This trip's focus is to get you familiar with climbing and using snowshoes. The Mount Potash Trail takes us to the summit of Mt. Potash (2700'). The grade is moderate however there is some sidehilling and steep ledgy climbing on the upper section of the trail that could be difficult in severely hardpacked or icy conditions. Potash is an excellent intermediate snowshoe hike! 

Potash is a small, ledgy peak with steep, spruce-wooded sides and a flat top, poking up on the north side of the Sandwich Range. It is an excellent half-day hike, since its mostly open summit offers wide views in several directions. The views of the northern ridges and valleys of the Sandwich Range are especially notable. This is a popular trail and usually broken out but just in case, we require everyone to have snowshoes. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93.

Total mileage for this loop is 4.4 miles with 1,450 elevation gain. We will take 5 hours to complete that allows us to have a leisurely lunch and breaks. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, lunch and snacks, etc. After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley and you can give me money for pizza (you can buy beer/wine yourself after the trip at the local convenience store). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower at my house.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you would like carpool with Jon and I off I-93 on Exit 28.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning but you are on your own for breakfast. Contact me to RSVP since space is limited.

See you there!

From the east, turn off NH 16 in Conway onto Kancamagus Highway (NH 112) and drive about 14.3 miles. From the west on I-93, take Exit 32 in Lincoln and drive about 21.8 miles on the Kancamagus.

You'll see a sign for the turn to the trailheads on the south side of the highway: the Downes Brook, UNH, and Mount Potash Trails. Turn here and drive in to the large parking area. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.