Squam Range in Holderness, NH has become a go to favorite of mine.  On a clear day it lends you magnificent views of Squam Lake and smaller peaks just south.  Join me on this 12 mile traverse while we enjoy the last weekend before we turn the clocks back.  Just think – you’ll be warmed by the adventure and ready to score that extra hour of sleep leading into Sunday morning – SWEET!

Don’t be lulled by the low summits, it’s a full day of hiking.  We begin the journey ascending Cotton Mtn (1,210’), jaunting over Mt. Livermore (1,490’), meandering along to Mt. Webster (2,076’) all in preparation to tag the popular peaks of Mt. Morgan (2,220’) and Mt. Percival (2,212’).  We finish the day by hitting the high mark, Mt. Squam (2,223’) and lumbering over Doublehead Mtn (2,158’) before the final descent to the cars.  The hike is an undulating journey through the forest ranging from moderate to strenuous.  This is a moderate hike for elevations, strenuous for distance and dips between peaks.  Endurance will be tested in all the best ways a hike can give you.

We’ll be meeting at the Crawford-Ridgepole Trailhead along Sandwich Notch Road at 8:15am.  Per the AMC guide, there is space for two cars at the trail head – hopefully we’ll have one – if not, we’ll have to regroup just a short jaunt away to other parking spaces a ¼ mile from the trail head.  Sandwich Notch Road is not maintained in the winter but should be open to the fork where the lower parking is.  The road could be rough – sedan style cars use extra caution – but you should be fine.  We’ll spot a car and make our way back to the trailhead for Cotton Mountain to begin the journey.  I’ll be driving a grey Honda CRV.

If you’ve never done a traverse or hiked this distance – this is a great starter hike.  Standard hiking gear is required, no cotton, cooler temps prevail.  Be sure to layer and all your extras need to fit in your day pack.  At this time I don’t anticipate the need for microspikes.  Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water – on this hike – three liters should be sufficient.  Ordinarily I’d say bring a towel and clothes to change into – but the water is probably just a touch too cold for a dip (but it would make for a great challenge). For those interested – we can grab a bite to eat afterwards.  A forecast of steady rain will cancel but anything equal to or greater than cloudy-cool- dry – we hike on!

A good description of what to expect can be found here as we’ll be doing this hike:

http://www.hikenewengland.com/SquamRange081018.html

Cheers Mates!!

From Route 93 (North or South), Take Exit 24 and follow Route 3 (Daniel-Webster Highway) east to the junction of routes 3 and 113 in Holderness, NH.  Turn onto 113 and follow until you reach the left turn for Dinsmore Pond Road.  Dinsmore crosses a four way intersection (Smithville Road) to end at Diamond Ledge Road – you can only go left or right here and you will go LEFT.  Follow Diamond Ledge Road.  You will come to a fork where we will meet and the lower parking area resides.  As always – Google map to visualize the trajectory.