Trip/Event Location: Waterville Valley, NH
Trip Leader(s): Gandalf , JDNnh
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Kick off 2024 by joining our New Year’s Celebration 5-mile round trip winter hike up Mt. Tecumseh [4003’]!
Around 1.1 miles we’ll take break to a view from the edge of the ski
To the Waterville Valley Ski Area Parking Lot #1 / Mount Tecumseh Trailhead. From I-93, take exit 28 for Route 49. At the bottom of the exit ramp, head East on Route 49. After 10.4 miles, turn left onto Tripoli Road. Follow Tripoli Road for 1.2 miles, then turn left onto the Waterville Valley Ski Area access road. Follow the access road for 0.6 mile which will bring you to the parking areas and the ski lodge. Look for parking lot #1 (That is the closest parking lot to where the Mount Tecumseh trail begins.) Parking may be hard to find and you may have to park in a lower lot. We’ll probably meet you at the trailhead sign since we suspect it will be difficult to find each other in the parking lot itself.
On December 30, thirteen GO members headed up to Waterville Valley, NH to hike up Mt. Tecumseh (4003'). Weather was cloudy, temperature in the low 30’s with snow showers. We used the Mt. Tecumseh Trail and headed off at the fashionable hour of 9:30am.
We bare booted at first and then put on Microspikes about 1/3 of the way up. After getting into our hiking pace, we started to shed layers for the rest of the climb. We took a peek at the viewpoint off the Waterville Valley Ski area slopes and the ski trail was snow covered however there was lots of vegetation poking above the snow. That said, Waterville Valley ski area has the most terrain open in New Hampshire!
We continued upward where the actual workout really begins. We took short breaks on the ascent; some guys stopping to grab something to eat to maintain their energy levels. It was snowing lightly. Once we reached the ridge, it was snowing steadier. It was colder so it was time to put on more warm layers.
No views from the summit today so today’s hike was about getting some exercise, walking in a winter wonderland and enjoying the camaraderie! It was breezy on the summit so we took our lunch break away from the summit. The wind chilled us quickly so we didn't stay idle for very long.
We descended the way we came. Back at the house, we huddled around the fireplace, soaked in the hot tub and enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner cooked by Jon. Thank you everyone for a great time and stopping by our house afterwards. Happy New Year!
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
