Mt. Pemigewasset [Indian Head] Pride Hike

Warm sun, beautiful day, and 10 gay hikers with rainbow flags. Who could ask for more? This is a big bang for your buck peak! Each of us had a rainbow flag poking out of packs for the up back 3.6 mile hike.

It’s important to celebrate pride in the extreme places and the mundane. Every person who celebrates is another example of who queer people are and what we can do. It’s a chance to remind the world, and ourselves, that our potential is limitless and is in no way inhibited by our sexuality or gender identity.

The trail featured stone stairs, bridges and numerous switchbacks to keep our mind and body active on the way to the top. Although most of the hike occurs in the forest, there is still a lot to see including mushrooms, fungus, chipmunks, streams and even funny looking trees!

This peaks summit's [2,557’] views have nothing second rate about them. From the top, granite slabs and ledges drop away nearly 1,500 feet into the floor of Franconia Notch. The summit panorama is quite impressive from the top as you gaze down upon the floor of the notch and the mountain gives a much mightier impression than its elevation suggests.

We had no lost or misplaced souls on our trek. In fact, with our rainbow flags flapping in the breeze, our souls were filled with pride and appreciated the words of support from the hikers we met during the day! We don’t have to just go to the gay pride events to celebrate Pride. We can be open and out anywhere, and that means hiking up mountains with rainbow flags flapping in the breeze and meeting our gay brothers/sisters and allies. It’s good to know we are not the only gay people hiking that mountain on a certain day. In fact we added a new member on this day!

After the hike, almost everyone returned back to our house to hang out on the Mad River for swimming and sunbathing. We then hung out on our deck for a bit for some drinks and appetizers followed by a delicious BBQ dinner!   Another nice event with a great group and cast of characters!

Our Pride Hike offers excellent views from near-summit ledges with a fun social mixer to follow back at our house with swimming/sunbathing in the Mad River and a BBQ!

Celebrate Gay Pride with Mike and Jon on this 3.6 mile hike with 1,250 feet elevation gain up Mt. Pemigewasset [2,557 ft.]. We will distribute rainbow flags at the trailhead to stick outside of our packs as we hike for equality!

Mt. Pemigewasset is a very popular hike in the Franconia Notch region, and for good reason. It’s near summit ledges offer excellent views.  

Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch on at the summit. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to hang out for a couple hours alongside the Mad River for swimming/sunbathing, socialize around the deck and enjoy a BBQ! It's BYOB and it costs $10 per person. Bring your swim trunks/towel. We have to cross the shallow Mad River to reach our sandy beach so bring sandals or old sneakers; flip flops will not work.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night for with proof of vaccination. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $35 Saturday that includes BBQ. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Limited to four so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!