Mt. Chocorua Loop Hike

On Saturday, April 30th, four of us met up at the Piper Trailhead parking lot behind the Davis Campground at 8:45AM.  We were Jim, Martin, Robert and myself.  By just before 9AM we were ready and we started up the Piper Trail.  It was a bit chilly to start the day, but skies were clear and blue with nearly no wind.

The Piper Trail was initially fairly wide and ascended at a moderate grade.  By 9:30 we had reached the junction with the Nickerson Ledge Trail.  We turned onto this trail and it immediately began to climb more aggresively.  The trail leveled out after about 10 minutes and there was a view of Bald Mountain from the first ledge.  At just before 10AM we turned onto the Carter Ledge Trail.  This trail ascended more aggresively, but offered lots of views towards Mt. Chocorua in the process.  After another half-an-hour we were treated to a view of Mt. Washington to the north.  The trail then descended briefly before beginning its climb up to the Carter Ledge.  We reached the ledge by 11:15.  It consisted of a narrow ledge, which then transitioned to a small area of smooth, sloped granite, which had to be carefully maneuvered (there was a good drop-off).  None of us had too much difficulty with it, but I could understand, why it might bother some.  After another 15 minutes of climbing we reached the Middle Sister Trail and we took this up.  By 11:40 we were on an open ledge of the first "sister".  We took a snack break, while we chatted with some other hikers here.  From here we descended again briefly before climbing up to the more open Middle Sister with is shell of a old fire tower foundation.  The views from here were fantastic in all directions.  It was just before noon and we pressed on.  We were up on the open summit of the third "sister" in only another 15 minutes.  After this we descended and reached the trail junction with the Champney Falls Trail by 12:20PM.  As we headed to the summit of Mt. Chocorua, there was finally a good amount of snow and ice on the trail as the trail progressed through the small wooded col.  After emerging from the woods, we just had the final open, rocky summit to ascend.  This was fairly quick and we summited Mt. Chocorua (3475') at 12:45PM.  After taking a group photo, we found a nice area just below the summit to enjoy our lunches.

After a decent lunch break, we started back down by 1:30PM.  We re-traced our steps off of the summit back to woods and this time turning onto the Piper Trail.  As we descended this trail, we once again encountered open ledges again by a little after 2PM.  There were great views back towards the summit and over to the ridgeline that we had ascended.  We took another short snack break on the second of these ledges.  It was shortly after these ledges that the trail descended back into the woods and in short time we passed the spur for Camp Penacook.  The rest of the trail back was a modest descent through the woods and we again reached the trailhead parking lot by 4PM.

Jim had a long drive home and the rest of us had decided to spend the night in the area, so we dispersed.  Later in the evening after cleaning up, Martin, Robert and myself drove into North Conway and had a nice meal at Chef’s Bistro.

What a fantastic day!  Perfect weather, a beautiful hike with lots of spectacular views, and great conversation and camaraderie among everyone throughout the day.  Who could ask for more!  I had only ever done Mt. Chocorua from the Champney Falls Trail and this route blew that away with near constant open ledges and ridgeline that the Three Sisters provides.  The Carter Ledge was not as scary as some forums made it sound, but I could see why some wouldn't like it.  Overall, this hike was a huge thumbs up!  Thanks to Jim, Martin and Robert for joining me on the adventure.

Join me for this 9.3 mile loop hike, which will encompass the the steep Carter Ledges, the Three Sisters and the summit of Mount Chocorua.  While not a 4000-footer, Mount Chocorua has the feel of one.  It is very rugged and has excellent 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests.  Mount Chocorua's distinctive, bare summit can be seen from almost every direction and can be identified from many points throughout central New Hampshire and western Maine. The hike will ascend via the Piper and Carter Ledge Trails to the Carter Ledge and the Three Sisters (subpeaks).  After ascending the summit, we'll return by way of the Piper Trail.  There are lots of spectacular views along this route! 

NOTE:  This route may be modified, if there is rain or ice on the rocks, as the Carter Ledge Trail can be very dangerous.  This is NOT for the faint of heart.  If you are uncomfortable with heights and a steep drop-off, this is not for you!  Appropriate hiking boots with good traction are a must! 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  9.3 miles with approximately 2800 feet in cumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  7.5 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 

Rain or harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical spring hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, a windbreaker/raingear and extra layers (e.g. fleece)...or winter jacket depending on forecasted conditions in the Whites.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area.