If you’re looking for a winter hike that offers a big mountain feel for a modest effort, this is your opportunity brotha! An ‘up and back’ trek with an elevation gain of 2100’, the 3,119-foot summit of Mount Crawford provides one of the most stunning vistas in the White Mountains, sort of like being up in a balloon enjoying an aerial view of the Presidentials, Frankenstein Cliff, Willey Range, and Mounts Carrigain and Tripyramid and is a relatively low peak just to the south of Crawford Notch. It is the first peak reached by hikers using the Davis Path, which makes a 15.0-mile ascent of Mount Washington through the Presidential Range–Dry River Wilderness Area. The hike up Mount Crawford begins along the banks of the Saco River, and climbs steadily to the summit, which has excellent 360-degree views. It is one of the oldest hiking trails in the White Mountains and provides a moderate to mildly strenuous ascent. The trail was completed by Nathaniel Davis in 1845 as a bridle path to the summit of Mount Washington. Davis was a son-in-law of Abel Crawford, the “Old Patriarch” of the Crawford family, who brought his family to the area in the 1790s. Abel built the Mount Crawford House near the current trailhead.  The trail fell into disuse in the 1850s and was brought back as a footpath in 1910 by the AMC. The total distance for the hike is 5 miles, alloting 5 hours to complete. This will give members ample time for viewing on the summit as well as casual breaks along the way.

What To Bring/Wear:  Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, additional/alternative traction (micropikes, crampons, etc.), snowshoes (I may have a pair to borrow if needed), warm clothing (dress in layers, cotton and blue jeans not recommended), water, lunch and snacks, etc.  After the hike we can gather for pub & grub in the Conway area if there is sufficient interest.