Summary

A Fabulous hike to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, climb 11 sections of ladders and great vistas!

We will enjoy an up and back hike to the summit of Mt. Willey [4,285’] which is a NH 48. After we finish the hike everyone is welcome to enjoy a cookout at our house in Waterville Valley [$10 per person]. As we skip along the trails we will hopefully be able to enjoy the beautiful fall colors this time of year!

There are two good outlooks on this steep-sided Willey Range Peak! A small ledge on the east side provides a great vista of the Presidentials and a dramatic look down in Crawford Notch and out to the mountains to the south. The west outlook [best if standing] grants a wild panorama across the Pemigewasset Wilderness, dominated by the Nancy Range, Carrigain and Hancock, and the Twin-Bond range.

The mountain is named after Samuel Willey, Jr. and his family, who in 1826, were all killed in a tragic accident due to a landslide. They had only been living there (Crawford Notch) for less than a year. Do not be fooled with the low mileage and being one of the smaller NH 48; this is a good workout!

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip

Time: Approx. 6 hours [we will maintain a steady pace; not fast but not slow either]

Elevation gain: 2850’ 

Trails: We will park at the Ethan Pond kiosk and head up the Ethan Pond trail which is also the Appalachian Trail. At 1.6 miles we’ll take the Willey Range Trail that will take us up the summit. At 3400 ft. the trail comes to the base of an impressive set of ladders made up of 11 sections.

Cookout afterward: Jon will be grilling up some chicken that will be served with salad and various side dishes…save room for dessert! We ask $10 to cover our food costs. Bring your own cold beverages and sit on our deck to enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the Mad River valley! You are welcome to use our showers [towels provided] so bring a change of clothing.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

The travel time to the trailhead from Boston is approx. 3 hours. Please plan your travel accordingly so you are in your boots and ready to go at the hike start time of 10AM.

You must be prepared for this hike with the proper footwear, clothing, food and water. No jeans or sneakers. This is a steep hike and can be slippery! 

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

The parking lot for this hike is located on Willey Station Road off of Crawford Notch's Route 302 (6 miles south of the AMC Highland Center). Go to the end of the road, where there is a small parking lot. (You are allowed to park along Willey Station Road if the parking area is full.)