Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

There was an array of trail conditions today. From dry trail to muddy sections and standing water in the trail. Also snow at around 3,500'. The snow made the rocks and roots slippery. It was great to get Tecumseh from Tripoli once again.

Water Crossings

I took my trail runners and socks off and crossed as I could not find a section to rock hop. My trail runners stayed on when I was heading out.

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Tecumseh from the Tripoli rd trailhead. see not above about Tripoli rd, they probably just need to mill the entire thing and leave it as dirt because the huge bottomless potholes on the Waterville valley end are no fun for anyone. but otherwise trail is in good shape, some step over trees but nothing bad. some mud here and there but considering the recent rain really not too bad either. otherwise nothing too exciting today. Nice afternoon hike once the weather had cleared up.

Parking

Tripoli rd from Waterville valley to Osceola trailhead is not enjoyable, I'd highly recommend coming from the other direction. also people please orient your cars properly in the lot. When I arrived if it was a busier day maybe 4 cars would have fit in the lot because of how the first person parked, we can do better people!

Water Crossings

(from the Tripoli rd side) the two crossings at the trailhead are manageable with a bit of planned hopping

Wildlife

bad at the parking lot but otherwise not much elsewhere

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

tl;dr no need for pointy things The first patches of packed down ice (not sure I'd even call it monorail at this point) appear just after the final water crossing, just below the lookout over the ski trail. From there to the top, there are very occasional, very short patches of packed down ice. The longest one is probably 20 feet long or so, and all are very easy to hop around on the rocks that prominently stick up through what's left of the monorail. No views at the top due to the clouds/rain midday, but a nice way to get out on an easy hike nonetheless.

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

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

Trails Used

Mt Tecumseh tr, Tripoli Rd

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Parked at Livermore and walked up the the ski lot. Trip up was uneventful and trail is in great shape. A couple short stretches of ice/snow that was easily navigated without traction, but it wouldn't hurt to us it. Last several yards on the left side loop had a couple feet of snow, but then the summit was bare. Backside was almost completely void of snow/ice. 1 section remains, but again, it was pretty easy to get around it. I cleared a couple of the bigger blowdowns that blocked the trail, but there's some stuff to sidle around or step over. Moose were bedding down on West (I think) Tecumseh and there was several inches of poop to wade through, but I didn't see one. Tripoli rd. is in good shape. Grappled on me almost the whole time, but the sun stuck her head out once or twice and it was glorious. I was very happy to not have traction on and be in my runners!

Parking

Parked at Livermore and it's in great shape

Water Crossings

All easily hopped

Wildlife

Spider webs to the face have begun, but no biters yet.

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Carpets of blooming trout lilies in first 3/4 mile. Gorgeous! Also red trilliums and spring beauties blooming. Winter wren, plus black-throated green, black-throated blue, black-and-white, and yellow-rumped warblers singing. American redstart and rose-breasted grosbeak. Blue-headed vireo. Nice set of migrants! Bare boots are fine but monorail still present in places after first mile --I put on spikes for one section then rock-stepped around the ice the rest of the way. My 4th time up -- first time without snow, so marveled at the stone step work. Went left at fork. No snow or ice until small patch near summit. Nice views out to Osceola, Mt. Washington and presidentials. Saw 11 others, 1 dog.

Parking

Easy parking at trailhead in ski lot

Water Crossings

Three crossings, all rock-hoppable

Wildlife

Saw a couple black flies, not bothersome yet

Trails Used

Mount Tecumseh Trail

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

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail is in fine shape. There are bits and pieces of monorail starting about 3500 ft that are avoidable to the side or you can use microspikes as long as you don't mind taking them on and off. The snow on top of the monorail was not slippery today (actually more sticky) and we were able to walk on it comfortably in spots. Both water crossings were easy with plenty of dry rocks to choose from.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the ski area.

Water Crossings

Both are rock hoppable.

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail, ski trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Shoulder season prevails. If you're looking to blow out the cobwebs, give this one a few more weeks to thaw/dry out, and choose a lower elevation hike. First mile or so was snow free and fairly dry (step stones were installed in the seasonal mudpit/puddle area last year). Patchy ice monorail started a tenth or so before the top water crossing. Needed light traction to safely descend and climb out of the gully, after which the snow/ice subsided for a bit. Patchy spotty monorail above the ski area viewpoint, becoming consistent above 3,000 feet. Not continuous, but the bare areas were few and fair between. Monorail is fairly stable, as a lot of it is ice. Depth is generally a foot or two prior to the ridge (patchy in the adjacent woods), so it'll be sticking around for awhile. Light traction absolutely needed to descend this route. Deeper snow near the summit, about 3 to 4 feet deep on the final uphill of the Mt. Tecumseh Trail side (right at crooked sign) of the summit. Sosman Trail to the ski area had extended areas of firm monorail. Encountered what looked to be a territorial spruce grouse under a large uprooted stump on the trail prior to the view peak, so I opted to bushwhack around rather than risk having it fly at my head. Ski trails have a lot of snow still, but no continuous top-to-bottom coverage. Best covered looked to be Lower Bobby's, which was continuous (other than the access road being plowed); saw someone earning their turns. Access roads have been plowed (apart from the jumps on Stillness), so No Grit is bare/dry. Another nice sunny day with temperatures in the 50s.

Parking

Plenty of room at ski area.

Water Crossings

Rock hoppable

Wildlife

None yet.

Trails Used

Mt Tecumseh, Sosman

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We barebooted all the way to the summit taking the left side of the loop (Sosman Trail) up. Spikes went on for the descent until right after the view over the ski trail. New snow from last night (and during the hike) was mostly melted out below the third water crossing by the time we were heading out. There’s still some stable monorail up top, but I don’t think that snowshoes will be needed even when it warms up…

Parking

Lots of parking now that ski season is over

Water Crossings

All three were rock hoppable

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Honestly, I expected conditions to be worse today with all the rain and warm temps this week. But, I needed this peak for April. Trail is mostly dry with no snow remaining all the way to the third crossing. After that, it’s a mix of exposed rocks, mud, snow, and ice in various amounts. It’s probably dealer’s choice as to when to put on spikes, but around 2600’ the snow and ice becomes more consistent and it was just easier to use them instead of trying to navigate on rocks around it all. Took the left side of the summit loop up and down. This was almost bare ground for most of it, except a small stretch at the beginning and very top of the loop trail. Clouds and summit fog cleared right around 2pm. Summit itself is totally bare ground.

Parking

Easy. Lot across from the trailhead was empty except for hikers since the ski area is closed for the season.

Water Crossings

All crossings on Saturday were mangeable. The water is running high, so gators helped to keep water out of boots. You could rock hop across all of them.

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I know, I know, how many trip reports does one mountain need. Barebooted from the car to just before the descent to the 3rd water crossing. If you don't put them on here, then you will definitely need to after you cross. The snow Is like a sidewalk...packed in from side to side. Evidence of old postholes, but I didn't sink when I stepped to the side. As was previously mentioned, at the summit loop junction, if you go left the trail becomes thick with ice and the slope is rather treacherous. I opted to descend the 'other way' around rather than deal with that again. There are some nice kicked in snow steps to use if you go that way. I started a little after 7am and I think I was the 1st one up, only because I didn't cross paths with anyone else until I was well on my way down. It was still cool and shady enough that the snow never became sticky...just wetter. This is my 7th summit of Tecumseh and the view keeps getting 'better'.

Parking

1st car in lot 1 at 7am. WV ski operations have ended for the season.

Water Crossings

all 3 were easily rock hopped.

Wildlife

not today.

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

another nice day on Tecumseh. Patchy snow until you get to the third water crossing then pretty consistent harder packed snow and areas of ice. Barebooted up to the ski area lookout and then put on microspikes from there to the top and then back down nearly to the end. Generally the center of the trail is pretty solid, even going off the edges of the trail are not too soft. I highly recommend microspikes or other forms of traction due to the areas of ice. Saw people going up in sneakers, probably not the best idea. As you near the top it gets particularly sketchy where it is kind of a narrow icy monorail along that steep sloped section, if you are careful it's not bad.

Water Crossings

all are open and hoppable

Trails Used

Mt Tecumseh Trail from Ski Area

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted the first mile, then spikes for the rest of the day. Trail is muddy with crunchy ice low, then shifts to packed snow around the 1.3 mile view point. A few minorly tricky spots just below the summit, but nothing too difficult. If you want to stretch your legs and not worry about bad trail conditions, this is the trail for it.

Parking

Plenty of parking all day

Water Crossings

All crossings are easy to rock hop across

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pipeline XC Trail, Mt Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail, Livermore Road, Scaur Trail, Pine Bend Trail, Mt Tripyramid Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A mix of conditions all day. Mt Tecumseh started out mostly bare ground and wet. Above freezing last night and all day, so rocks were not icy. Solid snow in the morning with no post-holing all the way to the summit. A little ice near the summit and by the ski trail viewpoint. Next, went up Livermore Rd which had a thin base of slushy snow with open patches of bare ground. Bare boot or rock spikes fine here. Ungroomed section had some deeper snow but not worth bringing snowshoes for. Completely bare ground at turnoff to Scaur Tr and up about a quarter mile. Patches of snow and ice further up. Then supportive and unsupportive snow up to Pine Bend and the summits. The most unstable area was between the Tripyramid peaks. Post-holed a few times. Tricky ice sections in places. Snow was more unstable on the way down, which should be expected until a solid freeze next week. Long day out but weather was pleasantly warm for early April.

Parking

Parked at Livermore Rd Trailhead. WMFS parking fee or pass.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping

Wildlife

none yet

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Microspikes door to door. By tomorrow, you'll probably want to start in bare boots. Doubtful snowshoes will be needed going forward, although there is a decent monorail in places on the summit loop, and some icy sections so traction still necessary. A few other gridiots enjoying the firm yet moist trail conditions...today gridded out this one for me.

Trails Used

Mt Tecumseh trail, Sosman Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Tecumseh is such a good choice for a rainy day! Temps were 38 degrees which kept the trail firm despite the rain. There is a lot of ice on the trail down low but the mild temps softened it and I had great purchase with Hillsound Pros. There are some areas of bare ground/rocks here and there but I just kept my traction on. The rain caused some standing water and some areas with running water on top of the ice. Up higher there is a definite monorail shaping up and it held up well under my weight. No issues with postholing today at all. The snow is still pretty deep up high so when the temps warm up, snowshoes may well be needed to keep from trashing the trail. I saw no one today - I guess I am the weird person who really likes hiking in the rain?

Parking

Plenty of room to park today since it was pouring rain. :)

Water Crossings

All were open but were easy rock hops. On my return the water levels were higher but still not an issue.

Wildlife

Still in Hell

Notes

First documented NH48 4000-footer summit. Started at 3:30pm, reached summit at 7:20pm, returned to trailhead at 10:30pm. Gorgeous day with mystical sunset conditions. Clear enough to see sunset timing from summit.

Parking

Skii area parking lot

Trails Used

Tecumseh

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

First White Mountain hike with snow on the ground. No snowshoes needed. Summit had barely any wind and full of sunshine. 5/48 done (tracking 48 peaks).

Trails Used

Mt. Tecumseh Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Initial plan was to skin up Waterville Valley resort uphill trail, but discovered they do not sell one day passes. Need a Waterville uphill season pass or an Uphill New England pass. Looking at conditions when I arrived the ski area trails looked very “firm” after the rain last night and temperature drop today. Decided to hike up & down instead. Snow is gone or disappearing rapidly below about 2300 feet (in the hardwood predominant forest), but good cover above that. However it was frozen hard and icy; I think skinning up the Mt. Tecumseh trail would be very challenging right now. Microspikes were adequate and essential. Snowshoes went for a ride, although Televators might have been nice for the long steady climb above the ski area viewpoint.

Parking

Ski area lot; plenty of space

Water Crossings

All open, but easily crossed

Wildlife

N/A