Mt. Chocorua Loop Hike

Please join me for this 9.3 mile loop hike, one of the prettiest NH loops IMHO. It which will encompass the Carter Ledges, the Three Sisters and the summit of Mount Chocorua. While not a 4000-footer, Mount Chocorua has the feel of one.  It is very rugged and has excellent 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests.  Mount Chocorua's distinctive, bare summit can be seen from almost every direction and can be identified from many points throughout central New Hampshire and western Maine. The hike will ascend via the Piper and Carter Ledge Trails to the Carter Ledge and the Three Sisters (subpeaks).  After ascending the Chocorua summit, we'll return by way of the Liberty, Hammond, Weetamoo trails back down to the Piper trail.  There are lots of spectacular views along this route! 

NOTE:  Appropriate hiking boots with good traction are a must!  If anyone is uncomfortable with the steep drop-off at the Carter Ledges, they can take Piper trail all the way up to the Three Sisters trail and meet up with us at the Three Sisters summit. 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  9.3 miles with approximately 2800 feet in cumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  6-7.5 hours depending on breaks and the group's speed. 

Harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring: Typical winter hiking gear: multi-layers of wicking (not cotton) hiking clothes, hiking boots (winter preferable), micro spikes, snowshoes potentially (will be recommended to bring or not before the hiking day), sunscreen, sunglasses, hand warmers, extra layers, etc.. Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange.