"The guides were outstanding and the women on this trip were friendly and fun. Having two options for hiking each day was great for those of us less experienced." RD, Ohio
Highlights:
- Having hiking options, from trails that traverse rocky and windswept ridges to others that lead through hardwood forest to waterfalls
- Having lemonade at one of the AMC huts
- Staying in a private lodge with individual rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and sauna
- Visiting the town of North Conway
The White Mountains of New Hampshire provide some of the most diverse mountain hiking to be found anywhere. Over 400 miles of hiking trails crisscross this vast area, much of which is wilderness. Some trails lead to rugged summits, traversing rocky and windswept ridges, with steep climbs and few switchbacks. Other trails lead through northern hardwood forest, past beaver ponds, to waterfalls and overlooks. Most days we will offer a choice between a more moderate trail (4-6 miles with less than 1500 feet elevation gain) and a longer route with significant elevation gain. Whether you're new to hiking and are more interested in spending time outdoors at one of the loveliest times of year, or a seasoned hiker interested in finding some challenging hiking, the White Mountains provide endless choices.
This trip is for: any woman who exercises regularly at a moderate level, and who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. Women who are interested in the more strenuous hikes should be in very good physical condition, as all entail significant elevation gains.
Accommodations:
- four nights in Four Seasons Lodge, a private ten bedroom mountain lodge with an indoor swimming pool and dance floor. Everyone has their own room.
Maximum group size: 10
Trip price: $1025* (deduct $50 for registration prior to 4/24/08). $200 deposit. If you are coming with someone with whom you would like to share a room, you can each deduct $200 fom the trip price.
Trip price includes:
- experienced guides
- four nights lodging in single occupancy rooms
- all meals from lunch Sunday to lunch the following Thursday
- round-trip transportation from the Manchester, NH airport is available for $75
Trip starts: on August 24 at 12:30 in North Conway. If you are flying in, meet at the Manchester Airport (MHT) at 10:30 am
Trip ends: after lunch on August 28. If you are flying, you can plan to fly out after 3 pm
More information: a summary of all this information, packing list and notes on packing list, and general information (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For pictures from our 2004 trip, click here
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Itinerary
The following itinerary should be considered a general guideline, intended to give a sense of the possibilities. We may follow it exactly, or we may vary it depending on the weather, the interests of the group, or new opportunities.
August 24: Our journey begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Mountain Wanderer Bookstore, located off Rte. 112 in Lincoln, NH. If you're flying in, we'll pick you up at the Manchester, New Hampshire airport at 10:30 a.m. After introducing ourselves, we'll drive down the Kancamagus Highway, and stop for a hike to 2 scenic ponds on the Greely Pond trail, have a picnic lunch, and potentially go for a swim. After the hike we will continue on to our lodging for the week.
Each of the next 3 days we'll offer a choice between a more moderate trail (4-6 miles with less than 1500 feet elevation gain) and a longer route with significant elevation gain.
August 25: Today we will hike scenic trails near our lodge in North Conway. The moderate hike will start at Echo Lake State Park with a hike up to Cathedral and White Horse Ledges (out and back 3.8 miles, 950ft). Depending on time and energy we might next drive over to Diana's Baths, a series of scenic cascades formed by Lucy Brook running over ledges and through large potholes (.5 mi. 100 ft), or possibly into town. The longer route will hike North Moat Mountain by way of Diana's Baths, taking the Red Ridge Trail up to a ridge above tree line, over North Moat Mountain (3196'), and returning to the parking area by the Moat Mountain Trail. This is a beautiful hike that traverses numerous open ledges, affording views in nearly every direction (9 miles and 2760 ft.).
August 26: Today the moderate hike will go to Zealand Falls Hut, a 2.8 mile hike in with an elevation gain of 450 feet. Women in this group wanting a longer hike can hike to Zeacliff, which offers a spectacular view and adds another mile each way with 1000’ elevation gain. After returning to the car we'll visit the historic Mt Washington Lodge for afternoon tea. The longer route will head up the Edmands Trail, one of the more moderately graded paths up into the mountains. We'll join the Crawford Path and follow it to the summit of Mt. Eisenhower (elevation 4760 feet). From there we are treated to open views of the Presidential range, including Mt. Washington. Continuing across the ridge on the Crawford Path, we have the option of climbing Mt Pierce before descending to the Crawford Rd for a total mileage of 8.8 miles and 2,750 feet elevation gain.
August 27: Those wanting a more moderate hike can do the classic Welch-Dickey Loop in the Waterville Valley area of the White Mountains. This loop trail is 4 miles with unbeatable views and the opportunity to gain two summits. Those wanting a longer hike can choose another 8 mile classic loop trail on the Franconia Ridge. The hike starts up the Falling Waters Trail (which lives up to it's name) to the summit of Little Haystack. From there we follow the ridge to Mt. Lincoln and then to Mt. Lafayette. We then drop down the Greenleaf Trail to Greenleaf Hut (AMC) and continue down the Bridal Trail to our cars. Tonight we'll have dinner at a local restaurant.
August 28: On our last morning we’ll hike one of the shorter trails near our lodging, ending our trip with a final lunch. Those who are driving can plan on and departing at 1:00 and those who are flying can fly out after 4 pm.
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