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White Horse and Cathedral Ledges Hike

White Horse [1450 ft.] and Cathedral [1159 ft.], these little cliff-faced peaks are far better known to rock climbers than hikers!

White Horse and Cathedral Ledges Hike

White Horse [1450 ft.] and Cathedral [1159 ft.], these little cliff-faced peaks are far better known to rock climbers than hikers!

Details

White Horse [1450 ft.] and Cathedral [1159 ft.], these little cliff-faced peaks are far better known to rock climbers than hikers, but they each boast good view ledges accessible to ordinary folks! Formed during the retreat of the last ice-age, the sheer granite faces on both Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse Ledge are clearly visible on the left side of the road when traveling north on Route 16 thru North Conway Village. Both of these Ledges have been a favorite destination for visitors to the area for many generations. We'll enjoy the experiences and vistas that the Ledges offer.

The trail may be covered with snow in spots so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes would be helpful. Winter boots recommended but not required. Bring lunch, water and dress in layers.

We will be hiking up the Bryce Path and head to the summit of Cathedral Ledge. We’ll then take the White Horse Ledge Trail to the summit of White Horse Ledge. The view from both summits is spectacular into the North Conway valley & surrounding mountain ranges. 4.9 miles round trip, 1,400' elevation gain, 3.5-4 hours.

Make sure to bring gear for an early winter hike. Gloves, hats, raingear are all mandatory. You should be prepared with wicking layers and wear NO COTTON.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us in advance.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. It’s $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions

Trailhead is at Echo Lake State Park is located off from West Side Road.

From I-93: Exit 23 onto Route 104 East. Follow Route 104 east to Route 25 North. Turn left onto NH 16 North to North Conway. Follow signs to Echo Lake State Park off River Road.

From I-95: Take Route 16 North to North Conway and turn left onto River Road. Follow signs to Echo Lake State Park.

You can also use Google Maps to get directions. 

Saturday, December 29, 2018
North Conway, NH · Directions
Meet at 10:30 AM
Hosted by Gandalf
11/15 signed up
White Horse and Cathedral Ledges Hike

About this event

White Horse [1450 ft.] and Cathedral [1159 ft.], these little cliff-faced peaks are far better known to rock climbers than hikers, but they each boast good view ledges accessible to ordinary folks! Formed during the retreat of the last ice-age, the sheer granite faces on both Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse Ledge are clearly visible on the left side of the road when traveling north on Route 16 thru North Conway Village. Both of these Ledges have been a favorite destination for visitors to the area for many generations. We'll enjoy the experiences and vistas that the Ledges offer.

The trail may be covered with snow in spots so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes would be helpful. Winter boots recommended but not required. Bring lunch, water and dress in layers.

We will be hiking up the Bryce Path and head to the summit of Cathedral Ledge. We’ll then take the White Horse Ledge Trail to the summit of White Horse Ledge. The view from both summits is spectacular into the North Conway valley & surrounding mountain ranges. 4.9 miles round trip, 1,400' elevation gain, 3.5-4 hours.

Make sure to bring gear for an early winter hike. Gloves, hats, raingear are all mandatory. You should be prepared with wicking layers and wear NO COTTON.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us in advance.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. It’s $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions to the trailhead

Get directions
Opens turn-by-turn directions to North Conway, NH, 03860 in Google Maps (new tab).

Trailhead is at Echo Lake State Park is located off from West Side Road.

From I-93: Exit 23 onto Route 104 East. Follow Route 104 east to Route 25 North. Turn left onto NH 16 North to North Conway. Follow signs to Echo Lake State Park off River Road.

From I-95: Take Route 16 North to North Conway and turn left onto River Road. Follow signs to Echo Lake State Park.

You can also use Google Maps to get directions. 

Who's going (11)

Gandalf SUSTAINING
Gandalf
Thornton, NH
Attended
Bobcat SUSTAINING
Bobcat
Upton, MA
Attended
jrdhiker GUEST MEMBER
jrdhiker
Upton, MA
Attended
HikerBiker SUSTAINING
HikerBiker
Manchester, NH
Attended
baezfred GUEST MEMBER
baezfred
Lancaster, NH
Attended
MO GUEST MEMBER
MO
Lancaster, NH
Attended
A member
Profile hidden
phoenix SUSTAINING
phoenix
Somersworth, NH
Attended
freespirit GUEST MEMBER
freespirit
Dover, NH
Attended
A member
Profile hidden
A member
Profile hidden

Questions about this event?

Reach out to the host, Gandalf, for route details, carpooling, or what to bring.

Email the host

You can also ask in the event discussion below.

Event discussion

baezfred · Dec 20, 2018
I'm so excited about this! Hoping for GREAT weather!
Gandalf · Dec 26, 2018
To clarify driving directions, when you are on River Road turn left at 1.0 mile onto West Side Road, the right in 0.4 mile onto Echo Lake Road, following signs for Echo Lake State Park.

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