Trails Used

Ethan Pond Trail to Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

In the last year since I have done this trail it has declined a lot. It is a shame because it could be a nice hike, steep yes, but I can only imagine how it once looked with solid path and well constructed ladders up the steepest rocks. In search of better footing, people are going off trail on the sides and further degrading the trail, and the ladders are in pieces. Can you really call them ladders when some have no planks at all?

Water Crossings

Small water crossings, easy

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Ethan Pond Trail to Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

In the last year since I have done this trail it has declined a lot. It is a shame because it could be a nice hike, steep yes, but I can only imagine how it once looked with solid path and well constructed ladders up the steepest rocks. In search of better footing, people are going off trail on the sides and further degrading the trail, and the ladders are in pieces. Can you really call them ladders when some have no planks at all?

Water Crossings

Small water crossings, easy

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Willey Range Trail, AZ, Ethan Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Was very pleasantly surprised by the AZ trail, very beautiful upper half.Despite the 16.5 miles, it didn't feel like that much with all the lovely flat sections. I'd do this one again!

Parking

Parked at upper lot ($5 state park fee site)

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

It was a humid one to start and I wasn't sure if I was going to get rained on or just spend my day in a cloud. It turned out that neither happened. The trails were quite wet from last night's rain so all the rocks were wet and there was more mud than usual. Footing was still pretty good and the water crossings were easy. I cleared all the spider webs along the way and didn't see anyone until I was on my way back from Willey and headed back up Field. I was in a cloud for Tom and Field but lucked out and got some in and out views off the viewpoint down from Willey's summit. As I returned, the skies were clearing so all those coming after me should have had some really nice views today. The trail was beginning to dry out upon my return as well. The icing on the cake was finding trail magic left for me in my car today! I suspect I know who left it and it totally made my day! <3

Parking

Plenty of room in front of the depot at 6:45am. When I returned the cars were lined up all along the road.

Water Crossings

Super easy rock hops today

Wildlife

Not an issue at all today.

Trails Used

Ethan Pond and Willey Ridge trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is wet in a couple of spots, a bit of running water here and there, nothing bad. Stairs as mentioned in rough shape. Willey Ridge trail is pretty relentless on the last mile to Willey, lots of hand over hand climbing, steep.

Parking

Lot mostly full at 930AM

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

Some black flies higher up, not really annoying though.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

West Side Trail, Kedron Flume Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Willey Range Trail, Mount Tom Spur, A-Z Trail, Zealand Trail, Ethan Pond Campsite Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a great loop for being in secluded wilderness, and the Whitewall section of Ethan Pond trail is amazing! Westside trail, although following Rt. 302, has a lot of ups and downs and has a lot more elevation gain (and loss) than it reasonably should. It did a lot of meandering up and down the slope. Leaf litter made it a little obscured, but it was mostly not too hard to follow. There were many blazes. Kedron Flume trail is easy to follow and frequently used, and the Flume itself is a nice viewpoint. Willey Range trail is quite steep going up Willey, and the ladders are in varying stages of falling apart, but once you summit Willey it is gradual and relatively easy terrain. There is a nice ledge on Willey overlooking the notch, and a small window out on Field. Field had exceedingly friendly Canada Jays which landed on my hand, even though I wasn't holding out food. If you search around the summit of Mount Tom, there is a spot you can get a little view south through dead and blown down trees. A-Z trail going down the west side of Mount Tom was actually really nice. I was thinking it was going to be more obscure, but the trail was very well maintained and the forest was really pretty as well! Ethan Pond trail was excellent throughout. The view at the base of Whitewall is amazing, and Ethan Pond is a really pretty spot as well. There is a bridge over the North Fork East Branch Pemigewasset River at the crossing in between Thorough Falls and Shoal Pond trails.

Parking

I was the 5th car at the Ripley Falls parking lot at 8:15, and it was quite full at 3:30, including some cars questionably parked in front of the Westside trail trailhead.

Water Crossings

All minor or bridged

Wildlife

I was harassed by one horse fly around Ethan Pond trail, but that was pretty much it.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Avalon trail is in great shape with good footing that makes for a fast ascent and descent. The A-Z trail was mostly dry which really helped with all the rock steps especially on the descent. The Willey Range trail is super fast to Field and then slows me down on the trek over the Willey. That little scree section just gets more and more eroded and there are numerous sections that are tight and really need a haircut. This was the first solo hike in a few days so I was missing my crew from last week but the universe provides. Lo and behold, I heard yelling and was delighted to bump into Stephanie! She was just what the doctor ordered. Lots of hugs and chatting and planning for Andrea's 366 finish made me so happy and I just cruised right on back to my car. Lots of friendly hikers out today and shout out to Robin and Kevin, who recognized me from Maine! Conditions are really pretty top notch right now which just made for the nicest morning.

Parking

I was surprised by the number of cars parked at the depot at 7am. I got the next to last spot in front of the train station. By the time I returned there were cars on both sides of the road all along the way. Holy humans.

Water Crossings

The water levels are so low right now. Super easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Bugs? What bugs? LOVE this so much.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon, A-Z, Tom spur, Willey Range, Ethann Pond

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice outing of the OTHH. A pair of our group got a bit ahead of the rest of us at the bottom of that steep descent off Willey. At the trail sign for the Kedron Flume trail, they took that by mistake. Their vehicle was the one we dropped at the end of Willey House Station Rd in the morning, so the rest of us just waited at that lower trailhead while the other two walked the mile down rte 302 and up to where we waited.

Parking

There were quite a few cars at the depot near the Highland Center and along the road at 8am, and more late afternoon. At 4pm, the parking area at the end of Willey House Station Rd had a few vehicles.

Water Crossings

There was very little water flowing, so the crossings were super easy.

Wildlife

None that I saw. I forgot any bug juice and didn't think about it all day.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ethan Pond, Willey Range, A-Z, Tom Spur, A-Z, Zealand, Lend-a-hand, Hale Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

Sadly, slacking on my reports.. so back to share conditions for a good ole day traversing. You can see the trails listed, willey was first & let me just say anything with man made wood was slicka then butta 🧈… I opted to go up the ladders though probably could go down fine.. Ethan pond/ willey range was the best aside from hale Brook which won today’s best trail for drainage. Getting to field, yeah rocks are wet anywhere just keep that in mind. Nothing majorly notable here.. tom spur, lil shorty up to summit not much to write home about here either. You can assume anywhere there’s not natural drainage or a drain, is a bit of soft earth/ mud.. maybe worse.. A-Z trail heading towards zealand trail was endearing. A rather enjoyable terrain, a number of trees over trail.. some sections were drainage hell (mostly for the trail erosion 🪦 ) there was small water crossings, nothing to get your feet wet about. Zealand trail for the short distance just past the hut, is the good kid that doesn’t need anymore attention.. nothing to worry about there. (Oh ps I layed eyes on the water crossing past the hut.. NBD, current levels is nothing) Lend-a-hand may actually need to be lended a hand… drains were fine at first and then it was just.. yikes.. Oh and I mean when I say the wooden boards that look so inviting … are a slip hazard worse than anything else… i was tiptoeing and near fell more times than a young person with cat like reflexes would like to admit. Anyways up to Hale, whoever is doing the trail work after summit the whole length of hale Brook, you are a wonderful little trail angel. Best drainage work I mean seriously.. big kudos 👏 Be safe, check your forecasts, water levels, bring your essentials and HAVE FUN ✨ Happy hiking !!🥾

Parking

Praise be that I no longer have to walk zealand rd ..

Water Crossings

Crossings were managed with rock hopping on A-Z heading to Zealand, as well as Hale Brook

Wildlife

They haven’t found me yet somehow this season.. it’s a miracle truly

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, AZ Trail, Mount Tom Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Muggy & buggy day in the Whites, but a gorgeous one at that. Photos below!

Water Crossings

Surprisingly rock hop-able, made easier with poles.

Wildlife

Black flies mostly swarmed on the summit rocks in the open sun. In the trees they were few and far between.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon, Willey Range, A-Z, Mount Tom Spur, A-Z, Avalon

Trail Conditions

Notes

The trail was surprisingly dry considering the weather this past weekend. Some mud, some wet rocks in the usual places. Some mud spots up high, a few small patches of snow in the woods. Quiet evening on the trail. About as good as this hike gets right now for spring.

Water Crossings

All water crossings are navigable without getting wet. The first one about a half mile in takes some balance or poles to help cross.

Wildlife

Only down low at the vehicle. Mosquitos are still slow so keep moving!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was my fourth pivot for the day. I could not make up my mind where I wanted to go but this was a solid choice. The Avalon trail has plenty of water and mud down low. A-Z was in nice shape and the rocks were dry which made for faster travel. The Willey Range trail was surprisingly dry as well. The bog bridges were wet so I walked carefully on those. Honestly, the trails were excellent today. And I only saw 10 people all day so things were quiet. It was lovely to bump into fellow gridiot, Lauren and her friend Kristen who is working on her spring 48. And I got to pet their dogs so my little heart is happy. I got back to my car 10 minutes before the rain started. Woo hoo!

Parking

I parked in front of the depot and there was plenty of room.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops today. I didn't even have to use the log!

Wildlife

Not a one today. I think the cooler temps had them hiding in Hell again.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails are all in decent condition. On and off microspikes, mostly used when descending from the various summits. The monorail was all the May things: stable and friendly in places, icy or pointy in others, hanging on by a thread in others. Looked like some folks were making it bare boot, but I am not that bold :). Some hikers reported that the Willey stairs coming up from the South were largely ice free, though wet and missing some rungs. It starting sprinkling as I was getting to the car at 1:30, so things will stay wet.

Parking

First car there along the road!

Water Crossings

2 crossings of note were easily rock-hoppable.

Wildlife

None yet...

Also on this trip

Trail Conditions

Notes

Up to an inch of new snow encountered on Willey, Tom, and Field. Winter conditions reported.

Trails Used

Ethan Pond, Willey Range

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It starts with inch or two of new snow over dirt and rocks with a lot of running water. I put microspikes on at the ladders which are covered with both new and older snow but are otherwise relatively easy to navigate. It's mostly frozen above the ladders with occasional sections of monorail which was very solid today. Sunny on top but no views for me. Snow starting sticking to my spikes on the way down and it was much better when I took them off below the ladders.

Parking

Upper parking lot clear

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon, Willey Range, .9 trail from Field to Mt. Tom Spur.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Mix bag of conditions. Barefoot to the second water crossing and then but the Kats on and kept them on until I got back to the first big water crossing. Heading up to Field was pure joy and had no trouble following the rail. The trail from Field to Willey has a lot of snow and spiking over to Willey was fine but on the return trip the snow had soften and I was beginning to punch through.The trail was deceiving I would be trudging along minding my on business and "Blam" post hole.oh, and the monorail on Willey can be tough. Not much surface area and your right up against the pines. Up to Tom was uneventful and the trip down as too bad as long as you take your time. There's enough rocks, exposed forest floor along the trail to navigate safely. The two water crossins on Tom can be intimidating with the volume of water passing under where you need to get across. As for the two large water crossing on Avalon I used a pair of wading socks on the first crossing and hopped from the large rock to the flat shoreline rock on my way up. On the way back I opted to walk across the tree standling the brook. Made it 3 quarters of the way and dove for the shoreline and yes I got wet. The next crossing was much easier since I was wet I just walked across.Glad I won't have to deal with these three peaks under April conditions again.

Parking

Not a problem. First one there and only one other car when I departed.

Water Crossings

The 2 large water crossing on Avalon are intimidating. All others are rock hoppable.

Wildlife

Heard three flies and lots of cob webs but no spiders.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

What an excellent day for these! We started in bare boots on a bare trail but put on spikes for the water crossing. Above that you could have still bare booted for a bit longer but we are lazy and didn't want to deal with the on and off so we kept the spikes on. There is some thick ice ascending the Avalon trail but with the warmer temps we had no issues. The A-Z trail is mostly hard packed grippy snow. The Mt Tom spur had some areas of thick ice that laughed at our spikes so we used trees and some creative maneuvers. The Willey Range trail is mostly hard packed snow as well although there are several icy sections between Field and Willey that also required tree hugging. We descended the Avalon trail just to keep things interesting and the top portion was pretty sweet with hard packed grippy snow but lower it was super icy. We took care in that section until we reached the junction for the A-Z trail again. Another great day with my favorite sponsor!

Parking

Plenty of room in front of the Depot.

Water Crossings

The first 2 crossings were a tad spicy. When we got to the first one, I pointed to the 2 logs and said we were using those to cross. Luke looked at me like a had 3 heads and said not without spikes. So, we donned spikes and used a few rocks, the logs and poles for balance. The second crossing we used rocks and a log and leaped. On the return trip the water levels were higher so the first crossing (the one with the leap) was no longer doable the same way, so we used a few submerged rocks to cross. The logs still worked fine with the last crossing on the return.

Wildlife

2 flies landed on my pack while we were eating lunch.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail, Avalon Trail

Equipment

Notes

Nice spring conditions today! Some bare rocks in the beginning of the hike. Soft snow but consolidated enough that we didn’t need snowshoes. I wore spikes for steep sections for purchase and took them off on the flats. My friend preferred to bare boot most of the way to avoid snow balling up under the spikes. Snow was getting slushy by the end of the hunt near the trailhead. Clear views all around! Windy in places, especially the wind tunnel parking lot in the notch.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Night hike starting at 10:30 PM. 10.09 miles, 3,871 ft elevation gain. Consistent snowpack throughout. Excellent weather conditions. Sleep deprivation made this the hardest night hike despite good trail conditions.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

A-Z, Mt Tom Spur, Willey Range, Avalon

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We started out in blowing snow with temps below freezing.. firm trail up to Tom and across to Field..the traverse to Willey had a monorail inches wide in places with a good 3-4’ fall if you misjudged your step (we did not).. the descent down Avalon was quick with a few fresh inches of snow over a few icy spots… trails were softening up down low at noon.. better conditions than expected

Parking

Plenty of room at the Depot

Water Crossings

Easily crossed on the logs

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spikes car2car. At 8:30am the trails were firm and the grip up to Field was great with micros, and the trail was very supportive. From Field to Willey has some impressive monorail on the side slope sections...narrow and very deep, but supportive. I'd imagine later in the day as they got slushed up they became more challenging. From Field to Tom the trail is much less supportive and the packed path was not always obvious...stepping a few inches to the side meant a deep posthole. The Tom spur was firm with a couple icy patches that were soft and grippy with the spikes. By the time I headed down from Tom the snow had turned to 'taters and there was much sliding even with micros, and a few postholes. A hiker coming up had tried snowshoes and found them unsatisfactory as well, although I bet they were useful for the Tom-Field stretch by the time he got there. After tomorrow's rain, the cool down on Monday is going to make the trails solid and great for micros. There is still a lot of snow along the ridge, so on days well above freezing there is going to be a posthole fest...try and get out early on those days before the snow warms up.

Parking

Parked head-in by the picnic tables next to the train depot.

Water Crossings

There is a convenient double log across the first crossing 1/3 of a mile from the trailhead, and the 2nd crossing 1/2 mile later is also mostly rock hoppable...possible you'll have to step in 1" of water depending on what a hop means to you.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Wore spikes all day with zero issues. Avalon Trail down low had some patches of bare ground, mud, rocks but the rest of the trails were in great shape for this time of year. Everything was frozen solid. Mixed bag of areas of thick ice from frozen runoff, elevated stable monorail, and packed snow trail. Seems like we got away with another great day.

Water Crossings

Water was higher than normal but the two main water crossings had logs/rocks to get across

Also on this trip

Trails Used

-

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails in excellent shape. Perfect combination of sun and clouds with some flurries during the trek over to Willey.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt Tom Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail was well-packed throughout. Microspikes were sufficient. One could even go bare boots in the lower part of Avalon Trail. Willey Range Trail after Mt Field had some narrow and overgrown sections (I didn't like my clothes making contact with vegetation).

Parking

Free parking (donation suggested) at train station, and free parking along the road

Water Crossings

Mostly non-technical. There was one spot near the middle of Avalon Trail that required a short walk on a log followed by a hop. Poles would be helpful there.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

A-Z, Avalon, Willey Ridge, Tom Spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Really nice conditions for an afternoon hike. The lower mile plus is barebootable up to the first split. From there it was snowshoes all day. The trail is packed really well for snowshoes, but most will likely slip, slide and post hole in bare boots. Nice to meet LGD on the trail.

Parking

Plenty of road parking all day

Water Crossings

All bridged or pretty easily hopped across with a little planning

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails are still in great condition. Anywhere where you can butt slide has snow pushed off and ice underneath is exposed. Take your time going down Field toward Willey. Some serious ice in steeper sections. Monorail is about a human foot width in spots. Had fun breaking trail with Fuzz this morning between the Field and Willey. Normally not a fan of going down Avalon but it was fast today! With the current conditions of the trail today and the forecasted snow for tomorrow, it will be prime conditions for snowshoes again.

Parking

Parking on side of road were fine near train station. Minimal snow on side of road from last night’s quick storm.

Water Crossings

Two lower crossings are easy to cross. Low volume of water flowing. There is a dead tree with some ice bridging on the lower crossing that makes it quick to cross. All other water crossings higher up on are either ice bridged or easy to step over. Some snow/ice covered rocks at water crossings.