Summary

Cherry Mountain [3573'] and Owl's Head [3258'] are just 0.8 mile apart on a stand-alone ridge. From the summit of Cherry [also known as Mt. Martha], there is a good view of the Presidentials from one spot, and a superb panorama of the western White Mountains from another, with over two dozen 4,000-footers visible in one glance. The open ledges of Owl's Head are home to perhaps the best view anywhere of the entire Presidential Range, from Mt. Webster to Mt. Madison.

We will be hiking up one of New Hampshire's 52 with a View ~  Cherry Mountain [Mt. Martha]. 

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. If you are faster than the group, and don't want to stay with us or want to head off on your own, this isn't the trip for you. Likewise, this trip isn't for you if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you or want us to go on without you.

This is an up and back hike; not a loop trail. 

We will hike about 5.4 miles and climb a total of 1,500 feet [for perspective the top floor of the Empire State Building is about 1,250 feet]. We will have lunch on the top of Owl's Head and enjoy the views.

I did all my research for this trip using the Appalachian Mountain Club's White Mountain Guide, a trail map, and the Internet. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire trip as described here [e.g., we might not reach the summit].

Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. The higher we climb the colder, windier, and wetter it will be ~ we will need to be prepared. Remember, on average it gets 3-4 degrees [Farenheit] colder for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Dangerous weather conditions will cancel ~ We will post and and/or sent an email to all confirmed participants a day or two before this trip. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

>>Click Here For The Current Forecast For This Trip

Clothing, Gear, Equipment, and Supplies

Below is a list describing the minimum required items to participate in this trip. Hiking safely is about being prepared so that you can respond to an emergency situation.

DO NOT rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the trailhead or out on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment ~ test and adjust it prior to the trip.

* Footwear: Waterproof/insulated hiking boots with synthetic or wool socks.

* Clothing: Dress in synthetics, fleece, and/or wool layers to easily regulate body temperature. Make sure your layers fit comfortably over each other. DO NOT WEAR COTTON ~ while cotton is a great insulator when it is dry, once wet it doesn't dry easily and conducts heat away from the body.

* Outerwear: Insulated jacket [e.g. fleece]. Windproof/waterproof shell [with hood] and pants [e.g. nylon or gore-tex]. Make sure your outerwear fits comfortably over all of your clothing. Fleece/wool hat, neck warmer, and gloves.

* Food and Water: Bring high-energy snacks, food for lunch [pack extra food "just in case"]. Bring enough water to stay properly hydrated during the trip ~ it's time to switch from a hydration pack [e.g. Camelback] to insulaled wide-mouth water bottles [e.g. Nalgene] because the hose tends to freeze.

* Other Essential Gear: Map and Compass [don't just bring them; know how to use them]. Plastic whistle. Headlamp with spare batteries. Personal first aid kit with an emergency space blanket. Small pocket knife or multi-purpose tool. Matches or wind-proof lighter and firestarter. Toilet kit [e.g. hand sanitizer, toilet paper]. Line the inside of your pack with a plastic garbage bag to keep your items dry.

* Optional Items: trekking poles, hiking stick, camera.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.   

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk! 

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

It's approximately 152 miles from Boston and 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Take I-93 North, then U.S. 3 to Twin Mountain. From the traffic lights at the junction of U.S. Highways 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, drive 2.0 miles north on US 3 and then turn right onto New Hampshire Route 115. Continue north on Route 115 for 1.9 miles. A gravel parking lot is located on the right directly across the highway from the intersection with Lennon Road.