STINSON MOUNTAIN [2900']

What a fantastic day! The weather was absolutely perfect for a winter hike, with temperatures in the upper 30s and clear blue skies stretching above us. Snowshoes were a must for the unpacked powder on the trail, and we were certainly glad to have them. The conditions were ideal for a hike, and the views at the summit more than made up for any effort put into the climb.

We started our adventure at the trailhead for Stinson Mountain, which begins along an old farm road. The easy grades made for a relaxed start, and the trail passed through an area crisscrossed with snow-covered stone walls. It was a peaceful spot, rich with history and natural beauty. Before long, we joined a snowmobile trail and turned left, continuing onward. Both the hiking and snowmobile trails were in excellent condition, making it easy for these two recreational activities to coexist. Along the way, we encountered more than 25 snowmobilers, so while the area wasn’t exactly quiet, the vibe was still enjoyable.

The pace was leisurely as we continued up the snowmobile trail, and we decided not to take the official trail split that would have led us to the right. This gave us plenty of opportunities to stop, chat about the nature around us, and share a few laughs. The day was a lovely blend of learning about the environment and enjoying each other's company.

At one point, we found ourselves breaking a herd path that guided us to a stunning viewpoint of Stinson Lake and Mount Moosilauke. The view was absolutely breathtaking and provided a perfect backdrop for the final push to the summit. As we reached the summit ledges, we were greeted by the fire tower pylons—our signal that we had arrived at the top.

The summit of Stinson Mountain offered panoramic views, primarily to the south. It was the ideal spot for a lunch break, where we could savor both the beautiful scenery and our meal. While at the top, we shared the space with a few snowmobilers and even spotted a snowman soaking up the sun—an amusing surprise that added a bit of fun to the experience.

On our way down, Gaston decided to have a little extra fun and used his sled to ride down the snowmobile trail. The descent was a blast, and we all returned back to our house to relax by the fireplace. Everyone gathered with their drinks and enjoyed some appetizers, and Jon treated us to a mouthwatering meal: grilled New York Strip Sirloin steaks topped with mushrooms and grilled onions, alongside roasted potatoes, carrots, asparagus, and a tossed salad. We saved room for dessert: a Chantilly Cream sponge caked topped with fresh berries. The meal was absolutely delicious!

To top off the day, we ended with a soothing soak in the hot tub to ease our tired muscles. It was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful winter hike.

This was truly an unforgettable winter hiking experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a beautiful and peaceful outdoor adventure. The camaraderie with the group of GO hikers made the journey even more enjoyable, and we’re all already looking forward to our next adventure together!

Join us for an intermediate hike to Stinson Mountain in Rumney, NH. This mid-sized mountain on the 52 with a view list, provides a moderate half-day winter trek with good views south over the Baker River valley and NW towards Stinson Lake and Mt. Moosilauke! We will be taking the snowmobile trail up and back to the 2900-ft. summit as i continue to recover from my knee replacement. We may encounter snowmobiles.

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 and camaraderie We’ll have lunch on the summit. The hike is 4.2 miles with 1,400 feet gain.

Microspikes will be needed most times however if we’ve had a snowstorm prior to the hike, then we might need snowshoes. I’ll monitor trail conditions and update the group before leaving. If weather/snow conditions are questionable, the leader would cancel.

For the hike we recommend wearing insulated hiking boots since the snow melt will get into boots making your feet cold. Don't forget to wear layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, handwarmers, warm hat, water, lunch, snacks, etc.

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 Friday and/or Saturday night. The cost is $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!

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand