GET WINTER INTRO HIKE #4: BLACK MOUNTAIN
This mountain is always beautiful, but today it was exquisite! It’s a terrific hike from start to finish. One of the best scenic hikes in NH.
The trip report
Written by Gandalf
The summit of Black Mountain [2,830 feet] provides nearly 360-degree views from its wide, rocky summit, as well as a very scenic hike! The summit has a great close-up view of the massive Mt. Moosilauke. We took the Chippewa Trail up and back with a short detour to visit the historic lime kilns. Visibility was insane today with the clear air, and we could see well into VT.
Eight of us took turns breaking the trail with 12+ inches of soft powder. We wore snowshoes from start to finish. The trail is still not consolidated so snowshoes are still needed.
We met a couple of skiers on the summit with their cute dog who went up the Black Mountain Trail. Coming down we met another skier going up whose dream was to ski down Black Mountain from the Chippewa trail for years!
This mountain is always beautiful, but today it was exquisite! It’s a terrific hike from start to finish. One of the best scenic hikes in NH.
After the hike, Jeffrey returned back to our house to warm up by the fireplace and enjoying a hearty chicken cordon bleu dinner prepared by Jon!
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About this event
Our fourth of five winter introduction hikes to ease you into winter hiking leading to ascending your first winter 4,000 footer! MicroSpikes required, insulated winter hiking boots recommended and snowshoes will likely be needed since this trail is not used much in winter. We’ll let you know a few days before if snowshoes will be needed.
The summit of Black Mountain [2,830 feet] it provides nearly 360-degree views from its wide, rocky summit, as well as a very scenic hike! The summit has a great close-up view of the massive Mt. Moosilauke. We’ll be taking the Chippewa Trail up and back.
The entire hike is only 3.6 miles with 1,650 feet elevation gain. We’ll have lunch on the summit. Start time is 10:30 AM.
Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, lunch, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are packing hand warmers for our gloves. The trail will be covered with snow and ice so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes is required. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended. We’ll let you know if snowshoes will be required a few days before the hike. Since this is an introduction series, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on the clothing and gear to bring!
Après Hiking Dinner: Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley if you provide us proof of vaccination to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [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 for Friday and/or Saturday night if you provide us proof of vaccination. It’s $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!
Comments
Thanks!
I’m sorry but we don’t have any spare snowshoes…you can call around at your local outfitter and they may have rentals…REI or EMS comes to mind.
We’ve driven there before to the trailhead in winter and folks without AWD got there just fine.
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