Descending Nelson Crag Trail

[marty]

Hi all -

I am considering descending the Nelson Crag trail on a hike up Mt. Washington. Just wondering if it is a daunting descent. The WMG Guide shows it as steep, but nothing too crazy, but I want to be sure.

Appreciate your advice.

thanks,
Marty

 

[David Metsky]

It's nothing like Tuckerman, Lions Head, or especially Huntington. It's a steep, rough trail, but it's still a hike, not a climb.

-dave-

 

[sierra]

I have decended the Nelson Crag trail, while not the worst descent ever, its a long knee grinder for sure, tucks is alot easier so is the head.

 

[audrey]

My least favorite way down. And coupled with the eroded Old Jackson Road, once was enough. The other routes give you more variety and variation in pitch - perhaps that's why I like them better.

But then, that would still be better than sitting in my boss's office...

 

[TMax]

I have to agree with the others. It's not a very desireable descent. It's definitely tough on the knees and very "scraggly." I much prefer Lion Head for a picturesque, extremeley varied, and easier way down. Maybe try going up Nelson Crag and down tucks or lionhead?

 

[sweeper]

Gotta go with all the above, BUT if you ain't done it, you'll HAVE to do it later and maybe your knees won't be so good.

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Nelson Crag

It's a long rock hop down before you get back in the trees, but as Dave M says, it's a hike, not a climb. Personally, I prefer the climb to the descent. I agree with TMax, you should consider climbing that way and descending Tux or Lion Head, (not Huntington). My wife dog and I climbed NC during the Mount Washington Observatory's Seek th Peak hike-a-thon a few years back. Besides all the Seek the Peakers there were hundreds of others on a beautiful July weekend climbing the east side of MW. We saw only one other person on the whole trail until we reached the area of Ball Crag.

KDT

 

[peakbagger]

It always feels like a real long way to get off the Mtn. The upper section is nice and has a slightly different view than some of the other ways down the mtn, but the woods slog isnt anything special. It doesnt get much traffic which is good for a busy weekend.

 

[marty]

Thanks everyone,

I will look to ascend Nelson Crag and descend using another route.

Regards,
Marty