Event Location: Waterville Valley NH
Trip Leader(s)
Meeting Time: 10:30 AM
Max # People: 15
Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Strenuous
(Do you qualify to attend with this difficulty rating? Click Here.)
You must be a least a guest member to participate. Comments such as "+1" or "bringing a friend" are NOT permitted. All participants must sign-up for the event individually.
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Mount Osceola is one of New Hampshire's 4000-footers. The bare summit slab provides 180-degree views north towards the mountain ranges lining the Kancamagus and outstanding peak foliage. This hike is an out-and-back excursion on the Mount Osceola Trail. There are no sections of extreme exposure on this hike.
This is a very popular hike and the trailhead parking area does fill pretty early so you'll most likely have to park alongside the road. Please note that the hike will start PROMPTLY AT 10:30AM. A USFS Parking Day Pass IS required at this parking area. A day pass will be available at the trailhead for $5.00 at the self-serve kiosk.
DetailsWhat: Mount OsceolaDistance:6.4 miles out-and-backElevation Gain: 2343'Difficulty:Moderate to StrenuousPace: Moderate. Approximately 1.5 -2.0 miles per hourExposure: No serious exposure on this hikeEstimated Time: 5 1/2 hours
Is This Hike For Me?This hike will at a moderate pace. The goal will be to support hikers new to the White Mountains in achieving a 4,000 foot summit. We make every attempt to keep the group together throughout the hike.
To participate you should:
Be comfortable hiking UPHILL at about 1.5 to 2.0 miles per hour at a 15% incline for about 4 miles. Be comfortable walking at least 8 miles on uneven terrain including roots, rocks, and granite ledges
Have sturdy hiking boots. No Sneakers!
Have rain and wind protection. No Ponchos!
Be able to carry at least 2 liters of water [Remember, 1 liter weighs 2 pounds!]
Be in good physical condition.
Trails snacks and lunch.
GO Gathering
This hike is part of the GO Gathering Weekend where details can be found here:https://www.gayoutdoors.org/page.cfm?sectionid=103&typeofsite=events-detail&id=6173&status=. Camping is free for all Sustaining Members and $10 for everyone else. However you do not have to be signed up for the GO Gathering to join this hike.
If you prefer not to camp, we will have a potluck around 6:30 and welcome to join.
Car Pooling is strongly encouraged
I-93 NorthTake Exit 28 in NH towards Waterville Valley. Turn RIGHT onto Route 49 East for 10.2 milesTurn LEFT to the access road for the Waterville Valley Ski Area for 1.3 milesTurn RIGHT to Tripoli Road [dirt road] and follow for 3.2 miles where it crests at the 2,300-foot pass
About 200 yards beyond, the Mount Osceola Trail enters the woods on the right, where there is parking area. HOWEVER, MOST LIKELY YOU WILL BE PARKING ALONSIDE THE ROAD AND WALKING TO THE KIOSK. Jon will be wearing a GO hat at the trailhead kiosk.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
