At an elevation of 4,003 feet, Mt. Tecumseh is one good lightning strike away from being knocked off New Hamshire’s list of 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in the White Mountains. That said, the summit view of Mt. Osceola, the Tripyramids, and the Sandwich Range Wilderness make hiking Tecumseh worth more than a check in a box. Peak baggers earn this view via the Mt. Tecumseh Trail, an up-and-over trek with trailheads at Waterville Valley Ski Area and Tripoli Road.
The breakdown of each hike is below—skip ahead to Tripoli Road here.
Mt. Tecumseh Trail from Waterville Valley Ski Area
Distance to summit: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Weekend Warriors
Recommended Gear: Trail Runners or Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Day Pack
The Mt. Tecumseh Trail from Waterville Valley Ski Area is the shorter but more challenging of the two ascents. Most of the elevation gain is at a diagonal to the mountain, so it’s not oppressively steep; however, this side of the trail woke up on the rocky side of the mountain, making it a watch-your-step kind of hike. Those with knee issues or younger kids in tow may want to consider hiking from Tripoli Road.
The Tecumseh Trail from the ski area begins at the upper right side (facing the lodge) of the Waterville Valley parking area (Lot #1).
Waterville Valley Directions
From I-93 north, take exit 28 for Route 49 east. Follow 49 for about 11 miles and turn left onto Tripoli Road (there’s a sign for the ski resort). Veer left onto the ski resort where it splits from Tripoli road and stay to the right (it turns into a one-way loop). Follow the resort road to parking lot #1 at the upper right corner of the parking area.
Mt. Tecumseh Trail from Tripoli Road
Distance to summit: 3.1 miles
Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Weekend Warriors
Recommended Gear: Trail Runners or Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Day Pack
The Mt. Tecumseh Trail from Tripoli Road is .6 of a mile shorter than the Waterville Valley summit approach; however, a more gradual ascent and a smooth trail oddly devoid of rocks make it the easier option. This said, after smooth going for most of the hike, the Tripoli Road side of the trail ends with a steep ledgy climb just before the summit.
Tripoli Road Directions
From I-93 north, take exit 28 for Route 49 east. Follow 49 for about 11 miles and turn left onto Tripoli Road (there’s a sign for the ski resort). Stay to the right at the ski resort split and continue to follow Tripoli Road past the Osceola Vista Campground. The trailhead parking lot is 1.2 miles past the Osceola lot on the left.
