Join us in representing GayOutdoors for the annual FLAGS ON THE 48 memorial event.  We will be flying a U.S. flag on the summit of Mount Osceola from noon to 2pm while hikers fly U.S. flags simultaneously on the other 47 four-thousand foot mountains in New Hampshire.

We will hike to the summit using the Mount Osceola Trail from Tripoli Road and will return the same way.  This moderate trail will be 3.2 miles (6.4 miles total trip) with an elevation gain of 2050 feet and should take up to two hours and forty minutes to ascend.  Once we are at the summit you will have the option to relax, explore around, or even help some of us who may be doing some light trail brushing between the two peaks of the Osceolas.  The Mount Osceola Trail has been the adopted trail by GayOutdoors for several years.

As a team we will share carrying the flag pole equipment throughout the hike and take turns monitoring the flag during the two hour period.

For more information about the Flags On The 48 check out this site: www.flagsonthe48.org

Lodging option:  Mike (our GayOutdoors president) was nice enough to let us use his house for the weekend in Waterville Valley which is not far from our hike. We have 8 bunks available with linen for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20/night. You will have full access to the kitchen facilities and may store beverages and food in the fridge. There will be coffee and a continental breakfast available. Please contact Rick (HikerBiker) to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS. 

We will meet at the trailhead parking lot on Tripoli Road.  The best way to get there is to take exit 31 (Tripoli Road) from I-93 and go east 7 miles to just west of the height-of-land at Thornton Gap.  The hiker's parking area will be on your left.  If it's full, you can park on the side of Tripoli Road.  Please note that Tripoli Road is not paved for most of the way.  If it's more convenient, you can also access Tripoli Road from the Waterville Valley Ski Resort.  If you are heading east on Rt. 49, turn left right before you enter the village, where the sign directs you to the ski area.  In about a mile, bear right at the fork on the road, pass a gate (it should be open then), at the next fork, bear left, and continue a couple of miles on Tripoli Road to the trailhead parking area described above.