Also on this trip

Trails Used

Champney Falls Trail, Piper Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great morning hike for Codys 52WAV list. Most of the trails and ledges were dry, but there was one lower section that was a bit wet (wet rocks and water running on trail). We arrived at the summit before the crowds; there were only a 4 others. There was at least one camp bus full of kids, and multiple other parties approaching as we left the summit. Of course, no one was on Middle Sister with us. Views were pretty good, could see for many miles.

Parking

Plenty of space in the lot today both at start and end of hike.

Water Crossings

Step overs

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Champney Falls Trail, Champney Falls Loop, Piper Trail, Liberty Trail, Westside Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is a nice hike, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this route. Kiki and her dog Pepper had not done it since she was a kid at camp. Not much water coming down the brook but the rocks and stone steps were still a lot of fun to see. we were surprised how few people were out hiking early but we did meet a young couple on their way down after watching the sun rise. The summit cone's faded yellow blazes are still a big help and the Forest Service should really repaint them since there are no rocks to build cairns. On the summit a twit was sitting on the high point and wasn't interested in moving. Only a dozen people were on the summit ledges. There was a nice breeze up high. (When I was on a high school outing club trip many moons ago I flew a baby bat kite on the summit.) We descended the Liberty Trail and took the West Side Trail back to avoid the masses that were headed up now. Plus it was in the shade--good for us and Pepper the dog. We decided to visit Middle Sister and the views from this trail to Chocorua the best. The stone foundation of the old fire tower is still standing. We enjoyed this hike and with the exception of the summit cone, the trails are gentle with good footing.

Parking

Parking lot only half full at 8:30. Trail stewards were nice and remarked they didn't know why they arrive so early since experienced hikers are the only ones that show up early. Note to self 8:30 is considered early :)

Water Crossings

Easily rock hop-able

Wildlife

none that I can remember

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Piper Trail , Nickerson Ledge Trail, Carter Ledge Trail, Middle Sister Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great weather to hike up to Middle Sister and Mount Chocorua. Met a lot of great and friendly hikers along the way. The Carter Ledges were lots of fun and a good challenge.

Parking

Parked at the Piper Trailhead.

Water Crossings

All water crossings were very easy.

Wildlife

Saw only a couple mosquitos and one fly. No bites today!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Champney Falls, Piper

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is wet, wet, wet

Parking

First one there just before 8 am! Parking couldn't have been easier.

Water Crossings

Two easy to cross, two a bit more spicy. Some people took their shoes off and waded, some did some sketchy (partially submerged) rock hopping. Poles helped a lot.

Wildlife

Bugs weren't too bad, surprisingly

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Bolles trail, Bushwhack, Bickford trail, Brook trail, Liberty trail, Westside trail, Piper trail, Middle Sister trail, Champney Falls cutoff, Champney Falls trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

A beautiful day with no wind and perfect temps to hang out on the summits. I only saw a handful of people out throughout the 13.5 miles and 4,100’. It took me 6 hours with long summit breaks. I hit the whack from the hol on Bolles and got lost in thick spruce, might not have found the jar without gps. Surprisingly nice views from ledges once I made my way there. Easier coming back. After summiting Chocorua I had planned to go down Beeline trail, but the top of Brook trail was indeed terrifying to think of descending, and there were passing showers in between sunshine. The rock was a bit slippery in the shade, but dry at the top. I decided to take Champney down, which I was able to run most of, it’s such a moderate grade. I stopped at Pitcher Falls too which was lovely.

Parking

Fee area but I have an annual pass.

Water Crossings

Too many to count. Two crossings on Bickford trail were tricky submerged rock hops, but I have long legs and I found a way without taking my boots off.

Wildlife

A few mosquitos, only noticed them in the parking lot.

Trails Used

Champney Falls Trail, Piper Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Wet trails/stone ledges, especially at switchbacks. Somewhat slippery, be alert. Poles came in handy. No spikes needed. Some snow/ice to see in the woods.

Parking

Fee is being charged. Privy bathrooms open.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping was no problem

Wildlife

None!