![]() ![]() ![]() The journey took us briefly on two storied pathways – the Appalachian Trail and 200 year-old Crawford Path. We appreciated the cold dollar sodas at the air conditioned Willy House gift shop, a place we never visited in Crawford Notch State Park, and its views of Webster Cliffs. We saw glimpses of the notch – like from Kedron Flume and at a hidden scenic vista across from Flume Cascade – we hadn’t seen before. Route 302 in the stunning mountain pass that gave us new looks at a place we thought we knew. Inspired by a state park blog post about hiking eight Crawford Notch waterfalls in a day, my wife Jan and I upped it to 10 and hiked approximately nine miles in under eight hours as we explored the cascades off U.S. That’s what happens when you spend a day chasing cascades in the White Mountains. In the heat, there was welcome coolness, often shade and always refreshing waters, nature’s own version of streaming. The thin stream would widen and the rushing water would flow and bellow with a symphonic intensity as it continued its meandering adventure. Hike Stats: 11.In the stillness of the woods, it often began with a quiet trickle. This is a long, brutal route, but it is good for people looking for a challenge or those not comfortable hitching a ride / don’t have a second car spot. This is the same as the above route, except after Mount Tom you would retrace your steps all the way back over Mount Willey and back down to your car. Hike Stats: 8.5 miles - 3,425 feet of elevation gain - Around 6 hoursĪnother option to get Mount Willey, Field, and Tom is the Willey Range Traverse as an in and out. This route will require two cars or hitching a ride at the start/end of your hike. To descend, take the A-Z Trail down to the Avalon Trail to the trailhead at the Depot near the Highland Center. After Mount Field, you will take Willey Range Trail to the A-Z Trail, where you can then take Mount Tom Spur to the summit of Mount Tom. From Mount Willey, you continue up and over Mount Field. Then take the Willey Range Trail to Mount Willey (this involves taking the ladder route - more info here). This hike starts at Willey Station Road, where you will take Ethan Pond Trail to the Willey Range Trail. One option to get Mount Willey, Field, and Tom is the Willey Range Traverse. The descent is rugged and rough, so some extra caution may be needed on the steeper sections. Otherwise, after enjoying the summit and hopefully feeding some grey jays (this is a popular peak for that), you will return back the same way you came. If you are going to include Mount Field and Mount Tom in your hike, you would continue on the Willey Range Trail from here (more on that in the alternative routes section below). ![]() From the last junction to the summit of Mount Willey, you will have gone 1.1 miles and gained 1,650 feet of elevation. Right below the summit and before the cairn, there is a side path that leads to a nice outlook point looking east. Eventually, you will reach the summit cairn for Mount Willey. After the ladders, the trail continues to climb at a steep grade over rough and rocky terrain. There are several ladders located along the steepest part of the trail to help you ascend safely, which helps this trail land a spot as an elective on The Terrifying 25 list – more specific details and photos about this portion of the trail can be found here. After this, a long, steep, and rough grind up to the summit begins. The trail climbs moderately for now, and you will soon cross another brook. Once on the Willey Range Trail, you will cross Kedron Brook almost immediately. To this point, you have gained about 1,200 feet in elevation. At this point, you will want to get on the Willey Range Trail (by going straight). In another 0.3 miles, you’ll come to the junction with the Willey Range Trail. After hiking for 1.3 miles, you’ll come to the junction with the Kedron Flume Trail. The trail starts out climbing very steadily, but it will then level out and climb more gradually. As soon as you start out on the trail, you will cross over railroad tracks and ascend on an old logging road. It is a short road that leads to a dirt parking lot. The trailhead for this hike is at the end of Willey Station Road off of Route 302. Trail Summary: The route below is an in-and-out route to the summit of Mount Willey. Descend by turning around and going back the same way you came. Trails Used: Ascend via Ethan Pond Trail to Willey Range Trail to the summit of Mount Willey. Using the below route, you will have the opportunity to make an optional side trip to Ripley Falls and to climb several steep ladders. Description: Mount Willey is the second highest and southernmost mountain of the Willey Range, offering nice views of Crawford Notch and the surrounding peaks. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |