Trip/Event Location: Waterville Valley, NHUS
Trip Leader(s): Gandalf , JDNnh
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Volunteer with GayOutdoors members for a day of trail work on our adopted trail, Mt. Osceola! Mt. Osceola is extremely popular in summer due to its gradual ascent to the highest peak in
At exit 28 of Interstate 93, northbound travelers turn right at the end of the exit ramp and drive 10 miles to Waterville Valley on NH 49 East. As you enter Waterville Valley turn left, and drive towards the Waterville Valley Ski area and be sure not to miss the right turn to Tripoli Road. From NH 49, it's 4.5 miles on a gravel road to the crest of the 2,300 foot pass. You'll probably have to park on one side of the road. We'll meet at the parking area kiosk. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma Truck.
Trail Maintenance Report – Mt. Osceola Trail, NH
Date: July 12, 2025 Organized by: GayOutdoors Trail Section: Tripoli Road to Mt. Osceola and East Peak (4.2 miles) Time on Trail: 9 hours Volunteers: 12 (4 first-timers, 8 seasoned members)
A Day of Giving Back
As the last traces of snow and ice retreat from the White Mountains, the trails emerge—and with them, the need for care. Once mud season winds down, it's time to give back. Enter: GayOutdoors.
Trail maintenance isn’t just about pruning branches or clearing blowdowns. It’s about investing in access and stewardship. It’s about ensuring that future generations experience these same trails in all their rugged, beautiful glory. And for us trail adopters, it becomes something deeper—almost ritual.
The Work Begins
Bright and early, Mike and Jon picked up tools from the White Mountain National Forest shed—fire rakes, grub hoes, saws, and more—and met up with our crew of 12 at the Mt. Osceola Trailhead by 8:30 AM in the thick humidity and heat. The lot was already packed: this trail is beloved, and it shows.
We split into two teams:
Team A: Clearing and refurbishing water bars
Team B: Tackling blowdowns and cutting back vegetation
Covering the 4.2-mile stretch from Tripoli Road to both Mt. Osceola summits, our volunteers—four first-timers and eight returning members—put in hours of sweaty, satisfying work.
Accomplishments
Here's what we got done:
51 water bars refurbished
Blowdown removed inside the Chimney Overgrown vegetation trimmed back (especially between Mt. Osceola and East Peak) Six bent overhead pines cut and cleared Five stepovers and five bent pines felled by Jason with an axe Countless branches clipped and cleared
Shoutouts:
We were met by dozens of hikers throughout the day, many expressing surprise and gratitude. It was a great reminder: most people don't realize trails don't maintain themselves.
The Reward
After hours of effort, most of us reached Mt. Osceola's 4,340-ft summit—just as clouds obscured the views. But nature rewarded our efforts. As we sat down for lunch, the clouds lifted, revealing the stunning panorama. A spontaneous cheer erupted from the summit crowd.
Still energized, many of us pressed on to East Osceola (4,156 ft)—a one-mile ridge traverse that includes the legendary Chimney. Climbing down (and back up!) that rocky scramble was the cherry on top.
Post-Work Festivities
Back at Mike and Jon’s house on the Mad River, the celebration continued:
Apéritifs on the deck:
Dinner feast prepared by Jon:
Reflections
Trail maintenance with GayOutdoors is more than service—it’s visibility. It’s love in action. It’s caring for wild places and creating space for queer joy in the outdoors.
To our volunteers: thank you. Your time, energy, and spirit made a lasting impact. Let’s keep showing up—for the trails, for each other, and for the next hiker who needs to know they belong out here, too.
See you on the trail, Mike & Jon
>>CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR PICTURES
- The Trip Has No Photos -
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Comment: Thank you Osceola Trail Crew for volunteering your time and making a positive difference in the outdoor community!! Hugs
