Mt. Chocorua

Today started a bit cloudy but as the day progressed we enjoyed partly sunny skies with temperatures in mid 40s with light winds on the summit.

Our goal for today was to summit Mt Chocorua via the Champney Falls Trail that departs from the Kancamagus Highway. The estimated round trip for the day is 7.6 miles.

We arrived at the trailhead and got underway around 9:15am. The parking area was probably a quarter full which is what we were hoping for since this is usually very crowded in summer. We were concerned that the snow would soften as the temperatures warmed up so we all wore snowshoes from the start.

The trail grade was very easy and somewhat follows Champney Brook that provides a great ambient sound of falling water in the forest for about the first half-hour. We hardly saw anyone for most our trek until we reached the summit cone later in the day.

The Champney Falls loop joins to the left at 1.4 miles in and rejoins about a half mile further along. We reached the base of glistening Champney Falls. We crossed the brook to take a closer look at Pitcher Falls that was simply beautiful today with its rock wall covered with ice. Then we took a trail that led us past Champney Falls, with more than 200 feet of fragile cascades spilling through a random progression of boulders.

Once we rejoined the trail, the grade became steeper but still very manageable and easy to walk. A couple miles in we started to get great views back across the valley. We then started ascending via switchbacks. On the ridge we reached the Piper Trail and made our way for the summit. It was a delightful jaunt following the yellow blazes of the Piper Trail on a weaving course over and around craggy ledges enveloped in mountain views. We kept our snowshoes on halfway up the summit cone and then switched to MicroSpikes. There were not many people on the summit, which was perfect! Usually there are loads of people on this summit.

We took some pictures, had lunch and hung around while enjoying the panoramic vistas from this legendary summit before starting down.

The hike down went without issue and was wonderful. It was nice to have the valley views all the way.

We made it back to the parking lot around 2:30pm….ahead of schedule. So we decided to take a quick jaunt to check out frozen Sabbaday Falls. Today’s hike was an excellent day in the woods and a route we would highly recommend to anyone.

Some members came back to our house where we chatted around the fireplace and eating some snacks. Jon cooked a delicious dinner of stuff chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, sausage, maple glazed pumpkin, roasted vegetables, wild rice and salad. And I can’t forget the yummy blueberry pie with ice cream!!!

Although not officially a 4000-footer, Mt Chocorua does have a lot of elevation gain so standard precautions must be made for weather, water and supplies. It was an excellent day and a wonderful hike! Thanks to everyone who attended…smooches…

Mike and Jon

Mt Chocorua [3,474 feet] is one of the most frequently photographed mountains in the world, especially since the trail contains Champney Falls!

If you crave open mountain views, few peaks in the White Mountains can compare with Mt Chocorua. You can easily name 100 mountains from the top of Chocorua on a clear day, including Mt Moosilauke, the Kinsmans, Mt Washington and the Southern Presidential Range.

There is a stream crossing at the start that can be tricky to cross with regular hiking boots without getting water in them. Bring a pair of extra socks. The trail will be covered in snow/ice/slush most of the day. We’ll take the Champney Falls Loop which the falls should be attractive this time of year with the snow melt. The summit cone has open ledges with some rock scrambling that may be covered in ice that may make people nervous. We’ll find a spot on the summit where we can get the best views for a leisurely lunch.  

HIKE DETAILS
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous due to rock scrambling and open ledges
Elevation Gain: 2,250 ft.
Total Mileage: 7.6 miles
Total Time: Approx. 6 hours, depending on pace and amount of breaks.

What to Bring [No Cotton]
-Fee for the parking area ($5 in cash)
-Hiking boots. Sneakers are not allowed, since this will be a difficult hike.
-MicroSpikes
-Wool socks plus an extra pair
-Shirt and pants that are either wool or synthetic (think workout gear)
-Insulating layer, such as a fleece. It is extremely windy at the top, so please ensure that you bring warm clothing, including a wind breaker with a hood. You may also want to consider bringing a hat and gloves.
-Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
-2 liters of water
-Headlamp (you can get by with a flashlight in a pinch). Please DO NOT use your cell phone as a flashlight.
-Food!

Carpooling: Contact each other to carpool...especially for members who don't own a car! The Wellington Station on the Orange Line is a popular location to pick up passengers. We recommend each passenger pay $30 to the driver for gas, wear/tear and car insurance. You can also meet Jon and off Exit 28 off I-93 for carpooling...contact us to let us know. 

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.

Bunk Beds Lodging Option [Men Only]: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley Friday and/or Saturday night. It's $25 for Friday and $35 on Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!