Since finishing off the 4000 footers a couple of years ago, I have been mostly hiking 3000 footers on my annual trip up north. It has certainly not been a comedown or a disappointment because you have so many interesting and distinctive 3K peaks, many of which involve hikes of equal or greater exertion than a lot of 4Ks and many of which are more beautiful or provide better views than a lot of 4Ks. Most people on VFTT are well aware of the attraction of these lower peaks and although some are already quite popular, like Chocorua, many others are less visited and under-appreciated, like Shelburne Moriah. There are a host of wonderful 3K hikes in NH but just to mention a few of my favorites;
Best Summit Profile: Chocorua, 3500
Especially seen up close from First or Middle Sister, that rocky cone is very impressive
Best Views: Crawford, 3119
The view of Crawford Notch is unparalleled not to mention the Southern Presidential ridge from Webster to Washington.
Best Hike: The Baldfaces, North 3610, and South 3570
A long stretch of time above treeline and great views of the Wild River Wilderness as well as into Maine
One reason why some of these 3Ks are as difficult or more difficult than a lot of 4Ks is the starting elevation at the trailhead. For instance Shelburne Moriah is only 3735 high but you start out at an elevation of just 760 feet at the trailhead. And for the Baldface loop which tops out on North Baldface at 3610, you are starting way down at 520 feet. Anyway, I'm enjoying working my way through these 3Ks interspersed with at least one big hike a year on a different route from what I used in the past (Washington via Nelson Crag Trail, Jefferson via Caps Ridge, Adams via Lowes Path, etc). I still have Smarts, Success, Tremont, the Moats, and the Royces to look forward to among the 3Ks. Happy trails to all.
Photo credit: wide angle photo stitches by Kman
Best Summit Profile: Chocorua, 3500
Especially seen up close from First or Middle Sister, that rocky cone is very impressive
Best Views: Crawford, 3119
The view of Crawford Notch is unparalleled not to mention the Southern Presidential ridge from Webster to Washington.
Best Hike: The Baldfaces, North 3610, and South 3570
A long stretch of time above treeline and great views of the Wild River Wilderness as well as into Maine
One reason why some of these 3Ks are as difficult or more difficult than a lot of 4Ks is the starting elevation at the trailhead. For instance Shelburne Moriah is only 3735 high but you start out at an elevation of just 760 feet at the trailhead. And for the Baldface loop which tops out on North Baldface at 3610, you are starting way down at 520 feet. Anyway, I'm enjoying working my way through these 3Ks interspersed with at least one big hike a year on a different route from what I used in the past (Washington via Nelson Crag Trail, Jefferson via Caps Ridge, Adams via Lowes Path, etc). I still have Smarts, Success, Tremont, the Moats, and the Royces to look forward to among the 3Ks. Happy trails to all.
Photo credit: wide angle photo stitches by Kman
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