Mt. Chocorua Loop Hike

What a gorgeous day on Chocorua! We started the day in temps in the mid-90s with high humidity. Climbing was steep at parts and I don't think I stopped sweating for three hours! Having said that, what a beautiful loop. <3 As we made our way to the ledges, you can see Chocorua and the sisters and various, wonderful angles. (And I think I photographed all of them!) The Carter Ledge trail is part of the Terrifying 25 list because… apparently the people overseeing that list have a sense of humor. Suffice it to say we survived. We also came across a patch of wild blueberries that had just started to ripen, a sure sign of summer in the Whites! We took a brief break at the remnants of the old fire tower on the summit of Middle Sister, then set off for the pièce de résistance. Chocorua loomed dramatically as we made our way west. We stayed mostly on trail as we made our way into Chocorua. We lunched at the summit, admiring the 360-degree views, including Washington. We stayed mostly off trail as we made our way off of Chocorua. ;-P (Kidding…mostly.) At the Jim Liberty cabin we enjoyed some poetry recently left in the log book. Hammond and Weetamoo trails are beautifully wooded, and air was refreshingly cooler as we made our way to the trailhead. We even saw a couple of people enjoying hammocks by a bubbling brook. The hike took just under 6 hours and it was wonderful. Thank you so much for joining me, Jim!

Join me for this 9.3-mile loop hike, which will encompass the steep Carter Ledges, the Three Sisters, and the summit of Mount Chocorua. While not a 4000-footer, Mount Chocorua has the feel of one.  It is very rugged and has excellent 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests.  Mount Chocorua's distinctive, bare summit can be seen from almost every direction and identified from many points throughout central New Hampshire and western Maine. The hike will ascend via the Piper and Carter Ledge Trails to the Carter Ledge and the Three Sisters (subpeaks).  After ascending the summit, we'll return by way of the Liberty, Hammond, Weetamoo Trails back down to the Piper Trail.  There are lots of spectacular views along this route! 

NOTE:   If you are uncomfortable with heights and a steep drop-off, this might not be the best hike for you. Appropriate hiking boots with good traction are a must! 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  9.3 miles with approximately 2800 feet in cumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  6-7.5 hours, depending on breaks and the group's speed. 

AllTrails link (download beforehand if possible): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-chocorua-loop-trail

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

What to Bring:  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, bug spray, a windbreaker/raingear, and extra layers. Also, bring along lunch, snacks, and plenty of water (at least 2 liters).

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

Meeting Time:  9:00 AM.  Hike start time: 9:15 AM.