Spring Hike Galehead Mountain via the Gale River Trail
As the most direct route to the AMC’s Galehead Hut, along with access to Galehead Mountain, South Twin Mountain, the Appalachian Trail and the Pemi Loop, and it’s easy to see why the Gale River Trail is a major hiker thoroughfare in the White Mountain National Forest. But this trail is so much more than a line between points A and B. Beginning with a gradual hike along the North Branch of the Gale River, and ending with a steep, rocky climb, the Gale River Trail is a great escape. Tackle it in the spring for more on-trail alone time — just come prepared for ice.
Winter Hike Mt. Kearsarge Via the Winslow Trail
Mt. Kearsarge via the Winslow Trail is the perfect beginner trek for those new to winter hiking. It’s the right combination of short and sweet with a few strenuous steep sections mixed in to test those snow legs and acclimate to winter traction. The open summit offers outstanding views with the opportunity to experience harsh winter winds without prolonged exposure. F
The Mt. Hancock Loop Trail Hike
The Hancock mountains, named after our nation’s forefather with the infamous signature, offer an enjoyable day hiking adventure with dual peaks on the White Mountain 48 list of 4,000 footers. Due to numerous brook crossings, this hike is best served after the snowmelt swell has subsided and at times of low precipitation. I found it fits nicely as a fall foliage excursion.
Hike Mount Osceola from Tripoli Road
Despite being hard to spell, Mt. Osceola features two peaks on the White Mountains Four Thousand Footers list, a moderately challenging trail filled with rock-hopping fun, trance-inducing views of the Sandwich Range Wilderness, and a steep chimney climb to get the heart pounding. What’s not to love about this hike?
Hike Mt. Cardigan Via the Holt Trail
The short, ominous option to the right was the class three Holt Trail, and it was the reason we came. Under the Yosemite Decimal System, class three is characterized by scrambling, necessary handholds, and falls that could “easily be fatal.” Hey, if we were going to drive three hours to a mountain we’ve already hiked once before, we might as well make it worth our while.
Winter Hike Mt. Jackson via the Jackson-Webster Trail
Read Erica’s humorous account of winter hiking Mt. Jackson