Mt. Chocurua

On Saturday, November 19th, six of us met up at the Champney Brook trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway.  We were Kevin (along with Sonny), Gary, Richard, Markus, Rick and myself.  After waiting for an appropriate time, we set out.  It was about 9:40AM.  The morning clouds were yielding to sun with a slight chill in the air.  The trail was fairly moderate in grade until we reached Champney Falls.  Here we took our first significant break to explore the main cascade as well as the taller portion, which drops into a narrow ravine.  From here we continued up along the upper portion of the cascades until this side trail re-joined the main trail up to the summit of Chocurua (3475').  After about another 0.5 mile or so we reached the trail switchbacks.  At this point the group had split with those wishing to hike faster just alittle ahead.  Portions of the switchbacks were icy, which made it slower going, but manageable without additional traction.  At about noon we were all together at the major trail junction in the col with the Sisters before our final ascent up to the summit.  Shortly hereafter we emerged from the woods and started climbing over the exposed granite, which makes up the impressive top of this mountain with its 360-degree views.  We summited at about 12:40PM.  It took Sonny a bit of time to make it, but he finally did.  Markus found a beautiful ledge in the sun off of the summit and out of the wind, where we settled in for a relaxing lunch (Rick had his lunch before reaching the top and joined us a little while later).  We hung out here for about an hour before deciding it was time to start back.  Given the time of day we also decided that we did not have time to try and do the Sisters, and we just descended back the way we had come, bypassing the falls on the way down (Sonny needed some coaxing off of the summit, but did fine overall!).  We made it back to the cars by about 4:20PM.

Afterwards, Kevin (and Sonny), Gary and Richard had to take off for other plans.  Rick, Markus and myself headed back to the Common Man in Lincoln for a drink and light meal before calling it a day.

It was an absolutely beautiful fall day...perfect for hiking.  The views in all directions were incredible...including the view to the snowcapped Mt. Washington.  Thanks to Kevin, Gary, Richard, Markus, Rick and Sonny for coming out and sharing the day with me!  This was a great group of guys!

Join me for this classic hike up Mt. Chocurua (3475' elevation).  We'll meet at the trailhead parking area on the Kancamagus Highway (Rte 112) at 9:30AM and we'll take the Champney Falls Trail to the summit, which offers spectacular 360-degree vistas.  This is a 7.8 mile hike with mostly moderate grades.  If there is consensus among the group we'll take in the Three Sisters on the way back down (this adds approximately 1.4 miles).  We'll have lunch on the summit and we should be done by 4/5PM.  We'll grab dinner locally afterwards (Lincoln), if there is sufficient interest.  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and at least a windbreaker (and possibly fleece), as the summit may be chilly and windy this time of year.   You may also want to pack traction (e.g. microspikes), if the weather suggests it.  What to bring along:  Bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else you may require for a day hike.