The Welch-Dickey loop trail hike is the ideal Spring warm-up hike for two big reasons:  It is among the first of the trails in NH's White Mountains to be clear of snow and ice in the spring; and at barely five miles in length, it offers pretty much everything that the White Mountains have to offer, but in small doses.  No wonder the AMC White Mountains Guide describes it as a trail that offers excellent views for a modest effort.  However, do not be deceived by this comment, as there are some steep sections which will give you a workout, even if they are indeed short.

This being April, be prepared for any type of weather, so bring layers to put on and take off accordingly.  Also bring one or two liters of water, as there is no potable water on the trail.  We plan to hike counterclockwise, which will take us to the ledges below the summit of Mt. Welch, and then to the summit itself, where we will stop for lunch.  So bring a lunch and/or snacks to share.  We should be done hiking by 3:00 p.m or so.

From I-93 take exit 28 (Campton/Waterville Valley), and go east on Route 49 (Mad River Road) towards Waterville Valley.  At about 4.5 miles east of the traffic light at the Campton dam (junction with Rt. 175) turn left and over the small bridge, onto Upper Mad River Road.  Continue on this road for about 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Orris Road.  At this point you should see a sign for the Welch Dickey trail on the right, with an arrow directing you to turn right.  Continue on Orris Road for about half a mile to before it makes a sharp turn to the left.  On the right you should see the parking lot for the Welch-Dickey Trails.  Turn right into it, and park anywhere.  If you don't have the yearly parking pass for the WMNF (or the National Parks "Golden Age" Pass), go to the self-pay kiosk at the end, and follow the instructions on how to pay for parking.