GetFit Hike #5: Mt. Pierce Hike

This was our last GetFit Hike so why not move it further north in the Presidential Range! So we did the first mountain in the chain, Mt. Pierce this past Saturday.

We started at the Mt Clinton parking area at 10:30 and took the Crawford Connector to Crawford Path. Temps were in the 70's and comfortable! The bugs were not an issue.

Proceeded to climb up the Crawford Path. We would take this to Webster Cliff Trail then from there head south to the summit. It was a little hard starting out but once we found our rhythm it was easy going. Along the way we took a small detour to Gibbs Falls. We were doing better than I thought since we hit the Mizpah Cutoff at noon when according to the book we should have been there for 12:10.  Not too shabby.  Jon took out his salty nuts and fed some Canadian Gray Jays. The views we should have had were not to be found that day, just a big white void. We got some nice views of Diapensia alpine flowers though. Its starting to look the alpine flowers are gone for good.

We made it to the summit of Pierce at 1pm but didn't linger too long since there wasn't much to see and it was drizzling. Congratulations to both Bill and Chris who did all the GetFit Hikes and climbed their first 4,000 footer! After maybe 5 minutes we started down Webster Cliff Trail heading for Mizpah Hut. Made it there in 30 minutes. There were a good amount of people there but we were still able to find a table. We had lunch and rested for maybe 30 minutes and then headed down the Mizpah Cutoff Trail to get back to Crawford Path. This part wasn't steep and was a nice gentle down the whole way. Considering we were hiking up a 4,000 footer we didn't feel all that tired. 

Got back to Crawford Path and continued heading down to the Crawford Connector and back to our car. Total time was 5 1/2 hours and mileage of 6.6. Definitely not a bad day.

This is it! The 4,000 you've been training for!

Both the summit and portions of the hike between the hut and peak offers fantastic views!

This loop hike brings you to Mount Pierce [4312'] in the Presidential Range with a side trip to AMC's Mizpah Spring Hut.

Distance: Gibbs Falls Spur 0.4 miles; Mizpah Cutoff 1.7 miles; Mt. Pierce summit 3.0 miles' Mizpah Spring Hut 3.8 miles; back to car 6.2 miles

Time: 6:45

Elevation Gain: 2500 feet

This is a dog-friendly hike.

Hike description, trail map and other info available at HikeNewEngland.com

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 28.

Cell Phone #: Will be provided to participants in an email.

After The Hike: We can hang out on my deck at my house in Waterville Valley for food/beer [sharing costs]. Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Friday and/or 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.