A moderate snowshoe climb up the Ethan Pond Trail leads to this attractive backcountry pond with a view of the Twin Range.

Almost three hours from Boston, the Crawford Notch area offers some great hiking opportunities.

Ethan Pond has a nice shelter to sit in while having lunch and taking in the lovely views.

Terrain: The first 1/2 mile can be steep. The rest is an easy, graded terrain. Everyone is required to have snowshoes because it's likely the trail will not be broken to Ethan Pond. 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.

Trail: This is an up and back hike. We'll hike up 0.3 miles up the paved road to the Ethan Pond Trail. The trail follows an old logging road that brings us to a side trail at 2.6 miles leading to Ethan Pond.

Time/Distance: Hike time is approximately 5 hours. Round trip distance is 6 miles with 1,550 ft. elevation gain. We will take our time to enjoy the views, eat lunch, take pictures and have fun!

Gear List: 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: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at my house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email me ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Carpooling: Contact other guys living near you for carpooling. If you are driving up I-93, meet Jon and I off the Exit 28 ramp at the Post Office parking lot for 9:30 A.M.

The Ethan Pond Trail leaves the west side of US 302 directly opposite the Webster Cliff Trail [Appalachian Trail crossing], about 1 mile south of the Willey House Site. The paved road to the the trailhead itself will not be plowed so park along US 302. We will be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.