Kick off 2025 by joining our easy New Year’s Celebration with a 3.6-mile loop hike around Smarts Brook when we wear jingle bells, Santa/elf hats; and all sorts of fun holiday apparel! Bring your own!!!

A nice objective is an easy trip following Pine Flats, Yellow Jacket and Tri-Town trails passing by the 30-foot-deep granite gorge with frozen ice, the stand of red pines and the numerous cascades! At the height of land on Tri-Town if conditions allow, we can do a short bushwhack to a seldom visited ledge with views of Welch-Dickey, Mt. Tecumseh and other surrounding mountains.

We will be hiking in early winter conditions at a very slow pace since I’m recovering from a knee replacement surgery so we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. It will be 3.6 miles with 400 ft elevation gain. There may be some ice and a coating of snow- light traction devices are mandatory. The hike will take approximately 3 hours.

What to wear/bring:  Microspikes will be necessary. We’ll let you know a few days prior if snowshoes will be needed. Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, headlamp/flashlight, water, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are taking hand warmers for our gloves. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace and soak in our hot tub with 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 Saturday night. The cost is $35 for that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Trailhead and parking area are located off Route 49 on the drive to Waterville Valley. The parking area is about 5 miles after getting off Exit 28 from I-93. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.