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Trails

Big Pines Path
Boulder Path
East Pond Trail

BIG PINES PATH

BIG PINES PATH

[WVAIA] – EASY

BIG PINES PATH

This is a short trail that leads to the banks of the Mad River where there are four enormous white pine trees. It begins off Livermore Road, after the junction with Boulder Path on the right, and a short rise in the road. It’s a narrow little trail that winds through a flat evergreen forest.

BOULDER PATH

BOULDER PATH

[WVAIA] – EASY

BOULDER PATH

The boulder to which this trail leads sits in the middle of Cascade Brook as it runs alongside Livermore Road. To find the trail, start up the Cascade Path along the left side of Cascade Ridge Road. Turn left at the sign for Lower Snows Mtn XC ski trail. Cross a paved Cul-de-sac. After a little rise and turn, before a substantial descent, Boulder Path leaves the ski trail, bearing off to the left at a small inconspicuous sign, and descends gradually toward the brook. At the bottom of the descent, the trail connects to an old roadbed. Turn left and walk a short distance beside the brook to the boulder. The path connects to Livermore Road, but it’s difficult to cross Cascade Brookin high water. Hikers may access the boulder quickly via Livermore Road.

EAST POND TRAIL

EAST POND TRAIL

[WVAIA] – EASY

EAST POND TRAIL

This trail is used primarily to access East Pond, a mountain pond at the foot of Mount Osceola’s Scar Ridge. It begins on a logging road grade, and crosses an old railroad bed, where the Little East Pond Trail diverges left. This is a longer route to the pond, but also easy, as it traverses the hillside to a small shallow pond, and then cuts back to the east, via the East Pond Loop, and intersects the main trail just below East Pond. The main trail remains on the old logging roadbed all the way to the pond. From there, it continues to the left of the pond and traverses through the woodlands over a pass in the ridge and down to the Kancamagus Highway.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

ELEPHANT ROCK TRAIL

ELEPHANT ROCK TRAIL

[WVAIA] – EASY

ELEPHANT ROCK TRAIL

This route brings hikers to the summit of the former Snows Mountain alpine ski area, offering nice views to the west and north. To get there, park at the north end of the Snows Mountain parking lot at the base of Cascade Ridge Road. Follow the signs for Cascade Path. In less than half a mile Elephant Rock Trail diverges right and climbs gradually, past a large boulder on the left (Elephant Rock), through a mature hardwood forest and comes out near the summit chairlift of the former alpine ski area. It is often hiked as a loop with the Greeley Ledges Trail, which terminates adjacent to the chairlift.

FLETCHERS CASCADE TRAIL

FLETCHERS CASCADE TRAIL

[WVAIA] – EASY

FLETCHERS CASCADE TRAIL

This hike heads up the Drakes Brook Ravine to Fletchers Cascade, a picturesque series of chutes and ledges that come down from somewhere on the boggy summit of Flat Mountain. The trail begins off the Drakes Brook X-C Ski Trail, just up the hill after the Drakes Brook hiking trail diverges right. The Fletchers Cascade Trail angles up the left side of the brook for a fair distance. It can be wet in several sections, requiring some rock hopping and footwork, but it’s not steep and easy to follow. It soon enters the Sandwich Range Wilderness, which means there is no new blazing, and groups should be limited to 10 people. Beyond here it crosses Bowlder Brook and ascends to the lower stair-like cascades. Once the towering rock walls are in sight through the trees, the trail becomes quite steep and for a short distance is significantly more difficult, ascending directly beside the brook, with poor footing on slick surfaces. It eventually hooks left below a tall cascade and comes to an end on a little island in the middle of the brook bed.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

GREELEY PONDS TRAIL

GREELEY PONDS TRAIL

[WMNF] – EASY

GREELEY PONDS TRAIL

This trail begins off Livermore Road (not open to vehicles), about 10 minutes from the Livermore parking lot*. It starts on an old logging road and soon comes alongside the Mad River on the right, and continues parallel with the river past the Goodrich Rock Trail on the left (30 minutes from Livermore parking lot). Five minutes later it begins to ascend away from the river and in 20 minutes it passes the Timber Camp Trail on the left. The Greeley Ponds Trail then traverses the slope for a short distance before descending back to the river where it crosses on a bridge. The Kancamagus Brook Ski Trail, (not suitable for hiking, as it crosses an enormous beaver pond), diverges right just past the bridge. For the rest of the distance to the ponds the trail stays close to the diminishing river as it ascends the Mad River Notch. There are several footbridges over rills and runoffs adding to the river; and then the trail descends some log steps and crosses the river (difficult in high water), at a point where a X-C ski trail continues straight ahead (blazed blue) to a fine viewpoint. The hiking trail enters the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area on the other side of the river, and is wet in several places as it passes to the left of the lower pond. Stay left as the trail forks and begins to ascend gradually to the upper pond. At the south end of the upper pond, a spur path on the right leads down to a grassy opening with views of the East Osceola cliffs. The section of the trail from the upper pond down to the Kancamagus Highway crosses several small brooks and descends gradually. It’s often used as an easy ascent from the parking lot on the Kancamagus Hwy. to the north end of the Upper Pond where there is a nice beach.

Livermore Parking Lot* For all routes originating at Livermore parking lot, known locally as “Depot Camp,” these directions apply when coming into town on Route 49: Take the access road to the ski area, Tripoli Road, which diverges left at the blinking speed sign. Go up a long hill, take the right fork and continue on Tripoli Road then turn right over the bridge at the junction with West Branch Road. The parking lot is on the left immediately after the bridge. There are restrooms and a Recreational Fee.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

NORWAY RAPIDS TRAIL

NORWAY RAPIDS TRAIL

[WVAIA] – EASY

NORWAY RAPIDS TRAIL

This trail leads to a unique section of Avalanche Brook with scenic rapids and a perfect trough of deep water that was a favorite swimming hole of early visitors to Waterville Valley. It begins off Livermore Road and within minutes one encounters the rapids and the famous swimming hole. Crossing the brook is almost always difficult, especially in high water. From the brook, it wanders through a mature hardwood forest with good footing and very little ascending. It ends at a junction with Lower Snows Mountain X-C Ski Trail, and from there, hikers often turn right, cross a substantial bridge over Cascade Brook, and connect with the Cascade Path on the other side.

Old Waterville Road Trail

Old Waterville Road Trail

[WMNF]

Old Waterville Road Trail

This is a short EASY hike [1000 ft.], which connects the Pine Flats Trail with the parking lot at the Six Mile Bridge, and can be used as part of a loop with the Old Waterville Road, the Yellow Jacket Trail, and the Pine Flats Trail.

To access the trail from the Smarts Brook parking lot, follow the Pine Flats Trail out the back of the lot. The trail begins five minutes beyond the lot, and leads over flat terrain on an old logging road. In about 10 minutes, it ends on Route 49, just west of the parking lot at the Six Mile Bridge.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

PINE FLATS TRAIL

PINE FLATS TRAIL

[WMNF] – EASY

PINE FLATS TRAIL

This trail passes by the scenic Smarts Brook Gorge. From the Smarts Brook parking lot on Route 49, the trail begins alongside the brook. After a short distance the gorge will be on the right. The trail rises up to a flat section of terrain with an impressive stand of locally rare red and white pine trees, and then descends the plateau and ends at a junction with the Yellow Jacket Trail.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

SMARTS BROOK TRAIL

SMARTS BROOK TRAIL

[WMNF] – EASY

SMARTS BROOK TRAIL

This trail leads to a popular swimming hole just 30 minutes from Route 49. It also offers a long but gradual route up to Sandwich Mountain. From the parking lot, cross the brook beside the road. On the other side of the brook, the trail begins, turning left into the woods on some log steps, joining with an old roadbed. Soon a X-C ski trail with a blue marker bears to the left. Stay right and follow the trail through a stand of hemlocks until you join a logging road. Here, the Tri-Town Trail continues straight ahead. To remain on the Smarts Brook Trail, turn left at the intersection on the logging road. After a while, the brook will come alongside the roadbed on the left; and soon after that, one comes to a forest protection area, surrounding the swimming hole, where camping and fires are prohibited. The upper trailhead of the Tri-Town Trail enters 5 minutes up from the pool. The Yellow Jacket Trail diverges left shortly after that on a wooden bridge crossing over Smarts Brook. Continuing up the Smarts Brook Trail, there is a substantial beaver pond on the right. After this, the logging road diminishes and it becomes more of a trail as it continues gradually up the valley, past several big boulders, at which point it climbs more steeply until it finally connects with the Sandwich Mountain Trail.


For related trail information, please visit Trailfinder.

TRI-TOWN TRAIL

TRI-TOWN TRAIL

[WMNF]- EASY

TRI-TOWN TRAIL

This hike is used primarily as a loop trail with the lower section of the Smarts Brook Trail. From the parking lot on Route 49, follow the Smarts Brook Trail for 10 minutes, and then bear right off the logging roadbed at the sign for the Tri-Town Trail. The trail is a long loop characterized by steady inclines and good footing, that leads to a clearing at a height of land. It then descends gradually back to the Smarts Brook Trail. To make a loop back to the parking lot, take a left at the end of the Tri-Town Trail onto the Smarts Brook Trail, and continue gradually downhill for 35 minutes.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

YELLOW JACKET TRAIL

YELLOW JACKET TRAIL

[WMNF] – EASY

YELLOW JACKET TRAIL

This hike connects the Smarts Brook Trail with the Pine Flats Trail, often used as the middle link in a loop route. It begins at the end of the Pine Flats Trail, ascending gradually and eventually crossing Smarts Brook on a bridge. It soon ends at a junction with the Smarts Brook Trail.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

CASCADE PATH

CASCADE PATH

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

CASCADE PATH

This hike brings you to a beautiful series of seven cascades falling to the rocky gorge of Cascade Brook. Even on the hottest days, the water runs cold; nevertheless, it’s a popular site for swimmers. The trail begins at the base of Cascade Ridge Road, just north of the Snows Mountain parking lot. You cannot park anywhere on Cascade Ridge Road. The trail ascends an open grassy hillside, passes along-side the Cascade Ridge Road, and continues straight as the road turns up to the right. When the Lower Snows Mountain X-C ski trail and Boulder Path diverge left, the Cascade Path continues up the hill, and soon crosses Cascade Ridge Road that has looped back around. On the other side of the road, the trail continues ascending what’s left of a former alpine ski trail. Five minutes later, the Cascade Path diverges left into the woods, traversing the rocky northern foothills of Snows Mountain, past Elephant Rock Trail diverging right, and eventually descending to the Lower Snows Mountain X-C ski trail. Turn right up the ski trail a very short distance past (not over) a wide bridge. Hike straight into the woods past the bridge, into the woods where the route begins to climb gradually toward the cascades. It takes 15 minutes to reach the first cascade, where the trail crosses the brook, and ascends more steeply through thick woods up the left-hand side. The footbed is rough with roots and rocks. From this side, access to the water is easy; however, in high water, the cross-ing at the first cascade can be difficult. At the top, the trail loops over a bridge, and descends the other side, or west side of the cas-cades, offering pristine views high above the cascading waters. It soon reconnects at the base of the first cascade.


For related trail information, please visit TrailsNH.

DRAKES BROOK TRAIL

DRAKES BROOK TRAIL

[WVAIA] - MODERATE

DRAKES BROOK TRAIL

This hike ascends the Drakes Brook Ravine to Sandwich Mountain Trail. From there it’s a short distance to Jennings Peak. The trail is often used as the descending link in a loop with Sandwich Mountain Trail over Noon Peak. To get to the trail begin on the Drakes Brook X-C Ski Trail. It follows the brook beneath a high canopy for less than half a mile, and then the hiking trail leaves the ski trail turning right, and immediately crossing the brook at a wide section that is difficult in high water. It then follows the path of the brook over generally flat terrain for a good distance, before it starts to ascend, gradually at first, with good footing, and then more steeply, where it ends at the Sandwich Mountain Trail.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

Flume Brook Trail (retired)

Flume Brook Trail (retired)

[WVAIA]- MODERATE

Flume Brook Trail (retired)

NOTE: This trail was retired in 2014

This trail was severely damaged, and sections are totally washed out due to the effects of tropical storm Irene in September 2011. It has been closed and replaced as part of the repair and rerouting projects undertaken to restore the trail system after this storm.

A new trail, Irene’s Path now provides access to the the Flume [2500 ft.], a picturesque cascade and pool flanked by high rock walls. Much smaller than The Flume in Franconia, it’s remote, infrequently visited; and therefore, ideal for those seeking beauty and solitude.

GOODRICH ROCK TRAIL

GOODRICH ROCK TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

GOODRICH ROCK TRAIL

This trail winds creatively through a field of large glacial erratic boulders. It ends on top of the largest boulder, ascended by a 20 foot ladder, where there are great views of the Sandwich Mountain peaks. It begins off the Greeley Ponds Trail about 30 minutes from the Livermore parking lot*. It climbs somewhat steeply at first to a set of stone and wooden stairs. From there, it levels off, crosses a small brook and begins to encounter the Davis Boulders, a favorite destination for children. It passes through broken-open chunks of granite and under a cave-like passageway. After a set of steppingstones across a wetland area, it traverses a conifer forest, and eventually circles around the great boulder to the ladder that brings one to the top of Goodrich Rock

Livermore Parking Lot* For all routes originating at Livermore parking lot, known locally as “Depot Camp,” these directions apply when coming into town on Route 49: Take the access road to the ski area, Tripoli Road, which diverges left at the blinking speed sign. Go up a long hill, take the right fork and continue on Tripoli Road then turn right over the bridge at the junction with West Branch Road. The parking lot is on the left immediately after the bridge. There are restrooms and a Recreational Fee.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

GREELEY LEDGES TRAIL

GREELEY LEDGES TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

GREELEY LEDGES TRAIL

This rocky hike leads to a ledge that many years ago used to command a nice view over the valley, but now this view is obscured by the trees. It begins off the Snows Mountain Trail and almost immediately encounters rocky terrain. After the initial ascent it then angles to the left, traversing around the steep-sided face. As it rounds the buttress, a small spur path leads left to the ledge. From there, it’s a short distance through the woods before the trail terminates at the summit chairlift of the former alpine ski area, where there are fine views of Mount Tecumseh and Mount Osceola.

IRENES PATH

IRENES PATH

[WVAIA] - MODERATE

IRENES PATH

This trail, cut in 2013 as a result of the havoc Tropical Storm Irene caused with the now decommissioned Flume Brook Trail, is a new route to The Flume, a picturesque cascade and pool flanked by high rock walls. It begins just below the Scaur at the terminus of Kettles Path. It wanders along the wide Scaur Ridge on gradually undulated terrain, and eventually steeply descends the north side of the ridge, passing a unique vista of Mad River Notch, through a rocky evergreen forest to the Flume Brook valley. Here, Old Skidder Trail diverges right, and Irenes Path continues a short distance to The Flume, where one seeking solitude and beauty can relax beside the falling waters and be cooled by a consistent breeze that moves through the flume on even the hottest days of summer.

Kettles Path (retired)

Kettles Path (retired)

[WVAIA]

Kettles Path (retired)

This trail has been retired in 2014

This trail has been absorbed into the new Irene’s Path trail and its name has been retired.

LIVERMORE ROAD and TRAIL

LIVERMORE ROAD and TRAIL

[WMNF} – MODERATE

LIVERMORE ROAD and TRAIL

This route connects Waterville Valley to the Kancamagus Highway, reaching a height of land known as Livermore Pass, and serving as access to many of the valley’s hiking trails. The trail begins at the Livermore parking lot* as a Forest Service gated dirt road (no unauthorized vehicles allowed). Times given here to junctions with other trails are from this lot. After beginning in the woods, it comes to a clearing, and just beyond that Greeley Ponds Trail (10 minutes) is on the left. Boulder Path (15 minutes) diverges right and crosses Cascade Brook just before a short rise in the road. Big Pines Path (20 minutes), is on the left, followed by Kettles Path (25 minutes), also on the left, which leads to the Scaur and Irenes Path. Livermore Road continues to gradually ascend past Norway Rapids Trail (45 minutes), on the right. It ends and Livermore Trail (55 minutes) begins at a bridge over Slide Brook. From there, it climbs more steeply (still on an old roadbed, but not as well-groomed as Livermore Road), to the south trailhead of the Mount Tripyramid Trail (65 minutes), which brings one to the South Slide. Farther up the trail the north trailhead of the Mount Tripyramid Trail (1hr. 30  minutes) that brings hikers to the North Slide, diverges right at a hairpin turn. It is then just a few minutes up the trail to the Scaur Ridge Trail, and then the Old Skidder Trail (1hr.50 minutes). From this point on, the Livermore Trail is used primarily as a X-C ski route as it continues past the Kancamagus Brook X-C Ski Trail on the left, and through the Livermore Pass, which is wet and muddy, sparsely blazed and difficult to follow. The descent to the Kancamagus Highway is off of the roadbed, with some steepness at first, and seldom used by hikers. The Kancamagus Highway trailhead has only roadside parking.

Livermore Parking Lot* For all routes originating at Livermore parking lot, known locally as “Depot Camp,” these directions apply when coming into town on Route 49: Take the access road to the ski area, Tripoli Road, which diverges left at the blinking speed sign. Go up a long hill, take the right fork and continue on Tripoli Road then turn right over the bridge at the junction with West Branch Road. The parking lot is on the left immediately after the bridge. There are restrooms and a Recreational Fee.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

MAD RIVER PATH

MAD RIVER PATH

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

MAD RIVER PATH

This hike closely parallels the Mad River, with two steep stairways up to a height of land, offering interesting river views. The trail begins off the Mad River X-C Ski Trail. From Town Square, cross the dam and turn right on the Village X-C Ski Trail, and then right on a bridge over Snows Brook, on the Mad River X-C Ski Trail, which then crosses the Mad River and makes a short loop. At the back of the loop, adjacent to where the ski trail begins to ascend, The Mad River path begins. After a small bridge over a thin rill, and a series of steep rock steps up to a plateau, the trail follows along the high and steep-sided riverbank. It soon descends steeply on a long series of wooden steps down to the river’s shore, crosses two more rills without bridges which are often difficult to cross in high water. Not far after that there are giant stepping-stones that span the West Branch of the Mad River. This section is often impassable in the winter and early spring. The final section follows a wellhead access road ending at West Branch Road.

MOUNT OSCEOLA TRAIL

MOUNT OSCEOLA TRAIL

[WMNF] – MODERATE

MOUNT OSCEOLA TRAIL

This heavily used, steadily ascending trail has outstanding views at the summit. It is more difficult to traverse the ridge and hike to East Peak. The trail begins at a parking area near Thornton Gap. The first section is rocky and rough and requires more time than might be expected, especially in wet conditions. It ascends the ridge, crossing a spring 2/3rds of the way up. It then climbs by short rather steep switchbacks to the summit, the site of an old fire tower. From the summit, the trail descends steeply into the col. At one point, one has the option to “chimney” down a short rock face, or take an easier route around. There are lookouts to the north as you ascend East Peak. The hiking at this point is steep and rocky. Allow an hour for this, one way. East Peak is a wooded summit marked by a small cairn. Considerable time should be allowed in descending East Peak as it’s a steep trail of loose rock and ledge along a narrow ridge. As it descends toward Greeley Ponds, it enters the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area, where camping and fires are prohibited. The trail ends at a junction with the Greeley Ponds Trail. Here, turning right (south) leads to the upper pond, and turning left (north) leads to the Kancamagus Highway.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

Old Skidder Trail

Old Skidder Trail

[WVAIA] - MODERATE

Old Skidder Trail

This is an infrequently hiked trail that passes through a breezy conifer forest at the northern edge of the valley. Used primarily as a link in a loop with Irenes Path and Livermore Trail, this hike climbs a short distance out of the ravine between Flume Peak and the Scaur Ridge to a height of land, offering fine woodland views. The trail begins somewhat steeply at first, passing a slab of exposed rock on the right. In the spring, fall and winter there are fine views of Painted Cliff on East Peak looking back as you ascend. It soon gains level ground on an old skidder path. About 2/3 of the way along the trail, it turns abruptly to the right (east), and leaves the old roadbed as it rises up and connects with Livermore Trail.

SCAUR RIDGE TRAIL

SCAUR RIDGE TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

SCAUR RIDGE TRAIL

This trail, high in the mountains, is used primarily as a way to avoid ascending the very steep North Tripyramid Slide by climbing the opposite side of Avalanche Ravine and connecting with the Pine Bend Brook Trail. It begins 5 minutes beyond the Mount Tripyramid trailhead to the North Slide. It almost immediately enters the Sandwich Range Wilderness, which means there is no new blazing, and group sizes should be limited to 10 people. It climbs on a well-defined old logging road for most of its length with good footing and a mostly gradual gradient until it turns abruptly left (east); at this point, it leaves the roadbed and continues more steeply up the mountainside until it joins the Pine Bend Brook Trail.

SCAUR TRAIL (retired)

SCAUR TRAIL (retired)

[WVAIA]– MODERATE

SCAUR TRAIL (retired)

This trail has been retired. The upper portion of it, from the junction with the former Kettles Path (now Irene’s Path) to the Scaur overlook, has been renamed as part of Irene’s Path. The portion below this junction running down to the Mad River has been closed.

SNOWS MOUNTAIN TRAIL

SNOWS MOUNTAIN TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

SNOWS MOUNTAIN TRAIL

This hike meanders in a loop along the ridge of Snows Mountain, on a rocky footbed. Despite its modest distance, it’s deceptively strenuous due to variable footing and the many ups and downs of the ridge. There are two lookouts with fine views to the east and south down the Mad River valley. The trail begins at the Snows Mountain Parking lot. About a third of the way up the former alpine ski slope, turn right into the woods. Follow the trail through coniferous woods and eventually into a mature hardwood forest. Pass the Greeley Ledges Trail on the left and continue as the trail wanders up the northern side of the mountain. Once the breezy ridge is attained, it levels off somewhat, and soon a short spur path for the upper outlook diverges left. Continuing down the trail, the lower lookout is about five minutes away. From this point, the trail descends somewhat steeply at first, but quickly joins a logging road grade that takes one down the other side of the ridge. As the hike nears its conclusion, the trail intersects an old logging road. Continue straight through the intersection. The lower section of the trail is in a hardwood forest that can be difficult to follow, particularly in the leafless seasons. After a small brook crossing, the trail finishes in a private driveway. From there, one can turn right and walk up the road, which soon terminates at the edge of the former alpine ski slope on which the hike began; or, walk down the road past the tennis courts, and back to the Snows Mountain parking lot.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

TIMBER CAMP TRAIL

TIMBER CAMP TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

TIMBER CAMP TRAIL

This trail follows an old logging road that is well-built and relatively wide for most of its length, ascending an eastern shoulder of Mount Osceola, with good views of Painted Cliff. The final destination is the site of an old logging camp with views of the valley’s eastern peaks. It begins left off the Greeley Ponds Trail, ascending a long gradual traverse, and then switches back abruptly to the left. Look for the yellow blazes. Not long after that, it switches back again, passes a great hillside of sand and gravel (good views), and continues at a somewhat steeper pitch. As you near the end, the trail dips down to a rocky little brook crossing, and then not long after that, crosses the discharge of a spring. It then enters a gravelly clearing with a cairn marking the end of the trail.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

WELCH-DICKEY LOOP TRAIL

WELCH-DICKEY LOOP TRAIL

[WVAIA] – MODERATE

WELCH-DICKEY LOOP TRAIL

This hike is the area’s most popular hike, offering fantastic views from many locations along its mostly rock-faced trail. It passes over both summits: Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain. Most hikers begin on the right side of the loop, the Welch Mountain Trail, which immediately crosses a brook and traverses the foothills of Welch Mountain on gradual but stony terrain, coming out onto Welch Ledge after 45 minutes, where there are great views of the Mad River valley. From there, the trail rises more steeply among the rocks, with several difficult passages up the ledges, eventually crossing over the Welch summit, and continuing down into the col between the two peaks. There is a giant cairn there, which perhaps marks the end of each trail. From there, now on Dickey Mountain Trail, after a short wooded section of conifers, it ascends steeply up to the Dickey summit, and then traces the many rock ledges back into the woods. It gradually descends in a mature hardwood forest to the Dickey Notch Trail. Turn left to return to the parking lot.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

MOUNT TECUMSEH TRAIL

MOUNT TECUMSEH TRAIL

[WMNF]- DIFFICULT

MOUNT TECUMSEH TRAIL

This is a rocky trail offering great views. The trail begins at the north end of the Waterville Valley Ski Area parking lot, and gradually ascends the southern side of Tecumseh Brook for about 15 minutes, then crosses the brook and climbs up the northern foothills with the ski area slopes on the left. Eventually, it descends a small ravine and crosses Tecumseh Brook again. Shortly after that, there’s a short spur path on the left that leads to the ski slope for a view. The next mile is straight up and rough and rocky. The Sosman Trail diverges left not far from the summit. This short trail traverses the ridge past a great lookout that gives excellent views to the east, and another, on the other side of the ridgeline, with great views west and north. It continues to the cell tower at the summit of the Waterville Valley Ski Area. The Mount Tecumseh Trail, as it continues past the Sosman Trail and approaches the summit cone, divides in two, with a southern route to the summit diverging left. Continuing straight, the trail curls around the northern side to the summit. Once on top, the trail continues, descending fairly steeply toward Tripoli Road, through thick walls of conifers, into a col. It then climbs again to the crest of the northern ridge, turns west along the ridge, and not long after that there’s a spur path on the left with very nice views to the west. Below this point, the trail joins a logging grade and descends moderately down to Tripoli Road.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

MOUNT TRIPYRAMID TRAIL

MOUNT TRIPYRAMID TRAIL

[WVAIA] - DIFFICULT

MOUNT TRIPYRAMID TRAIL

The Tripyramid loop is one of the most difficult hikes in the White Mountains. The entire route is in the Sandwich Wilderness, which means there is no new blazing and a limit of 10 hikers per group. It is recommended to ascend the North Slide and descend the South Slide, because the North Slide is extremely steep and exposed in sections, and more difficult to descend, especially in wet conditions. There are three summits: North Peak, Middle Peak, and South Peak. There are magnificent views from a cairn near the top of the North Slide, and great views to the west and north from Middle Peak. The South Peak is wooded, but at the top of the South Slide there are excellent views. As one hikes up from the valley on Livermore Trail, there are two trailheads for Mount Tripyramid. The first leads to the South Slide. To do the loop, continue hiking to the second trailhead, which is a half an hour later, at a hairpin turn. It immediately descends to Avalanche Brook, crosses it (difficult in high water), and continues on a long traverse parallel to the brook, to the bottom of the North Slide. Once on the Slide, the trail is straight up and very steep on slabs and ledge rock. The easiest route is to begin on the left-hand side, and angle toward the center and eventually end at the upper right-hand corner of the slide, where the trail re-enters the woods. The views are best before the slide narrows at the end. Once in the woods, there’s a short steep section through thick conifers to the summit. The trail across the summits is a beautiful undulating route, passing the Sabbaday Brook Trail junction on the left about half way across. Coming down from the South Peak is a short steep section through thick conifers. When descending the South Slide, which is steep, but not so precipitous as the North Slide, the Kate Sleeper Trail diverges rather obscurely to the left, not far from the top of the slide. The Mount Tripyramid trail re-enters the woods at the bottom right of the slide. From there, it descends the steep mountainside on a long traverse, eventually joining an old logging road grade running parallel to the Slide Brook, before crossing Avalanche Brook (difficult in high water), just before the trail ends at the Livermore Trail.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

SANDWICH MOUNTAIN TRAIL

SANDWICH MOUNTAIN TRAIL

[WVAIA] – DIFFICULT

SANDWICH MOUNTAIN TRAIL

This is a long hike with several steep sections, and because of its overall length. The views along the way are exceptionally good to the north. The trail begins at the Drakes Brook lot off Route 49. Walk south adjacent to the town electrical station and enter the woods on the left. It immediately crosses Drakes Brook, which is usually difficult and especially so in high water. The trail ascends straight up the flank of Noon Peak and is often steep and rocky. Once past Noon Peak, which has excellent views to the north, it levels off somewhat, passes along an exposed rock ledge with great views, and soon passes Drakes Brook Trail coming in from the left. Five minutes later, Jennings Peak spur path diverges right. It’s then another hour up to the summit. Although not as steep as the beginning of the hike, the trail is rocky and climbs steadily. It is walled-in by thick evergreens. A half-mile below the summit, the Smarts Brook Trail enters from the right, followed by the Algonquin Trail entering from the right just below the summit.


For related trail information, please visit AllTrails.

Elephant Rock Trail
Fletchers Cascade Trail
Greeley Pond Trail
Norway Rapids Trail
Old Waterville Road
Pine Flats Trail
Smarts Brook Trail
Tri-Town Trail
Yellow Jacket Trail
Cascades Path
Drakes Brook Trail
Flume Brook Trail (retired)
Goodrich Rock Trail
Greeley Ledge Trail
Irenes Path
Kettles Path (retired)
Livermore Road and Trail
Mad River Path
Mount Osceola Trails
Old Skidder Trail
Scaur Ridge Trail
Scaur Trail (retired)
Snows Mountain Trail
Timber Camp Trail
Welch Dickey Trail
Mount Tecumseh Trail
Mount Tripyramid Trail
Sandwich Mountain Trail
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