Summary

Mt Chocorua [3,474 feet] is one of the most frequently photographed mountains in the world, especially since the trail contains Champney Falls!

If you crave open mountain views, few peaks in the White Mountains can compare with Mt Chocorua. You can easily name 100 mountains from the top of Chocorua on a clear day, including Mt Moosilauke, the Kinsmans, Mt Washington and the Southern Presidential Range.

There is a stream crossing at the start that can be tricky to cross with regular hiking boots without getting water in them. Bring a pair of extra socks. The trail will be covered in snow/ice/slush most of the day. We’ll take the Champney Falls Loop which the falls should be attractive this time of year with the snow melt. The summit cone has open ledges with some rock scrambling that may be covered in ice that may make people nervous. We’ll find a spot on the summit where we can get the best views for a leisurely lunch.  

HIKE DETAILS
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous due to rock scrambling and open ledges
Elevation Gain: 2,250 ft.
Total Mileage: 7.6 miles
Total Time: Approx. 6 hours, depending on pace and amount of breaks.

What to Bring [No Cotton]
-Fee for the parking area ($5 in cash)
-Hiking boots. Sneakers are not allowed, since this will be a difficult hike.
-MicroSpikes
-Wool socks plus an extra pair
-Shirt and pants that are either wool or synthetic (think workout gear)
-Insulating layer, such as a fleece. It is extremely windy at the top, so please ensure that you bring warm clothing, including a wind breaker with a hood. You may also want to consider bringing a hat and gloves.
-Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
-2 liters of water
-Headlamp (you can get by with a flashlight in a pinch). Please DO NOT use your cell phone as a flashlight.
-Food!

Carpooling: Contact each other to carpool...especially for members who don't own a car! The Wellington Station on the Orange Line is a popular location to pick up passengers. We recommend each passenger pay $30 to the driver for gas, wear/tear and car insurance. You can also meet Jon and off Exit 28 off I-93 for carpooling...contact us to let us know. 

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Bunk Beds Lodging Option [Men Only]: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley Friday and/or Saturday night. It's $25 for Friday and $35 on Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We’ll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.

The Champney Falls Trailhead parking area is located in Albany, New Hampshire, on the south side of Rt. 112 (Kancamagus Highway).

Traveling from the west/Lincoln NH, the parking area is about 1.5 miles beyond the junction of Rt. 112 and Bear Notch Road. Bear Notch Road will be on the left but the trailhead parking lot is on the right.

Traveling from the east/Conway NH, the parking area is about 11 miles west of the junction of Rt. 112 and Rt. 16 in Conway. Parking and the trailhead will be on the left side of the roadway.