GetWinter Hike #3: Mt. Potash Hike

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

 

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 sidehilling and steep ledgy climbing on the upper section of the trail that could be difficult in severely hardpacked or icy conditions. Potash is an excellent intermediate snowshoe hike! 

Potash is a small, ledgy peak with steep, spruce-wooded sides and a flat top, poking up on the north side of the Sandwich Range. It is an excellent half-day hike, since its mostly open summit offers wide views in several directions. The views of the northern ridges and valleys of the Sandwich Range are especially notable. This is a popular trail and usually broken out but just in case, we require everyone to have snowshoes. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93.

Total mileage for this loop is 4.4 miles with 1,450 elevation gain. We will take 5 hours to complete that allows us to have a leisurely lunch and breaks. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, lunch and snacks, etc. After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley and you can give me money for pizza (you can buy beer/wine yourself after the trip at the local convenience store). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower at my house.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you would like carpool with Jon and I off I-93 on Exit 28.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning but you are on your own for breakfast. Contact me to RSVP since space is limited.

See you there!