MT. PROSPECT [1,952’] IMBOLC CELEBRATION HIKE AND DINNER

Mount Prospect, 2,064 feet, is a "locals" mountain in Holderness, away from the craziness that is the Squam Range! It stands alone with a discreet parking lot [street parking], a simple kiosk and no blazes. It’s on private property so it’s not listed in any trail guides. That's what makes this little mountain so great!

We were supposed to be celebrating Imbolc, making the transition from winter to spring. However, we found ourselves at the start with wind chill of 9 degrees and unpacked powder on the trails. If felt more like we back celebrating winter solstice!

Four to five inches of snow fell overnight so snowshoes were our best option. It was the first time we’ve put on snowshoes this winter and we were psyched!  

It was so beautiful to be tramping in the woods after a snowstorm! The trail starts off on an old logging road with a couple of steep pitches that warmed us up. The trail has been rerouted and flagged with pink ribbon. Gee, how did they know we were coming!

The new section makes it a more gradual ascent with switchbacks [taking hikers away from a badly eroded section] however Jon kept complaining that he didn’t like this meandering approach and would have preferred going up the old trail with a more direct approach. I personally like this approach as it was better for my knee and any excuse to stay longer in the wintry woods is fine by me!    

We made our way up and caught the impressive views off the open summit ledges! We looked over to Squam Range, Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesauke.  We continued up to the summit and signed the register.   

On the return, Jon kept insisting to go back down the old trail and Gaston was indifferent but I held my ground to stick with the new section. Besides, I thought we would help pack down the trail more. As we neared the end of new section, we saw fresh snowshoe tracks of someone who went up the old trail; Jon rested his case. :-)  

It was so cold the only time we stopped was for pictures, sips of water, views and layering changes. We thoroughly enjoyed having Gaston with us sharing his observations, winter experiences and humor. Thanks to Gaston for joining Jon and I on a delightful hike. You now know the worst kept secret by locals! :-)

Join our easy/moderate Imbolc Celebration Hike with a 3.7-mile up and back hike to Mt. Prospect! Imbolc marks the gentle transition from winter's slumber to the promise of spring. We’ll look for the first signs of life… sprouting buds, early blossoms, or the return of migratory birds. This connection with nature during Imbolc reinforces the cyclical dance of the seasons and our place within it!

The hike has two great overlooks! The views are southeast looking at Holderness and Squam Lake. The actual summit has zero views, but there is a summit marker below the cairn.

We will be hiking 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’s a steady climb to the top with 1,105 feet elevation gain.

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