GET WINTER INTRO HIKE #3: MT. PEMIGEWASSET

Eight brave souls went out to hike in these sub-zero temperatures to test their mettle! Cold, cold and colder! -13F wind chill at the trailhead at 10:30am. 2 degrees air temperature on summit not including wind chill. Definitely a day for multiple layers and no exposed skin. It was so windy there were branches littering the trail.

We had one member of our group turn around because his eye glasses kept frosting over and he can’t see without them. Bummer…he’ll be looking into contact lenses. The sun felt good on this beautiful, bluebird day! Who could ask for more?

This is a big bang for your buck peak on this up and back 3.6 mile hike. We felt good enough on the return to visit the mind blowing ice flows in Flume Gorge.

This peaks summit's [2,557’] views have nothing second rate about them. From the top, granite slabs and ledges drop away nearly 1,500 feet into the floor of Franconia Notch. The summit panorama is quite impressive from the top as you gaze down upon the floor of the notch and the mountain gives a much mightier impression than its elevation suggests.

Viewing the impressive ice flows in the Flume Gorge was a great way to place an exclamation point on this exciting adventure! From the sweet red covered bridge, to the rippling ice bulges, to the magical icicles, to the courageous ice climbers climbing within the ice covered walls…it was well worth the visit.

After the hike, everyone returned back to our house to warm up by the fireplace with many remaining for a delicious prime rib dinner prepared by Jon! Another nice event with a great group and cast of characters!

Our third of five winter introduction hikes to ease you into winter hiking leading to ascending your first winter 4,000 footer! MicroSpikes required, insulated winter hiking boots recommended and snowshoes may be needed. We’ll let you know a few days before if snowshoes will be needed.

The summit of Mount Pemigewasset’s [2,557 feet] has excellent views from Indian Head Cliff for a modest effort! The Indian Head Cliff nets us a panorama southward over the Pemigewasset River Valley, with Mt. Wolf and Mt. Moosilauke looming in the southwest. We’ll be taking the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail up and back. 

The entire hike is only 3.5 miles with 1,250 feet elevation gain. We’ll have lunch on the summit. Start time is 10:30 AM.

Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, lunch, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are packing hand warmers for our gloves. The trail will be covered with snow and ice so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes is required. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended. We’ll let you know if snowshoes will be required a few days before the hike. Since this is an introduction series, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on the clothing and gear to bring!  

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley if you provide us proof of vaccination to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night if you provide us proof of vaccination. Its $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!