Plymouth Mountain Winter Hike

We wanted to stay somewhat local so we chose Plymouth Mountain [2,187 ft.], which you can see from I-93.  We also figured the trail would be broken out since it was a somewhat popular “locals” hike.   We were right on all accounts, and this hike turned out to be a hit.  All we needed was MicroSpikes.

Plymouth Mountain is located in Plymouth, New Hampshire and is also the highest point in Plymouth.   The actual summit is wooded but nearby ledges and Pikes Peak offer views to the north and east.  An elevation gain of 1500’ is pretty easy for those that like light hikes in the woods, and is a good one for beginners that gets the heart rate up with just a 3 hour commitment of time.

We headed up the Fauver Link Trail from the parking area off of Old Hebron Road. The trail crosses an old logging road at about 0.4 miles in. And then we continued on the Sutherland Trail.

It was really easy hiking through nice woods. After two miles we took the side trail to the ledge know as Pike’s Peak with marvelous 180-degree views! We had lunch here.  The vistas are very far away …40 miles or so, as the crow flies.  It's a wonderful "in-person" experience to see so many of the high peaks in the White Mountains from one spot.  

We then continued another half mile to the summit of Plymouth Mountain. The summit is wooded but if you continue past the sign you'll the a sign with "Newfound View" with a gorgeous southern facing ledge just five minutes away.  From Newfound Ledge, we could see the Uncanoonuc Mountains by Manchester, Ragged Mountain Ski Area, Newfound Lake, Mt Kearsarge and nearby Mt Cardigan.

We then headed back down. The woods again are super nice so it was an enjoyable and quick descent back out to the car.

Overall, an enjoyable 5 mile meander.  Nice woods, trail was easy to follow and really decent views from Pikes Peak and Newfound Ledge.  Add in a sunny day with brisk 20 degree air and a fun crew it was a great hike!

Some of us stopped in Plymouth for a quick tour of the White Mountain Natural History Museum then drove over to see Mike who had missed the hike due to a head cold but nicely had the fireplace going and appetizers waiting for us.  Later on after dinner we surprised Rick with a birthday cake – Happy 53!

Thank you GO members for joining me this day – I can’t wait for the next adventure!

~ Jon Normand

Plymouth Mountain is a moderate hike nicely softened by the presence of snow.  We will hike the Fauver Link and Sutherland Trails to Pike’s Peak and Plymouth Mountain (2193') with stunning views and worth the climb! We start on the Fauver Link trail through the forest that first starts at easy grade and begins to climb moderately after a stream crossing. At 0.4 miles we reach the Sutherland Trail, and at 2 miles we reach the blue-blazed trail to Pike’s Peak with tremendous views to the White Mountains and east to Squam Lake and Ossipee Range; it also allows for easy sitting/viewing. We’ll then continue the climb over rough ledges to the wooded summit of Plymouth Mountain. Just below the summit there is a large rock ledge [with a sharp drop off on both sides] with more wide ranging views than Pike’s Peak!  

Distance:      5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1463 feet

After the hike, we’ll drive into Plymouth and view the exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains: Forecasting Climate Change and Water Impact. The museum is run by the Plymouth State University and free of charge.

What to wear/bring: Wear warm clothing suitable for the hike in layers...no cotton or blue jeans.  Wear a warm hat and gloves and bring hand warmers as a precaution. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike. Make sure your pack is big enough to place your jacket and excess clothing into it as you warm up. For footwear, have winter insulated boots and MicroSpikes in case we encounter icy trails. We may need snowshoes if we had a snowstorm just prior to the hike…we’ll let you know a few days before. Contact us if you have any questions. 

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH. It's $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!