Advice needed for hike with my wife.

[onrhodes]

I want to take my wife on a hike this weekend. She is not in killer shape, but I think she will do better then she thinks. Something with nice views, a little bit out of the ordinary, and within 1-1.5 hours of Concord, NH.
We've done Cardigan and the Ridge poles together before.
I know Welch-Dickey is pretty fun, but I've done it at least 5 times before.
I'm thinking about taking her up Osceola for two reasons. It bags me another 4,000 footer and it doesn't sound exceptionally tough.
I was wondering if anyone here can recommend anything good.
I'm thinking no more then 5-6 miles round trip for her.

Thanks,
-Pete

 

[Darwin]

My wifes biggest confidence boost came when we hiked chocorua a few years back via liberty trail. It is a little longer than you said you wanted but it's pretty easy going and the views from the top and the ledges are awesome.

 

[Bob Kittredge]

Monadnock and Jennings Peak (on the way up to Sandwich Dome)

Osceola is a little more elevation, but it's an easy trail (from Tripoli Road) with rewarding views.

 

[coldmountain]

One trick I used when I was in the same situation was to plan a slighter peak with great views of 4000'ers nearby.

Mt. Pemigewasset ; Moosilauke and the whole Franconia Ridge off the back.
The Moats; Carrigain and the lower Pemi.
Avalon; Tom, Field, Willey and across to the southern Presis.
There are countless"little" mountains with big views that can inspire a hesitant hiker to plan for both physically and mentally.

Osceola is one of the easiest 4000'ers I can remember.(From Tripoli) Nice grade, pleasant woods, good views too. "Jeez would ya just look at East peak over there....it looks so close....and thats Tripyramid over there and Tecumseh and Sandwich....
Good Luck!

 

[Double Bow]

Hedgehog is a great beginner hike as is Stinson and will give you a lot of reward for modest effort!

 

[Periwinkle]

Osceola is a good choice for your criteria. The footing is a little rocky just at the beginning but none of it is too tough. Sweet little view of Waterville Valley for your efforts. And East Osceola isn't as tough as it sounds, this coming from one who loathes any trail with the words "steep" and "rocky" in the same sentence. I even got my golden retriever up and down the bypass to the chimney.

Alternatively, you could tag the East peak while the wife lounged on the lunch ledge on Osceola if you aren't adverse to a bit of solo hiking (NOT recommended unless you and she are very comfortable with this concept). It took me a little less than an hour to go out and back, and I'm as slow as, well, that little purple snail under my user name.

Two other "easy" 4's are Eisenhower and Pierce. I really enjoyed both peaks and the trails to them. Talk about nice views! On the outside edge of your driving time, but worth it. Talking the wife to treeline on a nice day might infect her with the hiking bug. Did it for me!

For the totally out of the ordinary, a nice easy little hike is Goodrich Rock off of the Greeley Ponds trail. Nice view of Waterville from the other side.

Have fun wherever you go!

 

[Mark_Goodearl]

Mt. Morgan!

Another suggestion is to hike Mt. Morgan, it has a nice view of Squam Lake. If you are both comfortable at that point you could go over to Percival and make a loop of it. Here's someone's review. I hope you have a fun, enjoyable hike together!

PS. There's a geocache up on Morgan, too, if you're into that.

 

[DrewKnight]

I would second ColdMountain's nomination of Mt Pemigewasset (aka The Indian Head) in Franconia Notch (leaves from the Flume Visitor's Center). We did it two weeks ago with our kids -- relatively short hike (1.8 miles one way), relatively steady grade, trail in good shape (a little muddy when we hiked it), and an unbeatable panorama when you get there.

 

[Jim lombard]

Mark's suggestion of Percival Morgan loop is good. You can add Mt Squam also, I love the walk along the ridge between Percival and Squam, plus there should be a few ripe blueberries up there right now. Great views for the effort.

Osceola is a really nice hike from Thornton gap, go early so you can spend a few minutes enjoying the summit without the crowds.

 

[DougPaul]

Mark's suggestion of Percival Morgan loop is good. You can add Mt Squam also, I love the walk along the ridge between Percival and Squam, plus there should be a few ripe blueberries up there right now. Great views for the effort.

I'd like to join the chorus--a very nice modest hike. Did it this winter a few days after my 14.5 hr Isolation solo bushwack.

Doug

 

[NewHampshire]

onrhodes,
My sister and I really started getting serious about hiking this year. To lead ourelves into the beginnings of our 48 attempt I eased us into longer and longer hikes. Almost all were in Southern New Hampshire. I think there are so VERY charming mountains south of the Whites you might enjoy. My pick? Why not Kearsarge in Warner. Youve got 2 approach options. #1 is a real short 1/2 mile to the top with some minor scrambling. On this one you drive most of the way up along the old Bridle Path, and there are viewpoint ledges along the way. Option #2 is on the western side. There are 2 trails that share the same trailhead, and both are roughly a mile long. At the top you find a barren summit with a firetower and panoramic views. Kearsarge kinda sits alone but you get a skyline chocked full of distant peaks, and you look down on a number of communities. Definetly worth it!
Brian

 

[weatherman]

I'd echo the others but add that Mt Willard in Crawford Notch has the biggest view to effort ratio other than Welch/Dickey IMHO, and also I thought Pierce or Jackson were the easiest 4000 footers I've done in NH, both with great views (if you need them for your list). OK, well Hale was easy but really boring. Enjoy.

Weatherman

 

[DougPaul]

I'd echo the others but add that Mt Willard in Crawford Notch has the biggest view to effort ratio other than Welch/Dickey IMHO

Avalon requires a little more effort, but also has a fantastic view of the notch.

Doug

 

[LenDawg]

I'm in a similar situation. I'd like to get someone excited about hiking, but I don't want to kill her. Something short and easy, with great views... but what I've been told is that WEATHER is the key for enjoyment. Thoughts?

 

[luv2hike]

There are so many great hikes. Mt Willard is one of my favorite hikes but I like to save that for foliage season. Garfield as a single hike is fairly easy but a bit more mileage than you may want to attempt. Take the Garfield Trail off of Route 3 in Twin Mountain.

 

[Periwinkle]

I'm in a similar situation. I'd like to get someone excited about hiking, but I don't want to kill her. Something short and easy, with great views... but what I've been told is that WEATHER is the key for enjoyment. Thoughts?

Weather is key to a really great day out. Sweating your butt off, getting rained on, chillin' in July... none of that does much for endearing your dearest to hiking. Neverminding the usual temperature variables alone, women have more B.S. to deal with than men, things most guys wouldn't even consider, e.g., my curly braided hair crawls up my scalp with the slightest dampness, giving me a mega-headache. Most guys don't have to worry much about things like their hair-dos, poorly-fitting sports bras, answering everyone of nature's calls with a big production, etc. Just another day on the trail for me....

If you really want to get your better half thinking that hiking is a good time (and that you are a god amongst men), pick a premium day (not to hot, clear skies, a bit of a breeze to ward off the bugs) and give a thought to:

• Carrying the extra water, leaving her with just her Nalgene or Camelback to tote
• Remembering to bring along extra TP and being the bearer of the cathole shovel, then standing trail guard while she answers nature's call
• Packing a summit surprise for your sweetie -- a mini picnic, a bit of vino, or her favorite candy bar
• And, most importantly, FOLLOWING. Let her lead at her own pace, following at a decent interval to suggest that her pace is just perfect. Suggest a break if you think she's pushing too hard.

The right trail (footing/distance), a nice view for the effort, and weather are critical. These are just a few little thoughts that might help. You're already on the right thoughtful track.

Just don't be surprises if your S.O. is tougher than you think!

 

[LenDawg]

Periwinkle, thanks alot for the reply. That is some good advice, and I definitely wouldn't be surprised if she does better than I do!!! Thanks again.