Event Location: White Mountains NH
Trip Leader(s)
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Max # People: 12
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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“Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost
Mt Jefferson: Via the Caps Ridge Trail.
This trip is considered MODERATE to STRENUOUS. Steep grade (down), false summits, pace, exposure, and weather are all factors. Climbers should be comfortable with steady, consistent pace and possible winter conditions.
Over ¾ of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter or alternate routes. If weather is inclement this hike WILL BE CANCELLED.
Group will meet at the Caps Ridge Trail parking lot at 9am and depart by 9:20. Trail head parking is located on the Jefferson Notch Road.
Trail Details and Distances:
Don’t be fooled, this is an amazing hike with many hidden challenges. Distance is 2.5 miles from parking to the summit. Travelers will break tree line after approximately 20 mins and remained exposed to the summit. This trail has amazing views from several “false summits”. Some steep, rocky ledges to cross. Not ideal for those who do not like heights. Because of so much of the trail is exposed with NO shelter this hike will be cancelled if weather is inclement.
PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can and do have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. Do not be fooled by lower elevation weather. Weather in higher elevations can be very tricky and unstable. A major portion of this trip is exposed above tree line, there is no shelter.
It is recommended that hikers:
For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.
Covid – This Trail is very popular destination for hikers.
Group Size: It is not fun leaving folks out of trips.
Weather: The weather for this trip will be monitored the week prior. If it is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Friday 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.
Resources used to plan this trip:
Where to meet: The parking lot can be reached by following the Cog Railway Road off route 302. Jefferson Notch Road is approximately 5 miles on the left. The parking area is at the height of the Jefferson Notch Road.
**Because of trip preparation the trip leader is unable to provide a ride for this trip.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
Weather looks good, but needs to be monitored. Possible rain late in the day. See you all at the trail head.
Watch the WEATHER!! Remember this trail is almost entirely exposed. I will send updates as we get closer to the day in question.
jfriedman welcome to New England. I have sent you an email about this hike, please confirm that you got it! Check your spam as some messages can wander. Thanks JT
Just arrived from blazing california and looking forward to join all of you.
Please watch weather for upcoming conditions.
This trip was rescheduled from an August date due to weather issues and road/trail closures. (USFS closed all forest access). In mid September winter conditions are possible on this trail. Hiking experience in 2021 is required (greater than 5 miles) and above tree line experience is preferred. Fall is coming and the rules of the game change!
Thanks for staying on top of this. B/c of the date change, I might have to drop from this.
August 21st 2021 -- if you are currently signed up (as of 5am) please email me that you are aware of this trip being rescheduled. I want to insure that NO ONE is driving up to a hike that is not happening!!!
This hike was originally scheduled for August 22nd and has now been rescheduled for SEPTEMBER 18th
On a serious note! Weather is looking grim. Region reports 60% chance of rain. When appears to be unknown. Tropical Storm/Hurricane coming up the coast on Sunday, where and time frame TBD. Weather could impact hiking, weather will definitely impact travel home. Feel free to email thoughts, opinions and ideas. Monitoring and researching, will make appropriate decision in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Reminder, humor is not allowed on this trip. There will be no fun, no laughter and absolutely no tickling.
I get wild emails, one person wrote "Jon can I feed the birds along the trail and is sexual intercourse allowed". My response, "feeding wild life is not encouraged as it tends to make them more tolerant of people. As for sexual intercourse, I am certain that sex with animals (or birds) is illegal in NH. Hope you still join us for the hike".
Weather looks wild for the next few days. Keep an eye on local forecasts as well as www.mountwashington.org - the weather observatory is an amazing resource and very accurate for the summit conditions.
Bobcat has an amazing home and it is great for releasing travel stress. I encourage folks to contact Bobcat and make arrangements.
If anyone needs a place to stay on Sat or Sun, let me know- (I have a few extra bedrooms). Also, everyone is invited to have a drink/snacks on the deck after the hike or a hot shower at the house. My house is near Franconia- about 35 minutes from the trailhead.
If you reach the trail head and do NOT run for the bushes, you are already risking dehydration. Drinking a lot of fluids (water) 12 hours in advance is ideal. This trail is exposed, sunny hot weather and you will dry right up, then cramp up and then... well you know the rest. Just DRINK WATER BEFORE and bring a minimum of 2 liters on the hike. Be safe, don't be a number
Harlescharle I sent you an email. As a guest I do not know if you can receive them. If not let me know and I will provide contact info. I have info related to the hime
Please monitor your email/spam, updates regarding weather will be posted Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions.
Required for this trip -- sense of humor!
