GetFit Hike #4: Webster Slide Mountain

Today's trip was a "forest with a trail through it" kind of day. The skies were deep blue with nary a cloud and very hot/humid with temperatures in the 80's. The Wachipauka Pond Trail is part of the AT and we did an out-and-back from Route 25, stopping for picnic and swim at the shore of the pond. There are numerous tent sites in this area, and no doubt a nice stop for the thru hikers.

The first section of the trail goes up and around the shoulder of Wyatt Hill. Like most of the hike, the trail passes through a beautiful, open, hardwood forest. There are many massive trees here, including red oaks, poplars and yellow birches. Most of the elevation gain en route to the pond came here. Over the height of land, it descends a bit and approaches the northwest corner of Wachipauka Pond. We continued following the AT until we reached the intersection of Webster Slide Trail where we took a well-beaten path [and obviously maintained] to the pond itself. It brought us to a picnic area/campsite, complete with a table, a fire ring [including a grate], and numerous sites to pitch a tent. The site includes an enormous pine, which is very visible from Webster Slide above.

After a leisurely lunch and lots of swimming we headed for the Webster Slide Trail. To the left, the AT continues over Mount Mist and to the right the Webster Slide Trail ascends the mountain. This section gains as much elevation as the trip to the pond but in less than half the distance. There are stone walls in here and the land has flat sections with a few trees. I was told the land was farmed at one point and to look for cellar holes south of the trail. 

The trail continues around the northwest side of the Webster Slide Mountain, over the summit to several lookouts above the slide. We wandered down a little bit and indeed the drop off is pretty impressive. Descending 50-75' removed the few minor obstacles to a view. To the northeast is Mount Moosilauke and to the southeast is Carr Mountain, over the pond. The enormous pine on the point where the picnic/campsite area could also be seen. There are lots of blueberry bushes here. We returned the way we came in. 

Per the AMC Guidebook: "The spectacular outlook from this mountain's east ledges look straight down onto Wachipauka Pond."

If you are looking for a moderate mountain-climbing hike, then this hike to Webster Slide Mountain [2184'] with a side trip to Wachipauka Pond for lunch ma be what you had in mind.

Distance: Wachipauka Pond Trail [also the Appalachian Trail] 2.3 miles; to Webster Slide Trail to outlook 3.0miles; ~ 6.4miles roundtrip

Time: 4.25 hours

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

This is dog-friendly hike.

Hike description, trail maps and other info available at HikeNewEngland.com

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 26.

Cell Phone #: Will be provided to participants in an email.

After The Hike: We can hang out on my deck at my house in Waterville Valley for food/beer [sharing costs]. Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand