Mt. Pemigewasset [Indian Head] Snowshoe

With four to six inches of fresh snow reported a day before, snow falling when we arrived, and low temps (11 degrees at the start), we expected a cold but interesting day.

Mount Pemigewasset, at the south end of Franconia Notch, is the buttress for the Indian Head, whose impressive profile looks down upon the motels and restaurants along old US 3 and to I-93 curving to the south. Eleven GO members went to visit the summit on a wintery 21^st day of January. The summit’s cliff-top also has views of peaks far and near. The mountain extends north from the cliffs forming the Indian Head and the trail to the top in the direction starts in the parking lot for the Flume Visitor Center. On this day, we found ice climbers preparing for their climb up frozen waterfalls inside the Flume and snowmobilers taking a break from riding.

We chose the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail for our ascent, rather than the Indian Head Trail. Parking is never a problem with the Flume Visitor Center.

The trail conditions from start to finish were perfect for snowshoes but one member was fine using MicroSpikes. There was lots of fresh snow with a 2-4 inch base and well packed from previous hikers. We saw a few animal prints here and there. Kevin led the way and while we hardly ever saw him, he said he was within listening distance from the group.

When we arrived at the point where the Indian Head Trail comes in, there was not any recent evidence of hikers having used this trail.

After the Indian Head Trail Junction, it was a hop, skip, and a jump to the top of the mountain. From the top, there are nice westward views towards Mount Wolf. To our left the ski trails on Loon Mountain east of Lincoln.

Walking upward to the left we stepped onto the lookout ledge for the Franconia Range. Dave got even by giving Rick a whitewash for a previous incident earlier on the trail and I could not help but get into the action! I think Rick likes having white stuff on his face J

From the south, the peaks are as follows: pointed Mount Flume and its massive slide, then somewhat nearer Mount Liberty, with its stepped rock summit; next is Little Haystack Mountain. The next is Mount Lincoln. Then comes the highest of them all, Mount Lafayette, and just to the left, the dome of North Lafayette.

After a break it was 3:30 PM and time to head down. As we descended we saw an awesome alpen glow of the Franconia Range. To sum it up, the trek to Mt. Pemigewasset is short (about 3-½ miles round-trip). But sometimes, big things come in small packages. I think this small hike provides a very "big bang for the buck"!

Thanks everyone. We had another good day in the mountains.

A moderate snowshoe climb up the Indian Head cliff nets us a panorama southward over the Pemigewasset River valley, with Mt. Wolf and Mt. Moosilauke looming to the southwest.

Around the corner from the cliff is an intimate view of rocky Franconia Range. 

Terrain: The beginning is an easy, graded terrain. After the third log bridge crossing, the climb really begins, but along a curving, moderate route among the great trunks of ancient beeches and maples. It is very likely that the trail will be broken but even so, everyone is required to have snowshoes just in case. 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.

Trail: This is an up and back hike. We'll hike 1.75 miles to the summit using the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail. To get there we'll have to walk the bike path for 150 yards from the Flume Visitor's Center. 

Time/Distance: Hike time is approximately 3 hours. Round trip distance is 3 1/2 miles with 1,170 ft. elevation gain. We will take our time to enjoy the views, take pictures and have fun!

Gear List: Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, snacks, etc. 

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at my house near Waterville Valley, NH for Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels in the morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email me ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Carpooling: Contact other guys living near you for carpooling. If you are driving up I-93, meet Jon and I off the Exit 28 ramp at the Post Office parking lot for 12:30 P.M.