Newby White Mountain hike suggestions

[Casual Hiker]

I'm a relative newby here, and I'm also a relative neophyte to winter hiking. I am a CPA but might have an unexpected Saturday off this week, and I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a comparatively easy/non-technical 4,000 footer that I could try to bag on Saturday. I've done plenty of climbing in the Whites in the summer, and I've been thinking about Pierce or Liberty. I have a decent set of snowshoes and microspikes, but no crampons. If you have a recommendation for a relatively unskilled but eager hiker I'd love to hear it. I've never really been able to take the time to get out in the winter in the past, and I am looking forward to seeing in real life some of what I've seen in the pictures on this board. Thanks in advance!

 

[lx93]

None of the 4k'ers are "technical" in the sense that they can't be bagged w/o climbing gear. But you're right, Pierce is an easy peak- not only is Crawford Tr. the oldest trail around, it also has great footing. If you do Liberty, definitely don't go up the Flume trail, that thing has got to be Ice City right now.

Another peak that I would add would be Mt. Garfield if you do it from the North. I forget the trail name, but when I did it in 2005, it was 1 of the best around. But if you do it from Garfield Ridge Tr., well, if the stories I heard about it back then were accurate, well, it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Are your questions strictly related to "which peak is best for a newbie", or did you have other questions as well? I assume that you know enough not to wear cotton, carry TWO headlamps, dress in layers, carry LOTS of water even though the temps are cold, etc.

I'm a relative newby here, and I'm also a relative neophyte to winter hiking. I am a CPA but might have an unexpected Saturday off this week, and I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a comparatively easy/non-technical 4,000 footer that I could try to bag on Saturday. I've done plenty of climbing in the Whites in the summer, and I've been thinking about Pierce or Liberty. I have a decent set of snowshoes and microspikes, but no crampons. If you have a recommendation for a relatively unskilled but eager hiker I'd love to hear it. I've never really been able to take the time to get out in the winter in the past, and I am looking forward to seeing in real life some of what I've seen in the pictures on this board. Thanks in advance!

 

[Casual Hiker]

Just related to which peak to climb, thanks. I've got the right knowledge and equipment for the cold. I don't intend to be one of those rescues that shows up in the news! I was climbing Monadnock this past weekend, and saw three women heading up in jeans, sneakers and no water. Even on a relatively easy climb as Monadnock I thought that was pretty foolish. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm hoping to do a trail I haven't done before, just to expand my horizons a bit.

 

[erugs]

Add Tecumseh or Passaconaway to those you are considering. Pierce would have better views if the weather is spectacular, though.

 

[jniehof]

All fairly easy in winter:
Jackson
Tom/Field/Willey lollipop, although it can be a little interesting without crampons.
Moosilauke; Gorge Brook is probably the best choice since the above-treeline exposure is minimal.
Passaconaway
Tecumseh
Waumbek, although you'll spend more time driving than hiking.

And may I suggest the AMC winter hiking program next fall?

 

[sardog1]

I'll second Pierce, for two reasons. First, as mentioned the views are great if the weather's good. Second, the sheltering's good almost all the way to the summit if it isn't. It's the first 4K winter peak I think of for people starting out.

 

[sierra]

I would do Pierce for the preceding reasons plus one more, if its a nice day and you start early, you can go bag eisenhower, that would give you a taste of treeline with minimal exposure, the routes ussally packed out fairly well. Mt. Liberty would be my second choice, very safe, packed out and a beautifull summit, again if you have time you can run over to Mt. Flume, just make sure to return to Liberty, do NOT descend the Flume slide trail.

 

[mirabela]

Jackson is pretty great.

My six-year-old daughter did it last March ... I think that's where she kind of turned the corner from just being a kid who likes hiking to being a junkie like the rest of us.

 

[Barkingcat]

I'll second Pierce, for two reasons. First, as mentioned the views are great if the weather's good. Second, the sheltering's good almost all the way to the summit if it isn't. It's the first 4K winter peak I think of for people starting out.

I'll third (and fourth) Pierce, for all of the above reasons PLUS it's a short hike (via Crawford Path, just 2.99 miles one way) with limited elevation gain (barely 2300 feet).

And, to expand on what Sardog1 mentioned, there's an obvious trail corridor up high on the Crawford Path well before the intersection with the AT/Webster Cliff Trail, which is the final 0.09 miles to the summit...meaning that if the summit is cloud-socked and visibility is limited, you've an easier go of being able to find the Crawford Path to head back down.

 

[DougPaul]

I would do Pierce for the preceding reasons plus one more, if its a nice day and you start early, you can go bag eisenhower, that would give you a taste of treeline with minimal exposure, the routes ussally packed out fairly well.

One risk of going over to Eisenhower--that region is notorious for very deep spruce traps...

Doug

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

Pierce is usually one of the easiest peaks, but recent trail reports indicate that the trail is very difficult to follow above the Mizpah cutoff and turns in effect into a bushwhack up the backside. It obviously can be done, folks are doing it, but it has at present some difficulties not usually there.

Jackson most definitely is not an easy hike right now. The upper section is very difficult to follow with many false trails leading off mostly to the right.

The final ascent is right up the side of Jackson. It is a VERY steep climb or shimmy right up the side in unconsolidated snow. Saturday it was a case of climbing up and slipping back. Once up, it is a great butt slide down, but I would not put it at this moment in the easy category. Check this Trail Conditions report:http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=34968

Wildcat D up the Polecat ski trail is probably the easiest right this moment.

 

[Casual Hiker]

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm leaning toward Pierce, but I'll wait to see what the weather looks like. Here's hoping that my workload goes the way that I expect and I can actually take the day off!

 

[Becca M]

I wouldn't really recommend Pierce right now. The trip reports are correct: the tracks have cut up from Crawford path around .5 mi south of the summit. Multiple tracks through the woods could be VERY disorientating (unless you have a GPS!). I would pick something more straightforward right now!!!

 

[Casual Hiker]

I wouldn't really recommend Pierce right now. The trip reports are correct: the tracks have cut up from Crawford path around .5 mi south of the summit. Multiple tracks through the woods could be VERY disorientating (unless you have a GPS!). I would pick something more straightforward right now!!!

Hmm, no GPS, so that won't do. Maybe Liberty, then. My primary goal is to climb and have fun, my secondary goal is to not be the subject of a rescue!

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

My primary goal is to climb and have fun, my secondary goal is to not be the subject of a rescue!

Hmmm ... I would probably invert the order of your two goals

 

[sardog1]

If you can read a topographic map to recognize terrain features and use a compass with some proficiency, go to Pierce. I would not be dissuaded by the meanderings of other folks if I could do those things.

Pierce is really not that tough a problem to solve. Resist any urge to bail off to the northwest and you should be just fine.

 

[lx93]

Some people may disagree, and that's their right. But I'm w/ SARdog on this- for a hiker in decent shape w/ SOME type of cardio exercise routine, who has the right gear, knows how to use a map & compass & when to turn back if bad weather threatens, winter hiking is safer than going to a mall.

If you can read a topographic map to recognize terrain features and use a compass with some proficiency, go to Pierce. I would not be dissuaded by the meanderings of other folks if I could do those things.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

I'm a relative newby here, and I'm also a relative neophyte to winter hiking. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a comparatively easy/non-technical 4,000 footer that I could try to bag on Saturday.

Let's not miss the point here. He says he a relative neophyte to winter hiking. He just wants to get out, get the feel of winter hiking and have some fun. Personally, I'd listen to Becca and not mess around with Pierce on the first hike the way it is right now. From the trail reports I've seen Liberty looks to me to be a good choice.

 

[Bob]

Just make sure you wear your snowshoes!!

 

[Casual Hiker]

Just make sure you wear your snowshoes!!

That's the plan! Now I just have to hope that I can actually get out of work.