Trip report
GetWinter Hike #3: Mt. Potash Hike
Hiking/Walk DATE: 02/20/2010 - 02/20/2010
Trip/Event Location: Lincoln, NH
US
Trip Leader(s): Gandalf
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I'm not making any money running this trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This trip's focus is to get you familiar with climbing and using snowshoes. The Mount Potash Trail takes us to the summit of Mt. Potash (2700'). The grade is moderate however there is some&
...From the east, turn off NH 16 in Conway onto Kancamagus Highway (NH 112) and drive about 14.3 miles. From the west on I-93, take Exit 32 in Lincoln and drive about 21.8 miles on the Kancamagus.
You'll see a sign for the turn to the trailheads on the south side of the highway: the Downes Brook, UNH, and Mount Potash Trails. Turn here and drive in to the large parking area. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Trip Report/Photos
![Featured Photo](/imagesreports/report_2558/featurePhoto_2558.jpg)
Mt. Potash is a fine smaller hike at 2,700', and great for part of our GetWinter Hike series.
We met at the parking lot at 11:00. Since the trail was packed down and potentially icy we either wore Micro Spikes or snowshoes. The skies were clear and we were fired up for the trip and on our way.
We easily crossed the first water crossing since it was ice bridged.
We continued to hike under blue skies and then saw the logging road. There was a cairn beside the trail on the other side to indicate that was the direction we needed to go.
The trail resumes a fairly modest grade until the first switchback, after which it get steeper as it zig zags up the mountain. The trail was nicely packed down with a few icy patches making for amusing travel. Eventually, the forest switches from hardwoods to hemlocks to scrubby pines.
We reached the first open ledge under abundant sunshine with fine views towards Chocorua, Passaconaway and Whiteface, We continued up toward the summit among the pines. On the summit we came upon the open and breathtaking view north into the Pemi.
Absolutely gorgeous!
The surrounding summits were snow capped. It was mind boggling to consider not only the view, but that we had the summit to ourselves.
We took many pictures [see below ] that will attempt to do the day justice but it was probably better if you had actually been there.
We finished earlier than expected so we took a short jaunt afterwards to check the frozen waterfalls of Sabbaday Falls. Spectacular!
Too often we tag a peak, admire the view, and charge on to the next objective. I highly recommend picking a nice, less-visited peak and making yourself stay on the summit for any reason. A great view, good company, and cold beers/pizza are among the most satisfying reasons I've found.
~ Mike
There are 57 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)
What Members Are Saying About This Trip/Event
- Wonderful weather and a fun little mountain! It is always a pleasure to meet new guys and friends on these trips. Thanks Mike for hosting a great hike!!! - WalkaboutBrian
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