What we're doing

It's easier to bag this 4,000 footer in winter conditions! The snowshoe bushwhack track cuts down the mileage and bypasses 4 brook crossings. The bushwhack traverses through a beautiful open stand of birches. We will hike the remote and beautiful Mt. Isolation (4,003 ft - #46 on the NH4K) in the Dry River Wilderness. The open summit has magnificent views in all directions especially of nearby Mt. Washington and the Southern Presidentials. We will use the Rocky Branch Trail, the Engine Hill Bushwhack (bypassing 4 of the 5 Rocky Branch brook crossings), the Isolation Trail and the Davis Path. To sign up for this hike, you should be an experienced winter hiker, who has recently completed hikes of at least 8-10 miles, and who consistently hikes at or better than book time.

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you. 

Only GO Members are permitted - all participants must be members of GayOutdoors. This allows us to keep track of and communicate with each person who signs up to participate in our events.

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Dogs are discouraged on this hike due to the uncertainty of conditions. If your dog has experience with long hikes of this nature in winter conditions and you are confident that he/she can handle this advanced hike, please email us to discuss.

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Trip Summary

On this moderate pace (~ 2 MPH) out-and-back trip we will follow the Rocky Branch trail, to the Engine Hill bushwhack (to bypass 4 of the 5 Rocky Branch brook crossings and save some mileage), to the Isolation Trail to the Davis Path to the spur trail to Mt. Isolation.  We will hike about 13 miles and climb about 3,400 feet. While it should take an average hiker about 8 hours 15 minutes to complete this trip, we may actually move slower because of winter conditions (trail breaking, route finding, changing gear/footwear, etc.)

This event is considered to be STRENUOUS because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire trip as described here (i.e. we might not reach the summit).

While we have traveled this route before, we also did research using the Appalachian Mountain Club's "White Mountain Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

• Click here for Isolation from Peakbagger.com
• Click here for trail conditions from New England Trail Conditions

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back to join us in Jackson at the Red Fox Pub. What better place to celebrate our adventure! 

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!

Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - I will post an and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two ahead of time. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

• Click here for current weather conditions

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Click here for a list of the minimum of clothing, gear, equipment and supplies you should carry. Refer to the winter hiking section.

We will meet at the Rocky Branch Trailhead on Route 16 - drive north 5.5 miles on NH 16 from Jackson's covered bridge toward Pinkham Notch. Past a bridge over the Ellis River and beyond a White Mountain National Forest sign, turn left for the Rocky Branch Trail parking up an asphalt roadway. several miles north of Jackson and south of Pinkham Notch and Gorham.  According to Google Maps this spot is about 150 miles from Boston and it should take about 3 hours 15 minutes to drive there.

• Click here for the driving directions.

Once you open Google Maps simply change the generic starting point ("Boston, MA") to your own starting point to get customized directions.

While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses - suggested donations per person are $20 from Boston MA, $15 from Manchester NH, $10 from Concord NH and $5 from Campton, NH.

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