It doesn’t get much better, on top of Mt Pierce

Videos and slideshow available:

I was, again, invited to go along with a great group of folks destined to take advantage of the 12 inches or more of fresh powder. The goal was simple, find some trails to sled down.
I was running late and hustling to get to our meeting spot. I raced in about 10 minutes late, even skipping coffee *GASP*. I shuffled my gear into Joel’s truck and off we went up 93. Mostly good company on the ride up. Joel’s wife, Julie in the back crammed between their nephews, Jackson and Lucas. Lucas and Jackson conserved their energy on the ride up. Following us up were 3 more, Adam, Luke, and Pat.
We arrived at the AMC Highland Center Lodge just after 08:00 and geared up inside. With the temps in the low teens, this was a nice treat to remain warm while lacing em up. We collected in a nice room with a fireplace and a couple folks reading by the fire. Such a perfect spot. Everyone got layered up and lashed sleds to pack and off we went.
We returned the car to grab snowshoes. I snapped a photo of the sun rising over ridge. The air was dry and wind still. We walked across the street to the trailhead and affixed our snowshoes. Joel worked hard to make sure everyone was secured into their shoes and we started our journey.
Julie led the crew of 8 up the trail. The Crawford Path is the oldest maintained trail in the US. It has a relatively mild grade and the recent snowfall made this a great choice. We stopped and adjusted layers at Gibbs Falls to make sure folks were not too hot. The rule is to start a winter hike cool/cold, knowing you’ll warm up as you become active. It is tough to get this right and always a struggle.
After the adjustments, we were on our way. As we gained elevation, the snow clung to the trees more and more. The branches bending under the weight. It creates a magical scene that pictures fail to convey. Time seemed to go by quickly. There were a few stops along the way for snacks and water. Julie kept us on a strong but steady pace. Soon we reached our first views of Mt Eisenhower through some branches. With its rounded treeless summit, the snow seemed extra white.
Once we reached the junction of the Appalachian Trail to the summit, the wide open views take your breath away. Adam meandered out toward the steeps to get a closer look. The dry air allowed for miles and miles of views. The white snow contrast with the blue sky makes it easy to take good pictures. I’m pretty certain everyone was grinning when we reached this point. Though the temps remained in the teens, the sun was beaming and less than 5mph wind made it feel warmer. After many (almost too many) photos, we continued up to the summit cairn.
The summit of Mt Pierce is rather lackluster but with the snow and rime covered trees, it was rather beautiful. We milled around the summit for a few, snacking and chatting.
I tended to my cold toes with a feeble attempt to strap heat packs to the top of my boots. This was an epic failure in an attempt to warm my toes without removing my boots. If nothing else, it got a few chuckles from the others.
From the summit we continued down the Webster Cliff Trail toward the Mizpah Spring Hut. The hut is closed, but going this route offered a bit more steep descent for a some sledding. We weaved through the narrow trail which had a couple snow glistening clearings. It wasn’t long before we reached some of steeper terrain and we swapped our snowshoes for sleds. This has been typically a painful transition but Joel figured out how to use Gear Ties to strap the gear to our packs. These are like giant rubbery twist ties that are very durable. They worked great and the transition could be done quicker and with gloves on.
The first run of the day. I think it was Adam up front. Could hear laughter, then screaming, then laughter and finally faded into the distance. Each took their turn, laughing all the way. Each nearly careening into the prior at the end of the run. The runs weren’t too long, but fast and steep here. It was probably the fastest mile I’ve traveled on the trail. In almost no time we were at the hut. We took a decent break here, still under the warm sun, fed ourselves and some gray jays. They always seem nearby.
Continuing down the Webster Cliff Trail to the Mizpah Cutoff, this was a march always hoping around the next corner there would be enough decline to sled, but there wasn’t much available on this stretch. We hooked back up with the Crawford Path. Another gentleman was resting at the junction after coming down Crawford from the summit. We chatted a bit and he seemed eager to see us use the sleds. We took off down the trail smiling and some giggling. He seemed impressed. After each run, he was quick enough to catch up to us, or we were slow enough, that he had to wait a bit behind us. Even though the actual sledding time is quicker, there is some time to transition between the getting up and down and hiking to the next possible run. I felt bad we were holding him up, but he was a kind and let us have some fun. We reached a point where another couple came up behind us and we allowed all three to pass by.
There were a few more stretches to sled and before long we were back at the trailhead. We were almost near the trailhead when we realized clouds had moved in and it was snowing. Everyone wanting one more time to sled, each slid down the stairs to the road snow bank.
Again we went inside the Highland Center to change out of our wet clothes and prep for the trip home. This was a very successful day hiking and sledding. Can’t wait to do it again.

The same photos along with some video clips on Youtube: https://youtu.be/n8PezviLUwA

Always love riding through Franconia Notch, even when Joel tries to smear it with windshield washer fluid.

A first for me, getting geared up indoors at the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch.

After getting dressed up, we head back outside. The temps are in the low teens but wind is almost non-existent

A peek at Mt Tom and Mt Field as the sun warms them

We keep moving into the shadows, but the sun eventually finds us

After crossing the street to the trail, strapping on our snowshoes. With some fresh fallen snow, we’ll surely need these

Starting up the Crawford Path, the oldest, continuously maintained, hiking path in America.

First break to remove a layer to keep the sweat at a minimum. Getting sweaty in the winter can zap your body temps and create problems later on.

Wrapping up the break, getting ready to press on.

Snacks in hand, well for some. Pat chose a different method

The snow getting a tigher grip on the trees.

Making tracks. The trail was broken out by a few the previous day. With our group of 8 in snowshoes, we mashed out a solid base

The branches drooping on the weight of the snow

The junction to the Mizpah Hut, the Mizpah Cutoff. We suspect we’ll come down that route

Even the smallest branch has snow and rime

Ahh, the first distant views through the trees. Mt. Monroe and Mt Washington shrouded in clouds

The views becoming more frequent as the trees ‘shrink’ and thin out.

Rounding the corner to the junction just below the summit. The air is dry and makes for miles of views

Adam sneaks out to get a closer look, Mt Eisenhower in the background

Lucas, Pat, and a tagalong we met on the way up looking out over the valley

The sign is sinking into the depths of the snow cover. Lucas and Pat heading up the summit of Mt Pierce

Mt Eisenhower, Mt Monroe are visible, beyond that is a clouded Mt Washington

Looking over the little snow people(trees) to the north east, I think.

Nothing but smiles for these two. Julie led this bunch up here at a strong pace

Joel and Julie sharing smiles with nephews, Jackson and Lucas

More little snow people, they’ve got a few months before they thaw out

My frozen beard on display with Mt Eisenhower peering over my shoulder

Forced Joel into a selfie, he mustered a smile. Tough not to smile on a day like this

Milling around at the summit of Mt Pierce. I think Julie’s smile says it all

One more shot toward Eisenhower before we dip into the trees in the other direction.

Weaving through the sometimes narrow Webster Cliff Trail toward the Mizpah Hut

Can’t get enough of these frozen trees and views beyond

A brief stop as the suns shines down upon us

One last clearing before we start to descend into the thick.

A bit of rest at the Mizpah hut. Of course there were gray jays to be fed

Snacks and rest before we continue down the Mizpah Cutoff back to Crawford Path

Only a couple ahead of us had made it down the cutoff since the fresh snow the day before

Snowshoes off and sleds in hand from the couple good runs down Webster Cliff Trail, Adam, Joel, and Luke are ready for some more butt sledding

After a slog on the Mizpah cutoff, then some fun butt sledding, Luke, Adam, and Jackson, rest at Gibbs Falls

Pat, Julie,and Joel prepare the final half mile

Junction to the Mt Clinton Road parking lot. But not the way we’re going

The bridge over Gibbs Brook toward Mt Clinton Road parking lot.

Julie, Luke, Jackson, and ‘Wilson’ at the trail head

Smiles at the end of a hike. A great sight to see.
R-L Luke, Pat, Julie, Joel, Jackson, Adam, and in back, ‘Wilson’ aka Lucas — with Lucas Gagne.

Everyone takes one final sled down to the road

OK well, some actually slid down to the parking lot

The clouds and snow rolled in as we mill around the lot

A windy frigid walk to the Highland Center. Again this was an amazing treat to change in the warm interior.

Still 45 of 48