Get Fit #2: Mt. Kearsarge Hike

Winter wonderland! The park was actually opened so we were able to drive right up to the trailhead. A beautiful silhouette of powdered trees amidst a carpet of soft snow made our hike up pleasurable. At the start, we were under heavy fire of snow bombs.  Snow became sticky with slushy patches and ledges being exposed by the melting snow.

The summit was surreal with swirling clouds but after having lunch at the picnic tables, the ceiling started to lift and we could see down to the valley floor picking out a couple of ski areas: Pat’s Peak and Mt. Sunapee! We ran into this impressive mid 20’s women hiking up solo carrying her 2-year old daughter and her dog, Barley. It was only her second hike!!!

We descended down the Barlow Trail into steep granite ledges with dramatic windows down in the valley. Further down, we entered into a magical deep green forest canopy of spruces slathered in white velvety snow.  

It was a pleasure to meet fellow GO member Jonny who drove up from Boston and caught up to us on our descent. As we were neared the end of our hike, the earlier heavy fire of snow bombs were exchanged snow grenades! Yikes!!!  

Back at our cars, Mike began chatting with a couple of handsome college aged guys in the car next to us and discovered after looking closely at their t-shirts, that they were part of his SNHU fraternity, Kappa Delta Phi! Mike did the secret handshake to confirm…wink…wink. Fantastic day in nature to recharge the batteries!

This is a hike up to Mount Kearsarge with outstanding 360-degree views from its bare summit!

Our second of four GetFit Hikes! We will be hiking Mt. Kearsarge [2,937 feet] up the Winslow and down the Barlow trail. The total distance covered is 2.9 miles, it should take approximately 2-3 hours and the elevation gain is 1,100 feet. On a clear day, skyscrapers from Boston 80 miles away are visible from the firetower on the summit! 

From the parking area we follow the Winslow Trail as it is steeper with considerably more rocks and roots. After several switchbacks and a good deal of rock stepping, the trail comes to a lookoff rock from which there’s the first viewpoint. The summit itself is completely open with a fire tower, picnic area, and, on a good day, an abundance of views across New Hampshire and into Vermont. The summit is large, open and rocky ~ and greatly exposed to the elements. We can wander about, climb the tower, study the views and enjoy lunch. We'll take the gentler Barlow trail for the descent. 

The trailhead is at Winslow State Park with an entrance fee of $4.00. Reservations and payment must be made in advance by clicking here. Bring a copy of your reservation either on paper or a copy on your phone at the booth before you enter into the Park. Have face mask for the trailhead and when we encounter people.  

We are keeping the hike at 10 people to make it easier to practice the recommended social distancing of keeping about 6 feet of distance between everyone. Join us for a short hike in the great outdoors for some fresh air and some much needed camaraderie!  

Hiking Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand