Mt. Osceola Hike

I was concerned with available parking space at the trailhead due to our late start. We left my house in Waterville Valley and drove to the trailhead lot for the Mt. Osceola Trail at Thornton Gap [Tripoli Road]. There were a lot of vehicles there so we had to park on the side of the road. 

Except for a small area near the summit of Osceola there really wasn’t any mud to deal with. In other words, the trail was clear and generally dry for the full route.

The trail in this approach seems quite a bit rougher than coming in from the Kancamagus via Greeley Ponds Trail. Except for a few small sections of smooth trail and clear slabs the trail is loaded with rocks all of the way to the summit. To a large degree it’s one big rock-hop to the summit. Boots with plenty of support and protection from sharp edges are very helpful. We were hiking in clear conditions with some humudity that is highly unusual for this time of year. In other words, we were perspiring. Since Mt. Osceola was it for the day we had no real time pressure and took a few extra stops along the way to stay comfortable.

With no time restraints we lounged on the summit. We took off our packs, sat down, had lunch, and enjoyed the fall foliage views for almost an hour. Every once in a while it’s really nice to smell the roses. There were quite a few others lounging as well.

All rested, re-fueled and re-charged it was time to get back into the rocks on the trail to the truck. The walk down from the summit to the trailhead was unusual. What was nice on this hike due to our late start is that we were always behind the 'core' group of hikers ascending/descending. So on the ascent we did not see many hikers and the same goes for the descent. We saw the most hikers on the summit itself. 

At the trailhead we found many of the cars had already left. Most of our group went back for a barbecue on the deck of my house. 

Thanks everyone, for another terrific day in the mountains.

Mount Osceola is one of New Hampshire's 4000-footers. The bare summit slab provides 180-degree views north towards the mountain ranges lining the Kancamagus and outstanding peak foliage. This hike is an out-and-back excursion on the Mount Osceola Trail. There are no sections of extreme exposure on this hike.

This is a very popular hike and the trailhead parking area does fill pretty early so you'll most likely have to park alongside the road. Please note that the hike will start PROMPTLY AT 10:30AM.  A USFS Parking Day Pass IS required at this parking area. A day pass will be available at the trailhead for $3.00 at the self-serve kiosk.

Although there are some ledges on this trail, the hike is suitable for bad weather. Rain will NOT cancel hiking plans.

Details

What: Mount Osceola
Distance: 6.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2343'
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Pace: Moderate. Approximately 1.5 -2.0 miles per hour
Exposure: No serious exposure on this hike
Estimated Time: 5 1/2 hours

Is This Hike For Me?

This hike will at a moderate pace. The goal will be to support hikers new to the White Mountains in achieving a 4,000 foot summit. We make every attempt to keep the group together throughout the hike.

To participate you should:

• Be comfortable hiking UPHILL at about 1.5 to 2.0 miles per hour at a 15% incline for about 4 miles
• Be comfortable walking at least 8 miles on uneven terrain including roots, rocks, and granite ledges
• Have sturdy hiking boots. No Sneakers!
• Have rain and wind protection. No Ponchos!
• Be able to carry at least 2 liters of water [Remember, 1 liter weighs 2 pounds!]
• Be in good physical condition

Equipment List

• Synthetic shirt and pants. No cotton. No jeans.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots. No Sneakers.
• Rain/Wind Jacket. No Ponchos.
• Warm fleece layer.
• Wool hat and gloves.
• Something warm for the summit. Expect it to be very windy, and expect much cooler temperatures this time of year.
• 2 liters of Water
• Headlamp
• Trail Snacks
• Lunch

Optional Gear:

• Hiking Poles
• Gaiters
• Camera/Binoculars

No Jeans, Sneakers, or Cotton clothing on the hike!

After The Hike: We'll have dinner back on my house in Waterville Valley. It's BYOB and about $5 per person for food costs. Bring a change of clothes. I have lots of towels and everyone can take showers to clean up.  

Lodging Option: Note that Osceola is very practical as a day-hike from Boston. This section on lodging is included for those that wish to stay over one night around the hike and possibly join us on Sunday's Greeley Ponds Hike [must sign up separately]. I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20. 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.