GET FIT HIKE #3: MT. KEARSARGE

Beautiful day for a hike with a great crew of guys! Could not believe how nice the weather was!!! Summer like temperatures in the 80’s, warm and sunny. Black flies were present throughout much of the day including the summit but insect repellent definitely helped.

The way going up is reasonable for anyone in even decent shape — and I’m not talking about any measure of “I go to the gym 3 times weekly” shape. It was perfect for our GetFit Hike #3!

The trail was easy to follow with abundant blazes. Mountain therapy! This mountain never disappoints. Views on the way up, at the summit and on the way down all spectacular.

We took breaks on the overlooks on the ascent to take in the vistas. The views just got better the further we went up! We had lunch on the summit taking in the breathtaking views in all directions! We saw deep into Vermont, up to the White Mountains, and south to Monadnock. Some of us climbed up the fire tower for better views.  

We took the steeper Winslow Trail up and the gentler Barlow Trail down. Heading back down wasn’t perfectly easy on the knees but compared to most hikes in the Whites, it was easy. Thanks so much for joining us on the hike fellas!

Our third of four GetFit Hikes to get fit for summer hiking! This is a hike up to Mount Kearsarge with outstanding 360-degree views!!!

Our third of four GetFit Hikes to get fit for summer hiking! This is a hike up to Mount Kearsarge with outstanding 360-degree views from its bare summit!!!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; for NH Seniors it’s free.    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