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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

After The Hike

Everyone is welcome back to join us in Jackson at the Red Fox Grille for dinner. What better place to celebrate our adventure! 

 

Lodging Option

Bunk beds are available at our 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 us ASAP to reserve a bunk!

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.

 

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.