Mts. Jackson/Webster & Webster Cliff — Trip Report

The trip report

Although the day did not turn out sunny as forecast, the hike was challenging & scenic. The summits of Webster & Jackson were covered with a light coating of fresh snow. The sleet & almost hurricane force winds on the summits & exposed areas kept things interesting.

The group of 13 began the hike around 10am and did a quick ascent led by JT. Perhaps because of the unlucky number of hikers (13), the mountain claimed its first victim about half way up the mountain- Mike slipped on a wet sloping rock face & pulled a muscle. Mike decided that his injury would not allow him to continue & so he, Jon, Mark & Tom headed back down the mountain. We needed an "alpha male" to help the group complete the hike, so JT stepped up to the plate & did a great job!

As we ascended the mountain, the wind picked up significantly &.the newly fallen snow was beautiful but wet, slushy, & slippery. (We only went about 1 mile/hour.) The traverse along Webster Cliffs, Mt Webster & Jackson was quite challenging! It was very windy in exposed areas but not too cold (Mark was able to do the entire hike in shorts(!)). We had a brief lunch after summiting Mt Webster.

Hiking down from Mt. Jackson (when we finally found the trail) was initially steep, exposed & icy but we were quickly able to get into the trees and out of the wind. The remainder of the hike was uneventful but very wet because the precipitation turned to light rain as we descended. Some grey jays greeted us as we hiked out.

Most of the group headed over to Mike's for beers, a warm fire, and dinner. Jon served herb & lemon marinated sautéed chicken (which was awesome!), cooked sausage, tossed salad & apple crisp.

Thanks Mike & Jon for organizing a terrific hike! Mike- Hope you get better soon!

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About this event

This is the longest and hardest but most scenic approach to Mt. Jackson [4052'], including a traverse of the spectacular Webster Cliffs and the summit of Mt. Webster, with numerous views over Crawford Notch a bit after peak foliage.

This section, combined with Mt. Jacson's outstanding views, makes for a classic hike on a clear day. The AMC Guide states: "The views along the cliffs of Mt. Webster are such that anyone with a normal appreciation of the grandeur of mountain scenery will add at least two hours for their enjoyment. We will spot cars and hike up via Webster Cliff Trail and after reaching Mt. Jackson descend via the Webster-Jackson trail. Mount Jackson ranks 39th on the list of 48 NH 4000' peaks.

Click Here For More Information: http://www.hikenewengland.com/JacksonWebsterCliff080913.html

Distance: This hike is a total of 7.3 miles using the Webster Cliff Trail and descending down the Webster-Jackson Trail. At 1.8 miles we reach a large flat outcrock with expansive views of Crawford Notch. At 2.6 miles we reach a small ledge with the widest south and east views along Webster Cliffs, including a full panorama of Montalban Ridge. We reach the summit of Mt. Webster at 3. 3 miles and then Mt. Jackson at 4.7 miles. The ledges at summit of Mt. Webster has good views and the open ledgy summit of Mt. Jackson as wide views.

Time: 7 hours

Elevation Gain: 3,050 feet

This is a dog-friendly hike.

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.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

After The Hike: We'll either have a BBQ or order out for pizza back at my house in Waterville Valley so bring a change of clothes. I have lots of towels and everyone can take showers to clean up.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for both Friday and Saturday nights 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.

Who came along (7)

SUSTAINING

Gandalf

Thornton, NH

M SUSTAINING

markus24

Gilmanton Iron Works, NH

A member

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SUSTAINING

HikerBiker

Manchester, NH

GUEST MEMBER

chris19111

Lexington, MA

SUSTAINING

Bobcat

Upton, MA

A member

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The trip report

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About this event

Who came along (7)

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