Mt. Willey Hike

We began today's hike at the Willey House Site at 9:45am. While we were waiting for a “No Show”, we chatted with an AT thru hiker from Maine [Mainer] who was on his first zero day for a long while in order to meetup with this family and friends. From the parking area we followed the Ethan Pond Trail [part of the Appalachian Trail] across RR tracks where shortly thereafter the Arethusa Falls-Ripley Falls trails begins. We continued to a stiff climb on Ethan Pond Trail through a beautiful birch stand. The grade eased about a ½ mile and we had a pleasant easy to moderate traverse through a hardwood forest to reach the junction of the Kedron Flume Trail.

Somewhat rougher climbing lead to the junction of the Willey Range Trail. The trail turned steep, over loose, gravelly sections then becoming very steep. We arrived at the largest collection of ladders I have yet to see in the White's. Not 2, not 4 but I believe there were about 11 ladders most of which were connected. It was awesome!

We got a partial view into the valley below with the river, road and train track snaking through the trees. We continued the very steep climb arriving at a knoll where the trail leveled and trees were smaller. Not the summit yet though! So we continued on becoming steep again before finally arriving into 7 foot high pines, a view point sign for a lunch.

Views are spectacular with the Presidential range in full view and Mt. Webster "close enough to touch". Views were 180 degrees from just East of Washington [in the clouds] all the way around to Carrigain.

We then continued to reach the summit cairn at 4285 ft. (no view). We then went to the western outlook with a panorama of the eastern Pemigewasset Wilderness.

We began the steep decent back the way we came. We passed a dozen people coming up, who were astounded by how steep the trail was. And how awesome, but "calf killing" the ladders were.

We descended pretty quickly, especially once we were back on the Ethan Pond Trail where things leveled out. We arrived back at the lot around 2:30pm.

When done alone, Mount Willey [4,285'] near Crawford Notch is approached from the south, going up the Willey Range Trail, which has very steep and rough sections. We'll start at the Ethan Pond Trail making this a 5.4 mile hike round trip with 2,850 foot elevation gain. At the very start there is a decent climb and then the trail levels out for a while until we reach the Willey Range Trail.

The trail then starts to get very steep leading up to a long section of wooden ladders to assist in the climb. The steps are very well maintained and definitely helpful but it may be scary for some hikers. After the steps, the trail continues to be very steep the rest of the way up.

At the top, we'll have great views across the notch to Webster Cliffs and the southern Presidentials! A bit further there is another view looking to the west of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Bonds. There are sometimes Gray Jays up here that will feed right off your hand!

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the deck and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!