Mt. Pemigewasset Halloween Hike

Jon and I arrived at the Flume Visitor Center northern end of the bike path around noon. It had been raining for the drive up so we were expecting a few people not showing up. But everyone who signed up were there…some having umbrellas.

Jon and I were the only ones dressed up for Halloween…this year’s theme was aliens. However Kevin did put on his Ninja outfit on the summit.

We began walking up the bike path and in a few minutes took a left to proceed up the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail which was an incredibly beautiful trail!  The trail itself starts interestingly enough - three highway underpasses in rapid fire. After this, the trail starts rather gradually up the slope of the mountain, traversing to the north a bit.

The trail parallels various streams that cascade and slide over rock and stone.  During the hike as we took breaks, Mike read the story of the famous Betty and Barney Hill alien abduction that took place near this mountain. Many large rocks and boulders (larger than a bulldozer) dotted the landscape.  The trail was leaf covered and the trees were bare allowing deep views into the woods.  A very aesthetically pleasing trail. It rained off and on; so there were muddy areas and in some cases puddles once we reached the ridge.

Soon, the rocky summit of Mt. Pemigewasset could be seen through the trees and the gentle ascent got much steeper and rougher as we began to encounter snow.  The steep rocky final ascent to the summit was over before it seemed to have begun.  Coming out of the trees onto the rocky granite ledges of Mt. Pemigewasset’s summit provided an eerie atmosphere since we were surrounded by fog. We explored the granite ledges and got a brief glimpse of the landscape below as the clouds separated.

We descended the same way we hiked up and found Barry resting on one of the large boulders who then turned around to join us. The descent was very quick down a moderately easy continuous pitch.  We did not see any other hikers the entire day.

Everyone returned back to our house for some snacks by the fireplace, a delicious home cooked meal prepared by Jon and a pumpkin cake for dessert! We watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” to go along with the alien theme and it was a nice way to wind down. Everyone had an extremely enjoyable time with pleasant conversation.  

Trip Report by Mike
Pictures by Jon

Mount Pemigewasset is a 2,557 foot mountain located in Lincoln, NH right off I-93. It is also known as Indian Head. The mountain is on the 52 with a view hiking list, because it is under 4,000 feet in elevation and offers incredible views from the bare open summit. Mileage is 3.5 miles roundtrip with a 1,170 feet of elevation gain. 

For our third year, we are having a Halloween Hike and this year it's the site of the first alien abduction! In 1961, a couple spotted UFO's in Franconia Notch and were later abducted. We'll tell you the entire story as we hike up the mountain. 

Alien costumes recommended to wear during the hike but not required. Hike will be followed with appetizers by the fireplace, dinner [$10 per person] and watching an alien abduction movie. It's BYOB and please bring snacks to share. Lodging in one of our bunk beds for Saturday night with breakfast is available for $35 [includes cost of dinner] and RSVP with us. 

It is chilly this time of year so bring warm layers of clothing [no cotton], warm hat & gloves, water, lunch and snacks. Please contact us if you have any questions.