Trip Report/Photos from Gandalf
Welch, elevation 2605 feet, is a small varied peak with spectacular views. Dickey, 2734 feet, a short distance north from Welch and similarly composed of rounded rock faces and flat ledges, provides an unusual view of Franconia Notch and the mountains that border that famous pass.
I arrived to the main parking lot with a full house of about 25 cars at noon. There were about 4 people getting ready to head out. But all was good, as everyone was headed counter clockwise. With a late start, everyone was ahead of me since most people head counter clockwise.
I followed a brook with some small cascades in the beginning. During the ascent, I could see the cliffs of Dickey Mountain that I would be on during the descent through the trees. I met a couple of women and their two children when I took the photo. After that I was alone until reaching Welsh. Near the top of the ridge before reaching Welsh, I stepped out onto a lookoff on the barren ridge. I saw the Mad River and a ribbon of asphalt called NH 49, and the eastern valley. Across the river and highway, the great ridge is Sandwich Mountain.
More climbing and I do not see another sole in sight. The rock slabs were slippery due to recent rains so I crawled on my hands and knees on a brief demanding climb and then passed through narrow clefts. I reached the summit to see views of Mount Moosilauke standing above adjacent mountains. Nearby was Dickey’s stone knob and scrubby trees that were hiding Franconia Notch. I stopped here for a short break and noted some snow on the trees.
Then once on Welsh, I quickly headed over to Dickey. Looking south, I could see I-93 with a view of Stinson and distant Cardigan. Snow-capped Tripyramids could be seen to the east.
Entering the woods, as I continued hiking the loop, I encountered snow on the trees once more. As I started down, I saw an outlook towards Franconia Notch. I occasionally crossed more bedrock exposed to the sky.
I then descended a rounded rock ridge bordered by trees on my right. It was an interesting walk along a drop-off over the cliffs. Below were the orange hues of autumn on the few remaining leaves from the Oak and Beech trees.
I must have done this hike at least 40 times and it’s one I never tire of doing. The views are constant once you break onto the ridge which explains why this is one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains!
