Welch-Dickey Loop Trail Hike

Mts. Welch and Dickey are two very popular peaks in the Waterville Valley area of NH's White Mountains.  Having a southern exposure, the Welch-Dickey trail is among the first ones to clear of snow in spring.  We will be doing the loop trail in a counterclockwise direction, for a total of approximately five miles.  Although these mountains are under 3,000 feet in height (Mt. Dickey is the tallest at 2,700 ft), the trail is exposed throughout most of the hike.  The above treeline effect is entirely man-made, as these mountains were burned of vegetation by colonial settlers in order to offer summer pasture for sheep and other farm animals.  This hike is considered moderate, but there are a couple of steep ascents which will give you a bit of a workout, though mercifully, short.  At this time of the year, the weather can range anywhere from a balmy sunny day, to sleet and snow, so please come prepared.