Full Day Hike |
Mount Washinton via Nelson Crag Trail Meeting Time: 10:00 AM Event Coordinator: nhclimber03264Pinkham Notch, NH US Max # People: 12 Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Strenuous |
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SUMMARY: Mt Washington via Nelson Crag: The Nelson Crag Trail is an excellent trail challenge. It provides a steep rocky grade on the lower half and completely exposed upper half. Unlike other routes to the summit this trail is lightly traveled adding to its charm. This trip is considered MODERATE to STRENUOUS. Steep grade (up and down), distance, pace, exposure and weather are all definite factors. Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail by 10:20. Starting point for this hike is the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (directions and parking info below). The trip begins by following a fairly easy grade along the Old Jackson Road (minor stream crossings) for 1.7 miles to the Nelson Crag Trail. At this point the grade becomes steep and rocky with several viewpoints. This Trail will break tree line and will be EXPOSED until the summit area. The trail will cross the Mt Washington Auto Road and eventually the Alpine Garden before reaching the summit. The descent will follow the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for .6 miles at which point it will then continue down the Lion’s Head Trail rejoining the Tuckerman Ravine Trail down to the visitor center. There are several risks factors, but this trail does provide opportunities to change routes should there be any issues. PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can and do have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. It is no secret that Mt Washington has extreme weather patterns. It is expected that hikers: For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. Covid – Mt Washington is a very popular recreation destination. Although the trail we will be traveling may be lightly traveled the base and summit areas will be busy. Group Size: It is not fun leaving folks out of trips. Environmental Impact – The wilderness is a beautiful place, and the alpine zone of Mt Washington is VERY fragile and includes rare species of plants only found in this zone and no place else in the world. Weather: The weather for this trip is very complex and will be monitored the week prior. If it is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Thursday prior by 6pm. If it is a cancellation, it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity. For weather details; 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. After trip social: This trip is scheduled for the same day as the Mt Washington Observatory annual fund raiser “Seek the Peak”. This is an awesome event with resources at the summit and Auto Road Base. If you want more details or wish to participate in this event (planning on your own) go to the observatory web site – www.mountwashington.org for details about the event. Resources used to plan this trip: |
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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at: Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail by 10:20. Pinkham Notch Visitor Center www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/lodges/pinkham/ is a very popular and busy place for hikers and tourists. This particular day there is a huge fund raiser “Seek the Peak” (based at the Mt Washington Auto Road). Anticipate parking to be an issue. I suggest you arrive early. There is parking at the visitor center with overflow at the Wildcat Ski Area (approx. ½ mile north). Find a space that works for you. Where to meet: The group will assemble in front of the visitor center and Joe Dodge Lodge. A flag or sign will be posted (sending specific details the week prior). There are bathroom facilities available, as well as food and beverages in the shop. |