Mt. Eisenhower Hike

As is often the case in the Presidentials, today's weather was very different than what we encountered on the ridgeline. The sun was shining and it was very warm; around 80 degrees. The Edmands Path to Mt. Eisenhower is a quick shot up to get above treeline.

We left the trailhead off Mt. Clinton Road by 11:15. The bottom section of the trail is a nice walk through the woods, crossing streams and climbing slowly but surely. After about 1.5 miles, we started climbing more steeply. In this section of trail we saw some of the excellent rockwork that has kept this trail a favorite for over 100 years.

As we approached treeline, we began to hear thunder. There were openings through the trees providing views to the north and building cumulus clouds around us. We reached the famous signs that warn hikers as they leave the shelter of the trees with another crack of thunder overhead.

Then we were at the intersection with the Crawford Path, on the ridge, with very dark clouds heading our way. We decided to not climb up the exposed summit and bear the brunt of the storm before we continued. Just off the trail, near Red Pond, there is some hedge to protect oneself from the elements. We put on our rain jackets and waited for the storm to hit us. The wind picked up, it began to rain heavily and at one point, we were being pelted by pea-size hail. The hail actually would hurt you. This downpour lasted for about 20 minutes. Due to the wind, the rain was coming in at us sideways so the hedge was really good protection. 

The sun came out and we were soaked. The best way to warm up is to continue climbing up the mountain. The Mt. Eisenhower summit was about 300 feet up and .3 miles away. 

We heard a couple of cracks of thunder as we started up and that was enough for three members of our group to turnaround. Looking at the dark clouds to the southwest of us, it appeared to us that those clouds were not heading towards us. The Mt. Eisenhower summit was in the sun and there were blue skies to the north of it.

We pushed on to the summit which was clear and had a few people. It was quite windy. We rested and and after a few minutes had the summit to ourselves. Occasionally, we heard the wail of the Cog Railroad. 

The cumulous clouds surrounding us provided a dramatic mountain landscape. We could see Tom, Field, and Willey to the south, as well as Jackson and Clinton. We could see the northern Presidentials including Washington, Monroe and Franklin. 

Soon we decided it was time to head back down to the Crawford Path. And as we did, we enjoyed seeing the clouds whip themselves over Mt. Franklin and the Presidentials. With all this weather, many of us had yet to have lunch.The col was too windy so we decided to have lunch further down the trail in the trees. Before you know it, we rejoined the other 3 members who turned around and were back to our cars by 5pm. 

Nine members of our group came back to our house where we socialized and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Jon: lemon marinated pork shish-kebabs, dill cucumber salad, rice and homemade corn bread. This was followed by a ricotta cake topped with powdered sugar, fresh strawberries and a side of whipped cream.

Just when everyone thought it could not get better, Jon and I put on a dazzling fireworks show. Mt. Eisenhower was great for recharging our batteries with all the high voltage energy in the atmosphere! 

Our first hike of the summer...join us for Mt. Eisenhower! [Note: Please only sign up if you are sure you can go...we have had problems lately with members dropping out at the last minute after taking up a spot that someone else would have used. Thanks!]

Mount Eisenhower is one of New Hampshire's 4000-footers and has only Mt. Monroe between it and Mt. Washington in the Presidential Range. It is the 12th highest of the NH 4000-footers at 4760 feet. It is a bald summit with 360 degree views of the southern Presidentials including Mt. Washington. This hike will follow the Edmand's Path for most of the hike with small stretches on the Mt. Eisenhower Loop trail and the Crawford Path [then return by Edmand's Path]. Most of the path is a very gradual climb but be aware that the final section [.2 miles] of the Edmand's Path and above are completely exposed the elements.

We will meet at the Edmand's Path trailhead on Mt. Clinton Road. Parking is $3.

Details:

What: Mount Eisenhower
Distance: 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2750'
Pace: Moderate/Slow. Approximately 1.5 to 2.0 miles per hour.
Exposure: Fully exposed for the final .6 miles approaching the summit
Estimated Time: 6 hours including breaks

Is This Hike for Me?

This hike will be at a slow/moderate pace. We will make every attempt to keep the group together throughout the hike. The trail is never very steep and has good footing but is fully exposed approaching the summit.

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 2-3 liters of water [3 strongly recommended]. [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.
• 2-3 liters of Water
• Headlamp
• Trail Snacks
• Lunch

Optional Gear:

• Hiking Poles
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen/Sunglasses
• Camera/Binoculars

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

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the deck 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 each 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!