Red Hill Hike

Today we hiked to Eagle Cliff and Red Hill (2,030 feet) in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. We arrived at the trailhead on Bean Road around 10:00 a.m. We took the lesser used route to Red Hill, the 5.2-mile round trip hike via Eagle Cliff Trail.

We started with bare dry ground and higher up we had patches of ice that were challenging to get up. A couple guys took the Bypass while the rest of us stayed on the main trail. We went off trail and followed herd paths around the rocky scrambles that had some ice flows. One of the highlights was the ledge at Eagle Cliff, which provides sweeping views of Squam Lake and the Sandwich Range!

The initial climb is quite steep, but beyond Eagle Ledge the trail becomes easy with good footing. After climbing Eagle Cliff, we reached the intersection of the Teedie Trail where the trail was frozen granular so we put on Micro Spikes for the rest of the way to Red Hill. The remainder is a pleasant woodland walk (about 2 miles) to the summit of Red Hill. It was a beautiful winter like day with bright sun reflecting off the snow and an achingly blue sky.  The views were fantastic throughout due to it being stick season -loved the vistas of Squam Lake through the trees!   

Nearing the summit, we walked out in the open next to the fire warden’s cabin and storage cabin, and the Red Hill fire tower. We climbed the tower to the platform just under the locked cab. We bundled against the cold breeze. Squam Lakes Association has provided excellent signage on all four points of direction, labeling all peaks. The 360-degree view was great. The summit provided grand views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Mount Moosilauke Squam Range and Squam Lake; plus, Sandwich Ranges, Tripyramids, Whiteface, Passaconaway, Mt. Chocorua and the Ossipee Range!

We sat on a picnic table for lunch. Thad and Joe were kind enough to carry up a couple of thermoses of hot chocolate with mugs to share with everyone! Red Hill summit was quiet and we had it mostly to ourselves. 

We returned the way we had come, the Eagle Cliff Trail. Much of the snow had melted so Micro Spikes were no longer essential but we kept them on. We took a left and descended the Teedie Trail with interesting stone walls along the way. The road walk back to the car went by quickly.

Many of us returned back to our house to soak our tired muscles in the hot tub, chill out by fireplace and enjoyed a delicious lasagna dinner prepared by Jon. Yum!

This was one of the best days ever for a hike here - temperature was good, lake views couldn't have been better and the groups of guys enjoyable! Red Hill is well worth many more visits.

Bring your turkey sandwiches and join GayOutdoors for a hike up to the Red Hill fire tower summit via the Teedie and Eagle Cliff trails in the heart of the Lakes Region!

The views from the fire tower on this 2,030 foot peak are some of the best in the Lakes Region! The fire tower on its cleared summit commands panoramic views of both Lake Winnipesauke and Squam Lake.

Our hike, which will be a little over 5 miles and 1,750 feet elevation gain, is a hike up and back via the Eagle Cliff Trail that provides excellent views of Squam Lake and the Squam Range from Eagle Cliff itself. This route does have some steeper ledges at the start. For the return, we’ll bypass the ledges on the way down using the Teedie Trail.

Hikers must have proper cold weather gear (hat, mittens/gloves, fleece jacket, outer shell, rain gear, winter hiking boots and TRACTION/MicroSpikes) as well as water, snacks and a packed lunch. We expect to encounter ice and possibly snow at this time of year. This is a great hike for those who want to get in shape for winter hiking or those 3 season hiker who might want to try hiking in colder weather. Safety is our major concern and if conditions get icy we will use the Teedie for both ways.

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley, socialize around our fireplace and enjoy dinner! It's BYOB and it costs $10 per person. 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night. Its $25 dollars for Friday night and $25 for Saturday night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have 4 bunks available so the first 4 guys that contact us to reserve will get one; and let us know which night[s] you’ll be lodging with us. You’re on your own for dinner Friday night but you’re welcome to use our kitchen facilities to cook!