Osceolas Hike

On Saturday, October 26th, Mark, Martin and myself met up at Lincoln Woods in order to carpool over to the Greely Ponds trailhead just down the Kancamagus.  It had already begun to flurry out when we all met at around 8:30AM.  We quickly got ready and headed down to the other trailhead.  We began our trek by about 8:50 with a chill in the air and the peaks in the clouds.

The Greely Ponds Trail was fairly easy going up to the junction with the Osceola trail, which we reached by 9:30.  Shortly after this point the trail began to steepen and we also began to encounter more snow on the trails.  About an hour later, Martin decided to put his microspikes on.  It wasn't too bad, but there were patches of frozen water on the open rock.  The trail seemed to climb steeply for some time and by just before 11:00 we reached the open area, which normally provided nice views over the ponds...the clouds were still too low to get much of a view though.  A little while later we reached the top of the steep section and where a short spur led over to a ledge to view the ridge and the two summits.  The clouds were beginning to lift, but the Osceola summit was still overcast.  We continued the relatively short distance to the summit and by 11:25 we were standing on East Osceola...Number 47 for Martin!  Luckily, there was a nice couple there having lunch, who happily took our picture.

We proceeded down the relatively steep western side on our way over the ridge.  Along the way views of Mount Osceola were opening up.  In the col this was again a fairly easy walk, but this was only for a short distance until we were standing at the base of the "chimney"...a steep rock formation with a path straight up it or slightly around the steeper part and Mark and I took the slightly less steep path while Martin choose to head straight up it.  By this time, Mark had also put on microspikes to aide in footing.  From the top of the chimney there were nice views back along the ridge to East Osceola and shortly after this, views opened up into Waterville Valley, particularly of the ski trails.

We finally reached the open ledge of Osceola by 12:15PM and walked over to the actual summit which was in the trees.  Martin had done it...his 48th peak!  We had a picture taken and after a number of congratulations from us, as well as from strangers, we headed back to the open ledge for a celebration with champagne.  The summit was surprisingly crowded...mostly with hikers who had come up from Tripoli Road.  The wind had picked up and it was bitingly cold by this time.  We finished up the champagne and after chatting with other hikers, we decided to head back down into the col for lunch.  Just past the chimney we found a pleasant spot to eat.  It was about 1PM.

After lunch we proceeded back up East Osceola passing the summit cairn again at 1:40 and we took a much deserved cookie break on the ledge just prior to making the steep descent back.  The views from the ledge along the ridge and over to the two peaks were much better now, as well as nice views into the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  We started the back down the steeper section taking a short break again at the open portion.  We could now see the ponds below with views also over to the Tripyramids, Carrigain and the distinctive peak of Chocurua.  The rest of the way down was somewhat slow as the compacted snow was a little more slippery with all the hikers that had been on the trail.  We made decent time though and by 3:30 we were back at the Greeley Ponds trail junction.  Also by the time we got back to this point, there was little snow on the ground and it had warmed up significantly.  It only took about a half hour to finish up and by 4PM we were back at the car.

We loaded up and drove back to Lincoln Woods.  Afterwards, we headed over to the Gypsy Cafe in Lincoln.  It was still early for their dinner menu, so we continued over to the Woodstock Inn, where we enjoyed a nice post-hike meal.

Thanks to Mark and Martin for joining me on this wonderful pre-winter hike.  Although it was chilly on the Osceola summit, the light snow made it seem magical.  It was a great transition to the upcoming winter hiking season!

A huge congratulations to Martin for finishing his first peak list...the 48 NH 4000 footers!  I know he's already thinking about the 67 New England peaks, of which he only has 7 left!

Join me for this 7.6 mile out-and-back hike up over East Osceola (4156') and onto Mt. Osceola (4340').  This trip is via the Greeley Ponds and Osceola Trails from Rt. 112 (Kancamagus Highway).  The Osceolas make up the northern peaks, which encircle Waterville Valley and they provide good views over the ridge between the two and down into the valley from the open ledge on Mt. Osceola.  Note:  East Osceola's summit is in the trees; however, there is a ledge with views of the northern side of the ridge prior to reaching the summit.  There are short portions of the trail, which will be steep and rocky.  

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  7.6 miles with approximately 3040 feet in accumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  6-7 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, a windbreaker/raingear and extra layers (e.g. fleece).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the Lincoln/Woodstock area.