Hike/Event Location: Thornton NH
Trip Leader(s)
Meeting Time: 8:30 AM
Max # People: 15
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Moderate
(Do you qualify to attend with this hike 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.
Select your mode of transportation, make any comments and then click on button.
You are not logged in. Please, Log In
Celebrate Pride on the beautiful Welch-Dickey Loop! This loop is one of the most popular hiking trails in New Hampshire, and it's easy to see why. Over two miles of hiking over open ledges with spectacular views make it one of the most enjoyable hikes in the White Mountains.
Welch Mountain is 2,605 feet high, with Dickey at 2,734 feet. The hike is about 4.4 miles round trip, with a 1,800-foot elevation gain. This is considered a moderate hike, and the push to Welch Mt can be difficult for some. It takes about 3 hours to complete. Don't forget to bring a wind/rain shell, water, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, etc., along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. DON’T FORGET YOUR PRIDE FLAG!
The parking lot fills up quickly, so we will meet at 8:30am in hopes of grabbing spots before they are gone. If you can carpool with others in your area, it is recommended. The Forest Service encourages a $5 day pass for this trail, which is collected via cash in an envelope. You can read more about Forest Service Recreation Passes here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whitemountain/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5297292
After, if people are interested, we can find a place to grab lunch. The Common Man has a Roadside Market & Deli at 484 Tenney Mountain Hwy, Plymouth, NH 03264. There is a diverse menu and indoor and outdoor seating available.
I would encourage everyone to download the map prior to the trip. You can find it here: AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-hampshire/welch-and-dickey-loop-trail--4
The trailhead and parking area are on Orris Road in Thornton, NH. Take Exit 28 off of Rt. 93, drive 5.5 miles down Rt. 49 towards Waterville Valley and take a left on Upper Mad River Road [it’s after Smarts Brook trailhead]. After 0.7 miles, turn right onto Orris Road. The parking area is 0.6 miles down, on the right.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy
Just a reminder: if you can't attend the Welch-Dickey hike on Saturday, please update your RSVP on GO. Having said that, if you're on the wait-list please feel free to join us! We will be starting on the trail at 8:45am sharp, doing the loop counter-clockwise.
After this hike, Bob has offered to host a Pride Potluck at his house in Sugar Hill, about 45 minutes north of Welch-Dickey. You are welcome to reach out to him about staying there on Friday and/or Saturday night, or just joining the group for food after the hike. Please RSVP for that event separately on the GO site so he has a headcount. I will see everyone on Saturday! -Carl
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday! There will be rain on Friday night, but it should clear during the overnight. We will start with some clouds in the morning then we should have sunny skies by midday. Well, in theory. Please make sure you have proper footwear for hiking as there are relatively steep slabs we will be climbing. This is a moderate (not easy) hike, so be thoughtful when preparing your gear and packing your hydration and any snacks.
Hikers are welcome to attend a Pride Potluck Fest and Bonfire near Franconia after the hike. Hikers are welcome to stay overnight at the house or camp by the pond on Friday and/or Saturday night if desired. Please see separate listing for details.
