Fall Hike in Squam Range: Mt. Webster [2051’]

Twelve GO members enjoyed a 5.6-mile hike to Mt. Webster in Holderness; not be confused with Mt. Webster in Crawford Notch! We were joined by guys from as far away as Boston and Stowe. We had a mix of sun and clouds with temperature around 40 degrees. Periodically, we had a few snow flurries.

The trails were blanketed with heavy leaves completely hiding the trail. We first followed the Brooks Fisher Trail up an easy-graded climb with many switchbacks to the crest of the Squam Range on the south shoulder of Mt. Webster. At this stage, we hiked 1.3 miles and climbed up just 450 feet.

We took a break at the junction of the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail and got some views of Squam Lake through the leafless trees. We followed an inviting corridor and reached the east edge at an excellent viewpoint!

We continued with some nice ridge walking and about a half-mile before the actual summit of Mt. Webster is herd path on the right to a ledge with gorgeous views of Squam Lake. This herd path is very easy miss since there are not any signs. The 2077-ft. summit of Mt. Webster is a half-mile farther north along the ridge, but it is wooded and off trail. Two in our group who were ahead missed the turn. The were so far ahead they could not hear our shouts that they missed it. We figured they would eventually figure it out and turn around.

The ledge had breathtaking views of Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesauke! What an amazing view!!! This ledge view was our destination for the day.

We retraced our route back to our vehicles. The round trip to this Mt. Webster outlook via Brooks Fisher Trail and Crawford-Ridgepole Trail is a very enjoyable 5.6 miles with 1100 ft. of elevation gain. Overall, it was a wonderful day with great conversations and laughs shared throughout the hike. Thanks to everyone who came out today! 

Mike and Jon

Join GO Members Mike and Jon for a jaunt up to Mt Webster in the Squam Range! We will meet at the Brooks Fisher parking lot off of Perch Pond Road. This 5.5-mile, moderate hike with 1100’ of elevation gain, out and back trail will take us up the Brooks Fisher trail to the intersection of the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail. At said intersection, we will head north (i.e. take a left) and head toward Mt Webster, where we will take in the view and eat a quick lunch.

There are several view locations overlooking Squam Lake on the east and the Owl Brook Valley and Mt. Prospect on the west! We will head back down from there. Trails may be icy.

Please bring a packed lunch/snacks, plenty of water, and weather appropriate clothing and hiking gear, including extra layers, rain gear, extra socks, gloves, wool hat, hand warmers and Microspikes.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley 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. The cost is $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!