HIKES & EVENTS
Welch Dickey Loop Trail Hike
Hiking/Walk
DATE: Apr 13, 2019
END DATE: Apr 13, 2019
Hike/Event Location: Thornton NH
Trip Leader(s)
JPHiker
Lake Worth Beach, FL United States,
HikerBiker
Londonderry, NH United States
Meeting Time: 11:00 AM
Max # People: 12
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Moderate
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Summary
The Welch-Dickey loop trail hike is the ideal Spring warm-up hike for two big reasons: It is among the first of the trails in NH's White Mountains to be clear of snow and ice in the spring; and at barely five miles in length, it offers pretty much everything that the White Mountains have to offer, but in small doses. No wonder the AMC White Mountains Guide describes it as a trail that offers excellent views for a modest effort. However, do not be deceived by this comment, as there are some steep sections which will give you a workout, even if they are indeed short.
This being April, be prepared for any type of weather, so bring layers to put on and take off accordingly. Also bring one or two liters of water, as there is no potable water on the trail. We plan to hike counterclockwise, which will take us to the ledges below the summit of Mt. Welch, and then to the summit itself, where we will stop for lunch. So bring a lunch and/or snacks to share. We should be done hiking by 3:00 p.m or so.
Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot
From I-93 take exit 28 (Campton/Waterville Valley), and go east on Route 49 (Mad River Road) towards Waterville Valley. At about 4.5 miles east of the traffic light at the Campton dam (junction with Rt. 175) turn left and over the small bridge, onto Upper Mad River Road. Continue on this road for about 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Orris Road. At this point you should see a sign for the Welch Dickey trail on the right, with an arrow directing you to turn right. Continue on Orris Road for about half a mile to before it makes a sharp turn to the left. On the right you should see the parking lot for the Welch-Dickey Trails. Turn right into it, and park anywhere. If you don't have the yearly parking pass for the WMNF (or the National Parks "Golden Age" Pass), go to the self-pay kiosk at the end, and follow the instructions on how to pay for parking.
Trip Leader(s)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 04/15/2024 07:05 PM
- Member Since: 11/11/2002
- Approved By: JPHiker
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 04/17/2024 08:57 AM
- Member Since: 02/23/2003
- Approved By: JPHiker
members signed up for this event
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- Last Login: 04/17/2024 09:54 AM
- Member Since: 03/11/2010
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 02/23/2024 11:43 AM
- Member Since: 08/17/2005
- Driving My Own Car
(Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 03/12/2020 07:48 PM
- Member Since: 07/12/2018
- Driving My Own Car
(Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 06/14/2022 03:12 PM
- Member Since: 09/10/2008
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
Are we going to need snowshoes? The 4/3 trail report recommend tem. I have micro spikes but no snow shoes
Are we going to need snowshoes? The 4/3 trail report recommend tem. I have micro spikes but no snow shoes
Jeff is correct. The latest (from 4/3) hiker’s report says that there are still ice “monorails” on large portions of the trail. The exposed ledges will probably be clear, but micro spikes or stabilizers are definitely recommended for this hike
FYI, 2 people posting on alltrails 5 days ago said microspikes still needed due to packed snow and ice: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/welch-and-dickey-loop-trail
Today's (Wed. 4/10) weather report for Saturday calls for a low probability of light showers in the morning, and an overcast for the rest of the day. Highs will be in the low 60's. Looks like it will be decent hiking weather, so see you all then.