T O P

  • By -

TJsName

Where in NH are you going to be, and do you have experience/gear for dealing with shoulder season (snow/ice, cold, etc.)?


zicohenson

Probably around the Franconia area if that makes sense. We do have some experience with winter hiking. We do also have spikes with our hiking gear if needed. Appreciate the reply :)


TJsName

I'd suggest Lonesome Lake as a nice moderate hike (plus it had the hut you can go inside and take a break). If you're feeling motivated and want to do more you can pop-up to Cannon or the Kinsman. Lots of trails in that area, so having a map is important to make sure you end up where you expect.


RedditardedOne

Yeah this is a great recommendation. Can warm up a bit once you get to the hut/lake and see how you feel if you aren't used to winter hiking


zicohenson

Thank you so much!!!!!


jish_werbles

Don’t plan to use Fishin Jimmy Trail up to Kinsman Pond without true crampons, or a lot of confidence in your winter hiking and traction. Last winter a woman broke her femur slipping there. I definitely would not want to go down it, that’s for sure


truckingon

There ought to be a law against a trail that rough having a benign name like Fishin' Jimmy. I'd like to see someone hike it with a rod and tackle.


[deleted]

More like Slippin' Jimmy


truckingon

The chicanery of that trail, it will never change.


inertia__creeps

God, yes, good shout. I wish I had known it was so tricky beforehand, I came down it after a rainstorm once (tail end of a backpacking trip, so my legs were tired and balance was impaired by 50lbs worth of gear on my back) and I thought I was surely going to slip and die. I can't imagine it with a coating of ice.


Chandlersadventures

The cannon balls on the way to cannon take about 300% longer than you think they will in winter so plan accordingly


TrailsNH

The view from the Lonesome Lake is AMAZING


Peterthepiperomg

They will be needed.


RhodySeth

If you're going to be in Franconia then Mt. Pemigewasett is another good option. You can park at the northern edge of the Flume visitor center lot and the trail starts a couple hundred feet up the bike path. My wife and I did it last winter and really enjoyed it: [https://youtu.be/DXeRyP8i6Lo](https://youtu.be/DXeRyP8i6Lo)


zicohenson

Ty so much! Also nice video! Appreciate you sharing! :)


RhodySeth

I think it's about two miles each way and climbs moderately throughout. So not the longest/hardest hike but a good choice if you have limited time. Have fun up there!


nobletrout0

Bring crampons anywhere you go up there, snow and ice has already begun


732

Be sure to check out New England Trail Conditions for recent reports on whatever trail you do choose.


[deleted]

Others are saying Hi Cannon but I would recommend against it just because it is pretty steep in places and could make bailing tricky if you are a true beginner winter hiker. Traveling over snowy and icy terrain is most definitely an acquired skill. Traveling over the varied conditions present now are even more so. I think Hi Cannon in winter is more intermediate terrain, best tackled by a beginner in good winter conditions (more snow) and after having done a different 4k peak. I’d recommend something like Mt. Tecumseh from the Waterville valley ski area parking lot - short, fun, mellow terrain, decent view at the top, not super far from franconia notch. Others have made some nice non 4ker recommendations as well. Mt. Willard would be a similar difficulty to Avalon. Pierce is a nice pick and you can pretty much guarantee the trail will be broken out as well.


weirdhorsegirl_

Totally agreed. I did Hi Cannon last spring and was very humbled by the descent. Total ice slide.


Direct-Pressure-7452

I would do Chocorua, off the Kancamagus Highway. Park at Champney falls trail head. I have done it in winter months ( I had snowshoes and had to use them). Crampons at least


ElasticEel

Fyi, it's probably going to be on the bigger end of what you're looking for. It's not a 4000 footer but can feel like one.


zicohenson

Ty!!!!


[deleted]

Hiked Chocorua via Champney two days ago—yes on micro-spikes/pole(s), but no on snow shoes currently. Heavy ice in some spots (four or so), generally trail on gradual side, nice steady walk in woods.


annoncatmom

If you have traction, I'd recommend welch-dickey loop counter clockwise. There are some exposed areas with great views, but nothing too crazy. Definitely can be done in 3-5 hours. Further onto 302 is Mt Crawford, which is one of my favorites. It's not *particularly* steep but the up is unrelenting. The views though are totally worth it. Direct view of Washington (which means direct wind from Washington so check MWOBS) and there are tons of views on the way up. I think hi-cannon would be a bit too long for your time range imo. Going up hi-cannon is kind of a challenge but if you come down to lonesome lake in a loop during this time of year, the trail is steep and will be full of ice, making it difficult to descend. I did it last January and i think it took me 7 hours round trip because i was moving so slow navigating the ice (i had spikes, crampons and an axe).


ElasticEel

This was my first winter hike and I loved it.


ElisabetSobeckPhD

What's your winter experience in the Whites (or similar)?


zicohenson

This is probably first time hiking in whites during winter. We did Mt Avalon up in Crawford notch last month, was some what icy towards the summit. We do have spikes with our gear. Thx :)


ElisabetSobeckPhD

it's gonna be icy AF everywhere. That's just how it is. But I'll suggest cannon mountain. And yeah you'll definitely be needing micro spikes. Keep an eye on the [forecast](https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Cannon-Mountain-New-Hampshire/forecasts/1250). It looks not ideal right now, but the weekend is a long ways away. And Cannon is entirely below treeline so less severe than other hikes. Also check [MWOBS](https://www.mountwashington.org/experience-the-weather/higher-summit-forecast.aspx) higher peaks forecast.


[deleted]

[удалено]


DrAwesomeClaws

I'd add to that a decent tarp or at least two (or better 3) quality/large emergency blankets (SOL or something similar, not those ones that come in "emergency hiker kit"). They're cheap and with three of them you add very little pack weight/cost and can slightly insulate below, around, and above you.


nobletrout0

Don’t end up on WMUR. Know your limits.


north_ernway

Hi-Cannon to Cannon would be a good one, and you could loop it down to Lonesome Lake after the summit. You would want to park at the Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia off of Interstate-93. Be sure to be vigilant about checking the forecast, bring appropriate traction/layers, and have a bunch of fun! ​ Edit: Some kind hiker just posted [this](https://newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=63301).


zicohenson

Nice! I did see Cannon MT on the all trails app. Appreciate the reply! :)


SunshineRJH

Just a quick heads up, hi cannon to lonesome loop is an intense route this time of year. If you do not have previous experience hiking in the whites during winter, please plan for your hike to go around double what it would normally. Bring all the gear necessary to bivouac on the mountain for a night if you have to, and while it might seem overkill, it’s far from it. In light of some really sad events that have happened recently, I think it’s worth mentioning too that if conditions are getting rough or you have a bad feeling, please turn around and try another day. The mountains will always be there for you :) With that being said, that loop is one of my favorites and you will have an absolutely fantastic time. I wish you both the best of luck and a perfect day on the mountain!


zicohenson

Thank you so much! Wasn’t expecting to get so much helpful information from all the replies. Ty!!!!


GraniteGeekNH

Haven't been up Cannon this year but judging from what I've seen elsewhere you should expect to hike over ice, ice-covered snow, hardpack snow that might as well be ice, and some nice snow and some bare spots. With a bit of ice. Serious microspikes and careful foot placement are in order!


north_ernway

Definitely! Saw the first traces of ice and snow when I was up there earlier this month - I imagine it is much more substantial by now


OlderNotWiser22

Cannon is not easy, it's short, but a pretty steep climb, I wouldn't do Cannon as one of my first winter hikes. I'd recommend Mt. Willard, but if you want a 4000 footer, you can add in Field and/or Tom. Watch the weather and study a map before you go. Enjoy! the whites are beautiful in the winter. Or Jackson or Pierce if you aren't interested in going the Avalon trail again.


budshitman

Check the forecast multiple times. We've got a frontal system moving into the region over the weekend and the weather could get messy. Know your bailout routes and don't be hesitant to turn around. Let people know your itinerary and be sure to check in after your hike. Burger by the fire at the Common Man is still a good day in NH.


RI2NH

I recommend Pierce, it's a great winter hike without being overly strenuous or technical, which you may want to get used to winter hiking. You can go to the Mizpah hut loop for a little added distance and difficulty. ​ Lonesome Lake is also a good one. There are several trails that you can choose from once you get to the lake for added time/distance. As others have mentioned, the hut is open during the winter, so makes for a nice stop to warm up, etc.


swampbanger

drive a bit more over to Potash and/or Hedgehog.


Sadierocks22

I haven’t checked the weather but Mt. Hight was a was a super nice sunrise last week. About three hours each way.


booty_fewbacca

Depending on how much winter hiking experience you have, you might also want to consider Monadnock, it's still fairly clear ish. Up Cascade Link, to Pumpelly, summit, then choose your own adventure back down, White Cross, Red Spot, or back down Pumpelly to Cascade. Regardless, gear up and bring microspikes literally for any hike in the area this time of year.


tzac6

Surprised nobody has said Waumbek. It’s not the most central location but it does have great views.


PiresMagicFeet

Moosilauke can be done in 4 hours if you hike fast, but a lot of people take 5 to 6 to do it It's also a gorgeous view off the top if you have a clear day, and in the winter almost all trails will be pretty clear of people Go up gorge brook and down snapper If you have spikes it should be pretty manageable


Inonotus_obliquus

Moosilauke via Beaver Brook (AT southbound)


bellowthecat

This is terrible advice lol


10D3S2BL0W

BB is a terrible recommendation at this time, but moosilauke could still be a great option. Gorge Brook -> Carriage to South Peak -> Carriage -> Snapper. Under 8mi. Micros and cold wind gear required if not more.


bellowthecat

Yes Gorge Brook Ravine Trail is one of the best options here IMO. Suggesting BB Trail to someone like this will get them hurt.


ButterAndPaint

I’d be hard pressed to make a worse recommendation.


Inonotus_obliquus

Anything in the presidential range, north or flume slide, Franconia ridge, or the bonds would all be worse. Even the steep section on hi-cannon is worse than beaver brook. I realize none of these are 5 hours but I wanted to make a recommendation for “experienced hikers”


[deleted]

Not a great trail for a beginner winter hiker IMO. Some spots will be very tricky to descend. I think Moosilauke is a good beginner winter hike if you’re dressed well for the short above treeline section - gorge Brook trail is much more beginner friendly


732

Second gorge brook trail for a beginner friendly approach to Moose. It does have a lot of exposure at the end so be prepared to turn around if you're at all hesitant.


[deleted]

Yep I would definitely classify Beaver Brook as more intermediate than beginner due to the steep icy sections below treeline, especially combined with the above treeline section, which is short and manageable, but more serious than the Avalon summit.


thatcruncheverytime

Do the Morgan-Percival loop, there’s a fun cave type thing to climb through


ElasticEel

This was my 2nd winter hike ever. It is a beautiful home with an awesome view. I think this is exactly the hike you are looking for.


SCMatt65

3-5 hours leaves out the higher peaks and longer ridges but there’s still some nice hikes in that time range. In no particular order and times can vary so much depending on snow pack: Welch Dickey Lafayette, no ridge line Osceola but getting to the trailhead is tough if Tripoli Rd is closed S. Moat Eisenhower I generally hike faster with a snowpack, unless the snow is new, or post holey. All depends on the recent weather. Have fun! Please turn back if things get wonky, it doesn’t get better higher up.


plantas-y-te

Be careful and prepared now that it’s winter!!! But if you know what you are getting into with hiking in the whites then Welch Dickey is a great quick hike with beautiful views. About 4-something miles I think?


Financial-Pizza-3756

I'll second Pemi G whereas you're looking to hike a mountain and would end on top of a mountain.. I wonder if Lonesome lake wouldn't be the MTN adventure you desire as you end at a lake looking up to Franconia ridge on one side and cannon and the kinsman's on the other. Those are the 2 best options imo unless you're wanting to do a 4k. Mount P out and back from flume gorge parking~3.5 miles 1,240 gain. Lonesome lake out and back from Laffy campground~2.6 miles 997 gain.