Please join me for a hike on the smallest of New Hampshire's official 4,000 footers (standing at 4,003 feet tall) which sits adjacent to the Waterville Valley Ski area and there is a large parking lot off of Ski Area Road. It’s just under 5 miles with 2200 ft elevation gain. There may be some ice and a few inches of snow- light traction devices are mandatory and bring snowshoes just in case, could leave in our cars but good to bring. The hike will take approx. 4-5 hours depending upon there group. The route avoids the ski folks, and the trail should be packed down, but there could be a crowd (compared to other winter hikes) so we should still start on the earlier side. If folks are up for it, we could grab a beer or burger at the Mad River Tavern in Campton afterwards. We meet up at Waterville Valley Ski Area parking. Then we will follow the Mount Tecumseh Trail 1.2 miles to a viewpoint, then go another 1 (steep) mile to the cross trail between the Tecumseh Trail and the Sosman trail. From there, the summit is 0.3 miles away. The loop around the summit can be a bit narrow and there are limited views, but it is still beautiful! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-tecumseh-trail-via-waterville-trailhead. It looks like there will be 2-3 inches of snow mid-week, and maybe 1 inch Friday night. Temperature looks great (just around freezing and no wind) so should be a great day. I will monitor the weather and send an update by Thursday. Please have the necessary winter gear/clothing needed to hike this time of year including the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. We recommend winter hiking boots (over regular), definitely micro spikes, wool hat, gloves, hand warmers, warm layers and no cotton. Carry at least 1-2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

PARKING: To the Waterville Valley Ski Area Parking Lot #1 / Mount Tecumseh Trail head XF8C+3R Waterville Valley, New Hampshire From I-93, take exit 28 for Route 49. At the bottom of the exit ramp, head East on Route 49. After 10.4 miles, turn left onto Tripoli Road. Follow Tripoli Road for 1.2 miles, then turn left onto the Waterville Valley Ski Area access road (Fire Route 30). Follow the access road for 0.6 mile which will bring you to the parking areas and the ski lodge. Look for parking lot #1 (That is the closest parking lot to where the Mount Tecumseh trail begins.) but depending on the number of folks find whatever parking you can and just walk over to the trailhead. FYI, I drive a white Honda CRV.