GetWinter Hike#5: Mt. Moosilauke

Ten GO members went up Mt. Moosilauke using the Glencliff trail. The forecast called for sunny skies, moderate winds and temps in the twenties. The sunny skies and temps were right on the money. The wind on the summit was pretty strong, but this Mountain is known for that.

I love the beginning of the trail where it goes into the fields with old apple trees. The trail had a few inches of snow and was broken out. Some of us were barebooting while others wore snowshoes.

As we climbed higher the snow got deeper. Nearing the top of the trail, the snowpack was staggering ~ the blazes on trees were only as high as our knees. We started to enjoy views when we reached the tallus slope. The remainder of the trail to the junction with the Carriage Road is very tight with snowladden, bent over, trees. We took a lunch break a bit further away from the junction and layered up. We saw college kids from Dartmouth traversing the trail with skis; some had snowboards attached to their backs for the descent.

As we worked our way up the Carriage Road the dome of Moosilauke appeared and was under cloudless skies. When breaking out of the trees the wind became pretty strong from the west. We had to cover our face and eyes. Reaching the summit the winds were strong, but bearable. The views were special. The views east towards Franconia Ridge and Washington beyond were great. Views stretched beyond Jay Peak to the northwest and the Uncanoonucs in the South. I'm quite sure we could see the Adirondacks behind the Green Mountains in striking clarity ~ amazing!

We retreated off the summit and back at the junction where some of us decided to do the short climb up the south peak of Moosilauke. Not only was this side trip memorable for the views but also how we had to bend forward for a short distance because the snowpack was so deep. The top of the trees were down to our knees! The rest of the group got a head start and descended the trail.  

We enjoyed the spring-like temperatures during the descent into the woods. The trip down took no time at all. What a great day!

Special congratulations goes to Mark who attended all the GetWinter hikes and climbed his first 4,000 footer in winter!

~ Mike

Join our GetWinter Hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is it! The 4,000 footer you've been waiting for.

Be prepared to hike with this group as our group motto is: We go in a group and we come out as a group. We will hike at a pace of our slowest hiker.

We will be hiking Mt. Moosilauke [4,802 feet] via the Glencliff Trail and Moosilauke Carriage Road to the summit of Mt. Moosilauke. The total distance covered is 7.8 miles, it should take approximately 7 hours and the elevation gain is 3,300 feet. Moosilauke has long been renowned for the breadth and variety of its views, taking in large portions of the White Mountains, central New Hampshire, the Connecticut River Valley and Vermont.

From the parking area we follow an old farm road past a gate. There is only one steep section and the footing is generally good. We reach the ridge and the Moosilauke Carriage Rd. in a sag just north of Moosilauke's South Peak. It is part of the AT. The upper part is above treeline and greatly exposed to the elements, so it can be dangerous in bad weather.

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. We will assess travel and weather conditions during our hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

Being prepared, traveling with the appropriate gear and knowing how to use it is your personal responsibility. Test and adjust your gear prior to this trip.

Snowshoes and crampons/micro spikes are a must!! We highly recommend having goggles, something to cover your neck [scarf, neck gaiter, balaclava] and face [face mask] to protect yourself from frostbite in the event we encounter strong, sub-zero wind chills.

NO COTTON CLOTHING ~ Cotton [the death cloth'] has no place in the mountains.

After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley for pizza/beer (sharing costs). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 26.

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 and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.