Mt. Webster (3,910 ft), Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft) 10-9-21

Distance: 8.4 mi.
Elevation: 2,139 ft. (Overall) 2,859 ft. (Total)
Time: (With a 7 yr old setting the pace) 3:08 (Webster) 4:57 (Jackson) 8:31 (Total)
Trails: Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Branch, Webster Cliff Trail, Jackson Branch, Webster Jackson Trail

Even though she has only done a handful of peaks on her 52 With A View list so far, my oldest daughter has been wanting to try and hike a 4000 footer. So today's hike of Mt. Webster and Mt. Jackson seemed like a good fit. We could get her another 52WAV peak and if she made it that far it wouldn't be too hard of a hike to get her up Mt. Jackson as well.

Leaving Crawford Notch the trail starts off pretty gentle and then works into a couple steep and rocky sections. Liliana did great with this and enjoyed picking her own route through the rocks. The early fiew from Bugle Cliff was nice spot for a short break and snacks. It also showed her how far we had already come. I challenged her to find my truck in the now filled area along route 302... it is foliage season after all.

Liliana climbing a steep rocky section

View from Bugle Cliff

We made great progress up to the split of the Webster Jackson Trail and had played leap frog with a few other families doing similar hikes to us today. Going up Mt. Webster first we went right at the split and carefully worked our way down the steep section of trail that leads to the brook crossing and waterfall. This was another great spot to take a break for some pictures and a well earned snack. The trail is steep to start going back up for the crossing so a small rest would help get a 7 year old up the next bit of trail. She enjoyed trying to sneak some of my trail mix while I took pictures anyways.

Waterfall just after the split of the Webster/Jackson branches

The trail keeps climbing steadily up to the ridge before Mt. Webster. Liliana did great going over the mixture of rocks and smooth trail and we made good time given her shorter legs. Once we got up to the ridge she was getting excited to hit our first peak of the day and to see our view into and across Crawford Notch. Picking your way over the rocks to get to the actual summit was a bit tricky because there are a few extra paths and some large rocks to climb over. There could be a couple extra painted blazes up there to help out.

Getting closer to Mt. Webster

While on the summit we enjoyed a big rest and a surprise snack that I didn't tell Liliana about... big chocolate chips cookies. Liliana enjoyed the great views and me pointing out other peaks and points of interest to her. There were a few Gray Jays around as well begging for food and eventually we were able to get a couple of them to come eat of Liliana's hand. She was a bit nervous when they first landed, but she thought it was really cool even though their feet feel a bit funny on your hand.

Crawford Notch from Mt. Webster

Presidential Range from Mt. Webster

Gray Jay begging for food

Liliana was feeling good still so we decided to continue on with our plan of heading over to Mt. Jackson for her first 4000 footer. The trail between the peaks is pretty easy and only gets steep towards the end going up the last bit to Mt. Jackson. Liliana enjoyed seeing the different types of plants and mushrooms as well as another pair of Gray Jays. The few bog bridges and short steep drops or climbs added some nice variety too and she was also excited when we got to those.

Nice easy hiking between the peaks

We made good time between the peaks for how big of a hike this was for Liliana. She got even more excited as we neared the summit of Mt. Jackson as she had been looking forward to getting her first 4K. When we got to the stop she was super happy even though the clouds had come in more on our way over. We had more of our cookies and met some nice people including one very friendly dog and his owner. Liliana was able to get the dog to do a couple tricks for snacks. She was also able to see someone finish their NH 48 4Ks on the same peak she was starting hers on.

Liliana enjoying a snack and the summit of Mt. Jackson

Liliana celebrates her first 4K

The clouds coming in and getting lower

After enjoying the summit for quite a while, we had to figure out what route we were going to use to descend back to the truck. We could go back down the steep and rocky Jackson branch of the Webster Jackson Trail or we could try to hike over to the Mizpah Hut and use the Mizpah Cutoff Trail and descend the smoother but longer Crawford Path. At this point I knew that either way we went we would likely need a headlamp by the end of the hike. Liliana really liked the idea of hiking to the hut as she wanted to see it and I liked that idea as well (I know how slow she goes down steep and rocky trails). But as I went through my pack making sure of what I had for headlamps I found that I had forgot my second headlamp that I thought was in my bag and only had one. If I had both I was planning to go to the hut and then down, but with only the one lamp for both of us, I decided that taking the shorter route would be better in hopes that we could get back closer to the truck before we needed to share it.

A rocky descent

The descent from Mt. Jackson went as I was expecting and was at times almost painfully slow. Liliana did great at being careful coming down the steep rocks off of the summit and then over the very rocky terrain after that. Her shorter legs come down those bigger rocks slower than I am use to, but I was still happy since Liliana didn't rush and do anything that would have caused her to trip or get hurt. This was why I was liking the idea of going down by going to the hut so we could have avoided this section of trail. I guess I need to do a better job checking my pack before hiking with someone else. At least I carry the one headlamp as an extra at all times. After the trail joins back up with itself we made better time. I reminded Liliana we should try to make good time before we needed the headlamp as we would slow down after that. She did good at keeping moving when needed, but her feet and legs were getting a bit tired. In the dark we found a method that worked well for lighting the trail for both of us and we made the last push out to the truck. It was time to take our boots off and get some supper on the way home after a big high five celebrating Liliana's first 4K and her biggest hike yet.

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Willey Range 11-7-20

Distance: 10.2 mi.
Elevation: 2,397 ft (overall) 3,958 ft (total)
Time: 1:18 (Mt. Avalon) 2:08 (Mt. Field) 2:51 (Mt. Willey) 3:50 (Mt. Field) 4:47 (Mt. Tom) 6:14 (Total)
Trails: Avalon Trail, Avalon Summit Spur, Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, A-Z Trail, Avalon Trail

I've been wanting to do this loop for a while and have planned it out a couple of times, it's just never worked out in the end. So finally just before going back to working 6 days a week through Christmas I was able to fit it in. I've really liked the Willey Range since the first time hiking it and adding in Mt. Avalon gets me another peak plus more importantly a few new miles of redlining.

I got an early-ish start this morning and was one of only a few vehicles in the parking lot when I started off. I headed out from the Crawford Depot up the Avalon Trail planing to hit Mt. Avalon first. I wanted to hit the new peak first today plus I would rather go up the steep sections of Mt. Avalon than come down them. The first river crossing of the day is early on and was pretty easy. You could wither use a path over a downed tree or another using rocks that have been placed across the stream.

The first water crossing. A couple options here

The only other time on the Avalon Trail I was coming down it 6 years ago. I don't remember all the details of it, but I think the trail has been rerouted a bit uphill from the brook since then. It is in good shape, but has a number of routes in some places that can make it a bit trickier to walk along. There is also another smaller brook crossing, which was also very easy to cross. The trail gets steeper just before the intersection with the A-Z Trail. Just after the intersection it gets even steeper and very rocky. I knew it would be steep through here, but I didn't realize it was going to be as rocky as it was.

Steep rocky climb up the Avalon Trail

Nearing the Avalon Summit Spur the trail starts to level out some and give you a little bit of a break. It was wettet through this section than I expected it to be, but nothing that was so bad as to make much mud or cause you to need to go off trail to avoid anything. The summit spur is clearly marked and makes for a short steep climb to the top. I wasn't really sure what to expect from the summit of Mt. Avalon as I don't recall ever really looking up pictures of it, but I was pleasantly surprised by the top. It doesn't have as much of a view down through the notch as I would have expected, but I liked the feel of the small hump of exposed rock that does make up the summit.

Mt. Avalon view

Heading up the trail getting closer to the ridge it was still damp along the trail. Footing was good though even with the start of some minimal patches of ice along the way. This section of trail goes by pretty quickly and soon enough you are at the intersection with the Willey Range Trail just before the summit of Mt. Field.

Heading up the Avalon Trail to the ridge

Mt. Field view

The trail descends a bit steeply and over some rocky terrain leaving Mt. Field for Mt. Willey. But before too long it levels out much more and becomes pretty gentle and makes for some easy hiking. It was through this section that I started to see more people out for the day. It ended up being a busier day on the trail than I was expecting since we are well past peak foliage. During this stretch there also was some patches of snow today. The snow wasn't deep enough or slippery enough to even think about needing spikes. When you reach the summit of Mt. Willey there is a view point shortly after the actual high point. This view has a small opening where a few people could gather for a while. It is also one of my favorite views of Crawford Notch. It is an even more rewarding view when you come up the steep ladders from the other direction.

Snow on the way to Mt. willey

Mt. Willey view

Heading back to Mt. Field I tried to take my time a bit more and look around more than I did the other direction. Heading to Mt. Willey I got more into a mode of just moving along. This direction I wanted to look around more as the ridge can be pretty interesting. There are some intersting things to see along the trail and it's fun to see how much the forest changes and how quickly it does so as you walk through it.

Willey Range Trail

View again from Mt. Field, this time of Mt. Tom

Heading down from Mt. Field to the A-Z Trail the trail is pretty gradual and has good footing. Again today it was a bit wet with some running water in places. I had to watch my footing a bit more than normal so as to not slip on wet rocks, but I was still able to go at a good pace and make short work of this section.

Descending the Willey Range Trail to the A-Z Trail

Once you reach the A-Z Trail it is a realitively short hike to get the last summit of the day. The trail is a little over half a mile with a mostly gentle grade with a couple short rocky climbs and a set of wooden stairs mixed in. The high point of the mountain doesn't really have much for views. Their is currently a little bit of a view west from on top of a blown down tree at a small opening. As you head back down from the summit there is a heard path that heads off to the left which does lead to a slightly bigger opening with some views from on top of a stump towards the Presidential Range and down into the notch a little bit. Mt. Tom is also well known for having very friendly Gray Jays that like to beg for food.

A Gray Jay on Mt. Tom

Mt. Tom view

Mt. Tom Spur

On the way down the mountains I made sure to hit the side trail that leads over to Pearl Cascade and Beecher Cascade. I hadn't checked the spreadsheet to see if this trail counted towards redlining (it does), but I wanted to cover it to make sure. Plus I like seeing new things and I also wanted to check out the waterfalls as something to come back to with my camera and intentions to spend some time shooting here. I also thought this could be an easy hike that my wife and two young daughters mike like to do. In the end I am glad I hit the side trail as it does count for redlining and the waterfalls were pretty interesting. I look forward to coming back to them with the family and the camera and tripod.

Pearl Cascade

Beecher Cascade

Google Earth representation of the hike

For all the pictures from the hike, just go to my gallery on SmugMug

Mt. Tom (4,051), Mt. Field (4,340), & Mt. Willey (4,285 ft) 9-27-14

Distance: 19.0 mi.
Elevation: 2,260 ft (overall) 3,667 ft (total)
Time: 3:25 (Mt. Tom) 4:21 (Mt. Field) 5:17 (Mt. Willey) 6:53 (Ethan Pond) 10:20 (Total)
Trails: Zealand Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail, Ethan Pond Trail

I've been thinking about doing this hike since just after I first hiked these peaks just over 3 years ago. For some reason I had the idea of this loop and immediately wanted to do it. With a plan of hiking all the New England Four Thousand Footers in one year, it seemed like the perfect time to do this loop rather than a shorter route from the other side. This would also get me onto even more trails this year that I haven't been on yet.

Knowing this was going be a longer hike, I made sure to get an early start. The parking lot can also fill up quick on a nice day such as this. Starting up the Zealand Trail is pretty easy. There are no major ups or downs as it gradually gains elevation. All brooks also have nice bridges over them. It is a bit rocky and has a number of roots in places due to the heavy traffic to and from the hut.

Before Long I was turning off onto the A-Z Trail and away from other hikers for a while. I suspect this trail doesn't get heavy usage from this side, but it was in good shape and easy to follow. There was one minor brook crossing and a few damp spots with bog bridges. The trail is gradual to begin with, but steeper than the Zealand Trail. After a while, the trail almost completely levels out for a while making it a nice quick section. It then does the main climb up onto the ridge getting steeper and more rocky. Before too long though, you are up on the ridge and at the Mt. Tom Spur. This trail was a nice alternative being quiet and feeling a bit more remote.

A-Z Trail

The hike up to Mt. Tom went quick as the spur trail is relatively short and isn't very hard. There are some muddy sections, some roots, and a couple small rock scrambles, but nothing too difficult. As you get near the summit, the trail appears to split, but there is no sign. To the left is the actual summit with limited views into the Zealand Valley and to the right is a small open area with views of the Presidential Range and Crawford Notch.

View from Mt. Tom

After a quick hike back down the spur trail, it was time to climb up Mt. Field. The trail hear has some small rocks scattered along it, but it stays pretty good. After going through and area with lots of low lying plants to help make the forest even more green, there is a final steep push just before the summit. There is a small open area at the actual summit with another small viewpoint a few feet away that looks back towards the eastern side of Mt. Tom.

View from Mt. Field

After a nice break, some views, and a change of socks, it was time to head off towards Mt. Willey. There are a couple short steep descents, but only one might be tricky for other hikers. The trail does have more small rocks on it though which will make your feet a bit more sore at the end of the day. After the trail levels off a bit before heading up Mt. Willey, you'll come through a patch of trees that saw heavy damage during Tropical Storm Irene. They have been cleaned up nicely, but it's an impressive and localized spot of damage. It might have been due to some of the trees being down, but I felt more wind here than any other spot along the ridge. This could also be part of way so many trees fell over during that storm. The trail works its way around Mt. Willey a bit before coming to the summit. There is a nice view point just before the summit, but an even better one just after the summit.

The view after the summit provides a vantage point to look across Crawford Notch at Webster Cliff, Mt. Webster, and the rest of the Presidential Range. This is one of my favorite views in the Whites so far.

View from Mt. Willey

View from Mt. Willey

Having been here before, I knew the trail heading south off of Mt. Willey would be steep. You quickly loose elevation and soon come to the ladder section. I think I counted 98 steps on the ladders while climbing down them. After the ladders it's still steep for a while with more loose rock. The trail levels out some before reaching the Ethan Pond Trail.

The Ethan Pond Trail goes uphill a bit before leveling off and then gradually heading downhill. Much of this trail was an old railroad track so there won't be anything too steep or sharp along it. After passing though some nice woods and over many bog bridges, I reached the spur trail to the Ethan Pond Shelter. I walked in to check it out. The pond is small but nice. There is a shelter which filled up while I was resting and tent sites that were already packed when I got there. This is a popular place on weekends when the weather is nice (don't forget foliage is starting to change too).

Ethan Pond

Leaving the pond, more hikers were still coming in hoping to find a spot, but they would soon be turned away. The trail stays nice and gentle for quite a while through here. No real surprises, just a long walk through a remote area. After crossing the North Fork of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River on a nice bridge, the trail starts to curve back in the direction of the parking lot following around the edge of Whitewall Mtn.

After a stretch in the trees, the trail comes out into the open at the base of a rocky side of the mountain. The old rail bed is very clear here and there are nice views through the valley and up the mountain. After heading back into the trees, the trail starts to have a bunch of short ups and downs over some rocky areas. By this time, my feet where starting to get a bit sore and these rocks weren't helping. Eventually the trail smooths back out again. It stays this way all the way to the Twinway Trail near the hut. After a short section and a small crossing of a beaver pond, you get back onto the section of trail hiked at the beginning of the day.

Ethan Pond Trail

On the old rail bed at the base of Whitewall Mtn

Looking up Whitewall Mtn

Nearing sunset now, I was happy to make my way out without needing a headlamp. At the beaver ponds I was able to see a bit of the sunset and the colors it cast onto the trees that are already changing for fall. This was an enjoyable loop and hike, but I wish there was a bit more breeze today to go along with the sun. It felt pretty warm today while hiking with a temp on the summits of 66 degrees. It's hard to believe that just two weeks ago I was on Mt. Moriah where it was 38 degrees, windy, and I was wearing a hat and gloves.

Nearing sunset while hiking the Zealand Trail

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Willey (4,285 ft), Mt. Field (4,340 ft), & Mt. Tom (4,051 ft) 7-7-14

Distance: 7.34 mi. (on mtn) 10.5 mi. (total)
Elevation: 3,047 ft. (overall) 3,574 ft. (total)
Time: 7:26 (on mtn) 1:22 (walk back to truck)
Trails: Kedron Flume Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Willey Range Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, A-Z Trail, Avalon Trail, RR Tracks

Leaving from the Willey House Site it was still a little cloudy, but this was predicted to go away. The trail heads into the trees behind a picnic area and is pretty easy walking. It works its way to the left before switching back to the right and going up the side of the hill until you reach where it crosses the railroad tracks. The trail heads straight across the tracks and up into the woods before following the side hill more. It continues pretty easy until the brook crossing at Kedron Flume. There wasn't much water here so it was a problem, but it looks like if there were it could be a bit slick. You can take in the small view from here before heading further up the trail. After Kedron Flume, the trail gets rockier, steeper, and today more muddy (there was a thunderstorm the night before). Some of the sections of trail now can bit a bit difficult with poor footing and being steep. This doesn't really go away until the Ethan Pond Trail.

Shortly before Kedron Flume

The Ethan Pond Trail can have some big rocks in it, but only gently gains elevation so it is a nice break from what you just did. You aren't on this trail long before it diverges to the right and you start out on the Willey Range Trail. Once on the Willey Range Trail it starts to head back uphill steeper again. It isn't too bad to start, but soon gets to some much steeper and washed out sections as well as coming to a series of wooden steps built into the trail made of old trees. Shortly after this you come to a series of 10 wooden ladders built going up the trail. From the base you can only make out about 6 of these before you see the trail turn to the left. One wouldn't think stairs/ladders would be hard, but with gaining almost 100 ft of elevation in a very short distance isn't easy any way you do it.

About the first half of the ladder section

After the ladders, the trail continues to stay quite steep and a bit rocky. After leaving the ladders around 3500 ft of elevation, this section of trail seems to just keep going on with no real breaks. But all of a sudden you will come to a path at a small unreadable sign that leads to the right and to a very rewarding view. This makes the hard climb all worth it.Just up the trail from this is the summit and just on the other side of the summit is another smaller view to the west.

A great view to the East across the notch

Heading down from Mt. Willey the trail is pretty easy and gentle with no real hard spots. Once it reaches the low point of the saddle and starts heading back up, it does get rockier and a little steeper. Shortly before the summit you will also come to one steep rock scramble and climb. When you reach the summit there is a small path leading to an opening on your right with views to the north and the presidential range. There is also a more limited view through a couple trees to the west a few feet past the summit on the trail.

View to the North from the small opening on Mt. Field

The trail going down Mt. Field again is quite easy not being very steep and only have a few rocky sections. You gradually work your way down in and out of some thick trees until you come to the A-Z Trail and turn right for a couple hundred feet. The Mt. Tom Spur leaves to your right and is marked by a small sign on the other side of the trees you are facing. The Mt. Tom Spur is pretty easy as well with only one steep rocky section. Today it was a bit muddy for the length of it, but not too bad. Near the summit I first took the trail to the left to get to the actual summit before going on the trail to the right to the view point.

The only harder section on the Mt. Tom Spur

Almost as soon as I had my bag down on the ground at the summit, I heard something. When I looked, it was the first of what was going to be 3 Gray Jays checking me out. Having plenty of experience with these guys from snowmobiling, I knew they wanted a snack. So I got out some of my cookies and started making friends. After going through some cookies and taking some pictures, I headed over to the view point on the Eastern side of the summit.

The Gray Jays like cookies as much as I do

The view over here is another one of the great views of whites in my mind. Where you are standing you can't make out any roads and the only civilization you can see is the observatory on Mt. Washington. It is hard not to enjoy a site like that.

Great view from Mt. Tom

After having something to eat, taking in the view, and chatting with three hikers that are studying to be catholic priests (there was a group of them scattered all around hiking) I headed back down. Starting back down the A-Z Trail, it was a little steep and rocky with many stone arranged as steps in the trail. None of them were overly big so it wasn't too hard going though. After getting onto the Avalon Trail the hiking got even easier and continues to do so the closer to the end you get. After coming out at the Crawford Depot, now I had to do was walk the about 3 miles back to my truck.

The summit of Mt. Washington finally came out of the clouds by the time I got to Mt. Tom

Looking down into the notch at Mt. Webster

Mt. Willard Section House foundation

Willey Brook Bridge overlooking the notch

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE