Mt. Tom [4285 ft.] has a couple fine vantage points and Mt. Avalon [3442 ft.] commands fine views into the Presidentials! Mt. Field [4340 ft.] has limited views but the hike to it is a winter wonderland! Bag two 4,000 footers.

ROUTE: The Avalon Trail, will be our first section of the loop. We climb towards the steep end of the valley, which is essentially a glacial cirque with a wooded headwall. We'll continue forward on the A-Z Trail when the Avalon Trail turns left [we will return back to this junction.] In a half mile we begin the steep, rough 0.5 mile climb that will take us up the height-of-land between Mount Tom and Mount Field. We'll take the 0.5 mile spur trail that climbs up to Mount Tom's summit. We'll retrace our steps to the A-Z Trail and hook up with the Willey Range Trail, which branches left toward Mt. Field. Through close growths of fir, spruce, and birch, we'll begin a 1 mile hike in a winter wonderland to Mount Field's summit. We return to the Avalon Trail for the descent. We'll take a side trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Avalon for a bird's eye view of Crawford Notch below. After Mt. Avalon, the trail will drop rapidly to the junction with the A-Z Trail.  

STATS: Approximately 8 miles with 2800' feet of elevation gain.

GEAR:  Appropriate winter gear required.  This must include insulated winter boots (no 3 season hiking boots, no exceptions), MicroSpikes, snowshoes, NON COTTON layers of clothing, a pack big enough to hold even the clothes you take off once you warm up.  No hydration systems.  Bring a headlamp or flashlight because we may be hiking out in the dark. Don’t forget lunch and snacks.

PACE:  This will be a group hike at a moderate pace; we will stay together and the slowest hiker will set the pace.  If you are unable to control your pace, enjoy great company, and hike with the team then please don't come.

HIKE PLANNING INFO:  We will send out an e-mail a few days before about the weather forecast and additional details.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome to join us back our house for dinner. It's $10 per person to pay for our food cost; please note price increase. You may want to bring a change of clothing to be more comfortable and you can use our showers.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. Please note the 2016 price increases: Friday night is $25 and Saturday night is $35 [includes dinner]. 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'll meet at the AMC Highland Center parking lot, off US 302 in Crawford Notch. To reach the parking lot from Twin Mountain, at the junction of US 3 and US 302 take US 302 east, pass the Mt. Washington Hotel, and you'll see the AMC Highland Center a few miles later on the right. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.