch, Glen Boulder Trail (to the boulder) is a short distance to reach tree line. The expense of this great view is the steep scramble to reach fantastic views of the notch and summits around. This trip will leave the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center via the Direttissima Trail, for one mile this trail runs parallel with route 16 and meets up with the Glen Boulder Trail. At this point the climb begins, climbing about 1430 ft in about one mile. Lots of rock stairs. Consideration needs to be given to the steep grade, especially coming down can be rough on knees and other joints. If you have issues with your knees this may NOT be the ideal climb for you.

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round and spring is definitely a season to be cautious of. It is recommended that hikers have dry clothing and wind protection as there may be wind above tree line. The last .5 mile before the boulder is ABOVE TREE LINE. Plan for full exposure to the elements. Wind protection and sunscreen are highly recommended. Always have water (no guarantee for places to refill) and food. If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!! It is also highly recommended to bring a BLISTER KIT (DIY kits online). If this is the first hike of the season or brand-new footwear, foot first aid most likely will be necessary. For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.

Covid – Please bring a mask for the use when in close proximity to others. Respect people’s space, there are a variety of mask styles to match the variety of covid options. Let’s be safe and respect others. We are not the only people on the trail.

Group Size (not to exceed 12): It is not fun leaving folks out of trips. If you cannot attend, PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into two smaller groups. Dogs are the FULL responsibility of the owner and cannot interfere with the hike or the participants. This hike may not be ideal for dogs because of other dogs and hikers. This trail is narrow and steep. It is up to the owner. A leash (close at hand) is highly recommended (also required in WMNF). Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

Weather: At times in the season rain may not be a concern.  For this trip weather will be watched prior. If rain is expected it may be difficult for visibility and participants may wish to reconsider. Also, consideration needs to be considered because of exposure above tree line. All those factors will be considered and a post of any update/cancellation information by the Thursday prior by 6pm. The cancellation will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

After trip social: No formal plans are in place yet.

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts. No one wants to be injured or put other in harms way. Always be prepared. Know your limits. Any questions feel free to contact me.

Trip leader will be at the Direttissima Trail head parking area by 8am and intends to explore small trails and waterfalls all with in a short distance of the parking area.

Where to meet:  The group will meet at the Direttissima Trail head parking area. This is about 100yards south of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center’s main entrance on route 16. There is a connecting trail between the lots if people prefer parking at the visitor area.

Tis the Season! Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine may be at its prime by this date. If that is the case early arrival is ideal. Parking is a NIGHTMARE. Overflow parking is at the Wildcat Ski Area about .5 mile north of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. We can shuttle people if that is needed.

Pinkham Notch Center has restrooms, food ($$), and supplies ($$) available to hikers. I do not know the status of the facility regarding COVID at this time.

Because of trip preparation trip leader is unable to provide a ride for this trip.

Cell service should be available. GPS will get you your quickest route to the visitor center. Any questions please contact.