Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a last minute pivot which worked out well. The skies were cloudy and it was breezy which was lovely. The trail was mostly dry, including the rocks. The usual mud pits looked wet but were supportive. The rain started as I was headed over to the East peak but was light enough that the chimney was not tricky. The bypass or the bypass to the bypass could also be utilized. I only saw one person until I was on my way back down to the parking lot. The rain had stopped by then and the trail and rocks were not wet. It was great to bump into Eric and Steve so they could solve the mystery of who the other 576 car was in the parking lot. :D

Parking

I was the first car in the lot this morning. When I returned the lot was fuller but there were still a few open spots. Restrooms were well stocked.

Water Crossings

Most of the streams are dry now. The first one down low was still flowing. All easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Back in Hell. None seen today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Pond, Mount Osceola

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is in great shape. A few of the log bridges are deteriorating down low on Greeley Pond Trail. Beautiful afternoon. Great hiking with some a nice breeze for most of the hike. If you are doing Osceola for the first time, strongly consider doing it from the Tripoli Road side. There is a decent slab that has to be navigated. Chimney and bypass were both dry between the two peaks.

Parking

Greeley Pond Trails had 6 cars in it this afternoon. Not bad for a Monday!

Water Crossings

Crossings on Greeley Pond Trail where easily rock hopped.

Wildlife

Around but not biting. One that seemed to follow me up the steep part going up to East Peak. Kept circling like it was enjoying providing the constant buzzing.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Osceola, herd path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful days, albeit crowded. Started early and had views on both trips to Osceola. Had East Peak to myself. Took herd path to Middle Osceola for Trailwrights 72. Canister was overtightened and took a while to open.

Parking

Line of cars out onto Tripoli Road.

Water Crossings

The minor crossings were barely running.

Wildlife

Not bad with a cooling breeze

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail (Tripoli Rd)

Trail Conditions

Notes

Sitting in a sauna is always relaxing. Hiking in one is always a good way to get the lungs and legs ready for summer. The trail is as good as it gets this time of year. Go out and enjoy. Bonus - Some very noisy crows might let you share the Osceola summit if you're lucky.

Parking

Tripole Rd lot was half full at 2pm and nearly empty a few hours later.

Water Crossings

All can be stepped over or hopped across

Wildlife

Swarms of them, but none biting

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Osceola trail, herd path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Just an FYI for anyone using the AMC guide, it claims 2.9 miles to Osceola from the parking lot. The sign there says 3.2 mi. I didn't have a way to measure to confirm one or the other, but I'm throwing it out there. What's 0.6 mi. extra? Perhaps nothing, but it might make a difference for some folks who are on a tight time line. It was a gorgeous Saturday, so this trail was busy busy busy! We saw a range of hikers, from a family with two girls ages 5~8 to a woman working on her 48 over 75. There is mud, but it's manageable by using the rocks and logs strategically placed in it. The trail was as I remembered: quite rocky, but that passes after awhile. The awesome view at the top was also as I remembered: not disappointing! The chimney was fun, especially coming up. Many were using the bypass, and the decision is personal, but I found going down it wasn't bad. It was a bit wet, but you were able to find dry spots for climbing. After getting the two main summits down and seeing that we were feeling fine, my son and I decided to try out Middle Osceola (him for his bagging-all-of-the-mountains feat, and me for the TW72). The herd path off of Mt Osceola trail is actually quite easy to find and to follow, but it is a herd path. We got some good scrapes on our arms and legs as we made our way through some denser growth and the muddy spots didn't have the strategic rocks, etc. for getting across. The summit itself didn't have views, but on the way there's a larger rock from which you get a nice view of Tecumseh. I'll have to head back there at some point to bag West Osceola. It seemed like off the summit of Middle the path was still easy to follow, but we'll see how it continues next time!

Parking

The lot was full when we arrived ~7:50, so parked a little ways up Tripoli Rd. It got pretty busy, so as we left, we saw the car line had grown.

Water Crossings

There were a few tiny streams to hop across, so there is water around, but nothing huge.

Wildlife

They are around... Mostly saw an assortment of flies.

Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Easy hike from Tripoli Road to Mt Osceola. The most difficult stretch is along the base on the slanted ledges traversed by the trail. None of the muddy spots were difficult to walk over (some rocks & sticks in the mud). Lots of roots and rocks in the pathway. The hike between the peaks is a bit rougher especially at the chimney. I descended using the by-pass route and then ascended the chimney on the way back to Mt Osceola. The surfaces were dry to allow for secure footing. Nice views from the large open ledge near the summit of Mt Osceola. There are also good views on the ridge off Mt Osceola towards East Osceola where the trees are thinned out and at a couple of rock outcrops on the way up to East Osceola. Met a father with two kids (5 yr old & 8 yr old) from Hanover NH who had come from Greeley Ponds Trail. Many other hikers on the mountain. I didn't notice any wildfloers in bloom.

Parking

Parking off Tripoli Road is a fee lot with an outhouse. Overflow parking is on the south side of Tripoli Road. Tripoli Road is passable for all vehicles.

Water Crossings

The small brooks were easy to cross

Wildlife

Black fly above 4,000 feet. No wind today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail was in surprisingly good condition considering the rain the day before. A few spots where the trail was a bit of a stream but nothing too deep. That said it was definitely a good day for waterproof boots. The trail between Osceola and East was mostly dry and the chimney and bypass were both perfectly manageable.

Parking

Lot was full ~9AM but plenty of spots available nearby on the road

Water Crossings

Nothing serious

Wildlife

Breeze kept the bugs away. None to speak of except in the parking log

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail, Greeley Ponds Trail, Livemore Road, Tripoli Road

Trail Conditions

Notes

Some days you go out for a quick hike, realize the legs are feeling good, and find a loop that will take you someplace new. From Triopli road up to the Osceolas is wet and grainy in spots, but in decent shape for the spring. The climb down from East Osceola is very eroded in spots to the point that herd paths are becoming very well defined. Greeley Ponds were new to me and are very pleasant. The trail is wet in places, but most puddles can be avoided. There is one crossing below the ponds that I waded due to impatience, but could have been avoided by choosing to go on the ski path from the lower pond. From there it was wide, well defined trails that call back to logging days. Overall this is a great 12-13 mile loop for when you want more miles without hard elevation.

Parking

Jam packed Tripoli Rd lot at 9am plus about 20 cars on the road. Not much different a few hours later.

Water Crossings

Water at spots on trail is avoidable. Only major crossing was on Greeley Ponds trail south of the lower pond and resulted in me wading nearly to my knees for a couple of steps.

Wildlife

A strong breeze kept them all away

Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

What a great day for these two! The trail is mostly dry with some areas of mud and standing water in the usual spots. There is something dead in the woods around mile 1.5 and it reeks. Neither of us wanted to explore to find it so we just held our breath and kept walking. If you have a dog that likes to roll in such things, you may want to keep a close eye on them or your ride home is going to be interesting. The chimney was nice and dry and made for a fun scramble. Somehow we lucked out with both summits to ourselves until the return trip. There were just a handful of folks on Mt Osceola at that time and we took a nice long snack break. Great to see Christy R up there today!

Parking

There were 3 cars in the lot when we arrived and when we finished the lot was mostly full and there were cars parked on the road. $5 to park or the WMNF pass.

Water Crossings

Not an issue to cross those little streams.

Wildlife

We were pleasantly surprised that they were not bad. We both used bug spray right in the parking lot because bugs love us but weren't really bothered today. The bug nets went for a ride.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Livermore Road, Scaur Trail, Pine Bend Brook Trail, Mt. Tripyramid Trail, Pipeline XC Trail, Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Tripoli Road, Mt. Osceola Trail, Greeley Ponds Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Camped at the Waterville Campground the night before and can confirm it absolutely poured in the area for 2 hours last night. Despite this, all the trails were in really great shape. The only lengthly flooded spot was the top of Osceola where it's slabby. Mud wasn't bad at all either. Fun way to get everything with a resupply pit stop at the car parked at the Livermore lot.

Wildlife

Surprisingly Few

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Got a great view (and some video) of the Coast Guard doing some mountain SAR training. They hovered above the summit of Osceola for 30+ minutes while practicing lowering and raising people and the stretcher. These guys were terrific, although it did make the summit inaccessible for a while, and none too peaceful.

Parking

"Paved" road from Waterville to trailhead is horrible. Better choice to take Tripoli road from I-93. It's a couple of miles of good paved road and about 4 miles of decent dirt road. I was comfortable at 20-30 mph in a Mustang on the dirt. I think this is shorter in both time and distance, and it's much better for your car.

Water Crossings

No problems. All the crossings on this trail are pretty easy anyway.

Wildlife

Not bad in the cool morning, but worse as it warmed up. OK if you were moving.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mount Osceola Trail, Tripoli Road, Mount Tecumseh Trail, Ski Trails, Livermore Trail, Mount Tripyramid Trail, Pine Bend Brook Trail, Scaur Ridge Trail, Livermore Trail, Old Skidder Trail, Bushwhack, Kancamagus Brook XC ski trail, Greeley Ponds Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

No traction needed anymore on any of these trails, minimal monorail in col between Osceola's. Only annoying ice is the first 0.25 miles leaving North Tripyramid summit heading down Pine Bend Brook Trail, ice can be picked around with care. Sloping ledge through the switch back descending Osceola had significant glaze ice this morning, expect this to be the norm most mornings until it stays above freezing and dries up. Other than that, trails are in the usual spring conditions for post snow; Mount Osceola Trail is eroded, rooty, rocky through the steeps. Mount Tecumseh Trail from Tripoli Road is a gem - cushy, quiet, and an abundance of Moose poop in the West Tecumseh / Tecumseh col. Ski trails were easy to hike, not too wet and the grass hasn't started to grow yet. Livermore Trail is in fine shape and dry. Mount Tripyramid Trail up South Slide is dry, final push up to South is eroded. Between the three peaks is in good shape. Scaur Ridge Trail is a joy to descend, very nice footing. Old Skidder Trail is short but a hidden gem with a semi-remote feeling to it. I bushwhacked down the abandoned Flume Brook Trail, it has quite a few deadfall blowdowns, a missing section where the trail disappeared into the brook, and an overgrown hobblebush section. Kancamagus Brook XC ski trail is mostly dry. Greeley Ponds Trail a little muddy around the ponds but overall good to go.

Parking

Slowly pull into the Greeley Ponds trailhead, there are a couple of nasty bumps that might uppercut low clarence vehicles

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Tripoli Road, Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail, Ski Trails, Pipeline XC Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Fun loop on this drizzly Saturday. Just a dusting of fresh snow really. Not much ice and snow left at this point on the north side of the Osceola. But still enough that I saw several folks descending on my way up in spikes, but I raw dogged it. Between the peaks still has some elevated monorail. Was able to climb the chimney today, that was fun. South side of Osceola is in great shape, with the only snow towards the very top. A bit of a slick monorail for a few hundred feet. Running down Tripoli road this time of year with no cars or campers is bliss. Back side of Tecumseh was in pretty good shape. Some snow towards the top of the false summit, and then consistent on the final push approaching the true summit. Between the false summit and the peak is the most insane collection of moose poo I've ever seen. Literally covering the whole trail non-stop for 20' or so, and then two massive piles. Watch your step! Sosman trail had consistent snow over to the ski area. Ski trails have some avoidable snow which made for a fast descent. I carried spikes of course, but managed to never put them on.

Parking

Parked at Livermore

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare ground until a few remnant snow patches at 2600' but nothing semi-consistent until 3900'. But the monorail snow was either sticky enough and stable or avoidable on the edge of the monorail so I wore trail runners trailhead to trailhead. There are a few places where spikes could have been used but stepping carefully and slowly was easier than donning and doffing spikes every 100' as bare ground was as common as the snow. Water crossing was a pretty easy rock hop. The Chimney is clear of snow and ice but wet from last night's rain so I opted for the mostly dry Bypass up and down. Snow and rain in the forecast for the weekend so things have likely changed some in this season of variable and dynamic trail conditions.

Parking

5 cars there at 8 am and a few cars arrived after that. Surprisingly busy day.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Wildlife

None, nada!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Greeley Ponds Trail had only a couple small patches of ice. Then mixed bare ground and short stretches of snow/ice starting around 3k ft. increasing as you climb. After the lookout below the ledge the snow/ice becomes consistent and unavoidable. I used well used Hillsounds up and down. Between the peaks had some bare rock. I took the bypass, but chimney was dry. Hancock Notch Trail was bare at the start then a thin ice monorail starting maybe a half mile in. Cedar Brook Trail was mostly bare. Snow/ice is consistent Hancock Loop Trail nearing the junction. I polled about two dozen people asking which direction they took, most said counter clockwise, and most of those who went up North first said they should not have. Going up South is still consistent ice. It was soft enough for spikes going up, but was getting a layer of grease by mid day. Between the peaks was mostly monorail, at times a tight rope, but always stable. Going down North was mostly ice-free.

Parking

I parked at the westbound pulloff between the two trailheads. Greeley Ponds lot was almost full by 9am. The entrance to the lot is pretty rough, cars would bottom out.

Water Crossings

All crossings were easy today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Pond Trail, Mt Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare ground and avoidable flat icy patches to the first water crossing. Bare, wet, dry until about 2,800’. Intermittent flattish icy monorail until about 3,000’ where it becomes consistent and varies in height. The steeps were icy - with a fair amount of rocks visible. Doable with good spikes in the morning but the surface was slick after noon so I opted for full crampons on the descent and they were not overkill. The ridge was about 90% varying heights of snow-coated icy monorail, 10% bare. Decent/quick footing to main peak and back with minimal balling on spikes. Chimney, bypass, and bypass to the bypass were bare. NOTE: please describe actual trail surface conditions when writing reports. Saying “barebooted xx%” prompts questions like “but >should< it have been booted and/or can/should others do the same?” Surface conditions are more helpful for selecting traction. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. :)

Parking

Bumpy entrance, low clearance vehicles take care.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops even for my little legs.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greely Pond Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Followed a fresh set of tracks up to East, he was just tagging East. There were no fresh tracks to Osceola, but there was a fresh coating of snow. I bare-booted up to East and then donned traction for the rest of the hike. The mono-rail was non-existant up high but become more prominent on the way over to O. The cold temps kept it hard and no issues with post-holing at any time.I took the winter bypass because of the pup, but the summer bypass was not icy.

Parking

Only one car upon arrival, two upon leaving

Water Crossings

No problems

Wildlife

too cold

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mount Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Wasn't sure based on recent reports on the conditions. Base of the Greeley Pond Tr was a combo of dry/minor muddy trail. Some icy patches that were easily walked around. I put rock spikes on about 0.5 mi after Greeley Pond Tr/Osceola Tr junction. I Kept them on until the same spot when descending. A lot of on/off snow and ice. Monorail was stable in some spots but crumbling in others. I brought full crampons just in case for the down climb, but micros were fine the entire time. Bring a set you don't really care about and you shouldn't have any issues.

Parking

N/A

Water Crossings

All able to be rock-hopped easily.

Wildlife

None.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Water levels were high across the Whites, so this was a good choice. Got a late start (around noon) as the weather was projected to improve throughout the day. There is some icy monorail for the first 1/4 mile which can be navigated by being monorail adjacent. Once you get past the Greely Ponds XC trail, it becomes a Tour de Wrong Traction Choices. Sections of ice/crumbling monorail, followed by sections of bare rock. I went microspikes on/off more on this hike than any hike I've ever done...there are still sections of ice where there aren't enough rocks exposed to not have to step on the ice. I think ultimately the best choice is to apologize to your microspikes and just keep them on for the bare rock sections as there is a snowy/icy section just around the corner. Went up the Chimney and down the 1st bypass without trouble, both are ice free.

Parking

No problem getting into the Greely Pond TH parking lot, although the pavement is a bit bumpy.

Water Crossings

IMO, none of the crossings on this route are challenging...today I had to step on a submerged rock and get ankle deep wet, which is just Spring hiking to me. Driving by the Pemi it was pretty high. The only crossings are about 1/2 mile from the TH. There are 2 types of hikers, those who have dry feet and those who hike in April...

Wildlife

There were actually non-biting flies out there today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Pond, Mt Osceola

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The Osceolas love putting me on my butt, so take everything after this will that warning. Down low is a mix of avoidable mud and a monorail that is easy to walk on and mostly solid. The climb up Mt Osceola is a mix of crunchy ice and hard ice, but it's all covered with wet, sticky snow. Going up isn't bad. Going down is. The ridge has a firm monorail that is a few feet high in places, but overall in good condition. Coming down the steep section is very, very difficult. It switches from slick ice to crunchy ice frequently, and it's all covered with spring snow. Even with sharp spikes this meant butt sledding whether you want to or not. Sometimes you go feet first. Sometimes head first. And if you're really lucky, a pole splits your legs as you slip, and you go bollocks first, get spun around and continue a few more feet on your back head first. That's all to say, the descent is very, very slippery right now. Everything else is better than expected for April conditions - firm and somewhat fast. Fun note - a rescue chopper flew over me a couple of times and hovered briefly once. Hoping that was them having fun on a training mission.

Parking

Lot is in decent condition. Only two cars today.

Water Crossings

Surprisingly low and easily crossed. Crocs went for a ride.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Birthday hike. Poles also used. Avoided The Chimney route.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Pond Trail, Osceolas

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hiked from Greeley Pond on Wednesday afternoon. Few bare spots on Greeley Pond trail but good snowshoe conditions overall. Good views, no other hikers encountered.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I think we all know that hiking partners can make or break a hike and I am ridiculously fortunate to hike the best folks. We walked the road to the trailhead and immediately donned snowshoes. There were faint boot tracks which must have occurred prior to the past 2 storms. The snow depth increased as we ascended and we had to watch for postholes hidden by the snow. The steeps were a challenge. The snow depth was about 6 inches or so and it hid the ice well. We found all of it for you. Snowshoes did well for traction as long as we found a base of packed snow or softer ice. It was slow going as we looked for the safe spots for our feet and we contemplated our options for descending while we were still going up while conditions were fresh in our minds. The stretch between the 2 peaks had quite a bit more snow and still had hidden postholes. We found all those too. Thanks to Luke for joining me on this one and fueling us with gummy worms and PB balls and for the most excellent company on what could have been a slog of epic proportions but instead was... The. Best. Day. Ever.

Parking

Welllllllll. Neither of us could get into the regular lot as the snow was too deep. We checked out the pull off but it had not been plowed and we were worried we would get towed if they decided to plow it while we were hiking (it was still not plowed when we finished). So, we parked at the Hancock Notch trailhead and walked the road.

Water Crossings

The crossings were open but we crossed with care.

Wildlife

Still in Hell