SMARTS BROOK HOLIDAY HIKE AND DINNER

We decided to keep it relatively flat and hike a loop around Smarts Brook in Waterville Valley. This is a terrific winter hike through pleasant woods following Pine Flats, Yellow Jacket, and Tri Town trails. The whole loop comes out to 3.6 miles round trip with 400 feet elevation gain.

We wore jingle bells, Santa/Elf hats, and other festive holiday outfits that brought smiles to a lot of people!   Micro spikes were a must in the Pine Flats Trail but after that not so much.  The trail was a combination of snow/ice and getting softer near the end of the day. We had seasonable temperatures in the mid 30’s under cloudy skies.  

We started hiking on the Pine Flats Trail along Smarts Brook for several views down into the long gorge with sheer rocks walls adorned with picturesque frozen ice walls! We then continued to the plateau where we reached the “Christmas Tree Lot”; an unusual forest of red and white pine. We then followed Yellow Jacket Trail, crossed a cool bridge and took Tri-Town Trail to return.  

We reached the junction of the herd path at the height of land. We intrepid adventurers followed the herd path to ledge. It was cloudy today with a low cloud ceiling but usually there is a fine view of Welch/Dickey, Jennings Peak and Mad River Valley! We descended back to our vehicles admiring the many fine features found in our forests.

We then went back to our house to sit by a roasty- toasty fire, soak in the hot tub and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by Jon: Tossed Salad, Prime Rib, Vegetarian Stuffed Shells, Basmati Rice with artichokes & lemon, meatballs & hot Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, green beans and a delicious cake topped with fresh raspberries.   As always, it great seeing everyone again and wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Kick off 2025 by joining our easy New Year’s Celebration with a 3.6-mile loop hike around Smarts Brook when we wear jingle bells, Santa/elf hats; and all sorts of fun holiday apparel! Bring your own!!!

A nice objective is an easy trip following Pine Flats, Yellow Jacket and Tri-Town trails passing by the 30-foot-deep granite gorge with frozen ice, the stand of red pines and the numerous cascades! At the height of land on Tri-Town if conditions allow, we can do a short bushwhack to a seldom visited ledge with views of Welch-Dickey, Mt. Tecumseh and other surrounding mountains.

We will be hiking in early winter conditions at a very slow pace since I’m recovering from a knee replacement surgery so we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. It will be 3.6 miles with 400 ft elevation gain. There may be some ice and a coating of snow- light traction devices are mandatory. The hike will take approximately 3 hours.

What to wear/bring:  Microspikes will be necessary. We’ll let you know a few days prior if snowshoes will be needed. Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, headlamp/flashlight, water, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are taking hand warmers for our gloves. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace and soak in our hot tub 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 Saturday night. The cost is $35 for that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand