GetWinter Hike #2: Mt. Willard

Crawford Notch has snow!  Trail was already packed out into a white mountain side walk.  Some of us wore snowshoes while others wore MicroSpikes. 

The one stream crossing was ice bridged and after that it was an easy climb up an old carriage road.

The trail climbed fairly easily and we soon found ourselves at the short spur to Centennial Pool on the right.  I descended in order to reach the bottom. This gave me a good view of of icicles forming at its base. Overall it was snow covered. In early May I would think it would be pretty.

This was our second GetWinter hike for the season. It is perfect for winter day-hiking, and the views really are tremendous.

Mt. Willard [2,865 ft.] is located at the northern end of Crawford Notch, just below the AMC Highland Center and it has a commanding view of the surrounding peaks from its southern ledges. Mt. Webster [3,910 ft.] is located to the northeast, and you can just make out Mt. Jackson [4,052 ft.] and Mt. Pierce [4,310 ft.] to the north of it, along with the Southern Presidential Ridge. The enourmous massif of Mt. Willey [4,282 ft.] is to the southwest along with Mt. Field [4,340 ft.], just a bit northwest of it.

As usual, our timing was impeccable and we popped out of the forest onto Willard's southern ledges just as the sky cleared and the sun came out. There was virtually no wind. We hiked back and forth on the 100 yard wide ledge taking in the views and playing with our cameras. This is an incredible place to hang out in winter. As usual, this trail is crowded. The round trip distance of this hike is 3.2 miles with 920 feet of elevation gain.

On the return we took the 0.2 mile spur to Hitchcock Flume. There is no sign and it's basically a bushwhack to get to it. We only found it because we saw tracks leading away from the trail at a point where we thought the trail would begin. In spite of having to push through overgrowth and scoot under/over blowdowns, I think it was worth it.

The gorge is 10 feet wide, 375 feet long, and 60 feet deep. This time of year, ice flows run over one of the walls. There was snow inside and we were able to walk about 20 feet inside the gorge. We felt the walls closing in on both sides. If we had rope and knew basic rock climbing techniques, it would have been fun to continue.

Join our GetWinter hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is a series of progressively harder winter hikes leading up to a 4,000 footer.

This trip's focus is to get you familiar with using snowshoes climbing up a mountain. It's an exciting beginner snowshoe hike with unsurpassed views through Crawford Notch from the ledges of Mount Willard. The eagle’s eye panorama takes up the whole sky. We'll include a short hike to Hitchcock Flume on the return.  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.

We are taking the Mt. Willard Trail that begins from AMC Highland Center and returning the same way we hiked in. Approximately 3.9 miles, 1100 feet elevation gain and 4 hours. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, snacks, etc. We will not be having a lunch stop so eat before we start. 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. 

Lodging Option: Lodging available Saturday night after the trip at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. Cost includes a continental breakfast with coffee. Accommodations are dormitory style bunk beds. Hot showers, bed linen, towels, soap, shampoo, full use of the kitchen and fireplace is included. No need to bring a sleeping bag. RSVP IS REQUIRED AND SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand