For me, it was my 19th birthday. Me and a couple of our friends were staying at our buddies place (let's call him Jim) in NH, and I wanted to do a hike for my birthday. We had varying fitness levels across the group, so we decided a light hike would be best. Jim said he heard a lot of people talk about the falling waters trail in Franconia and how beautiful it was so we went to go hike it. Now, I am an Eagle Scout, Jim is an Eagle Scout, and most of our friends were as well, so we just assumed that he had checked out the trail beforehand, he told us it was 1-2 miles max and we'd see a lot of waterfalls, so we trusted him and went along.

We got to the trailhead, and the supplies we had were sneakers, whatever clothes were on our backs, and I had a small day pack with some water, chocolate covered almonds, and a sweater I stuffed in there. This was mid June and absolutely amazing weather. As we went along the trail we took our time (thinking it was a short hike) and enjoyed the scenes around us, we messed around in the water at the bottom of the falls, rock climbed, took tons of pictures, talked to other people as they passed by, and ate most of our snacks and water. As we kept going, we got a suspicious that the trail hadn't looped back around yet. The terrain kept on getting more difficult, and we hadn't seen a waterfall in a while, but we knew we were still on the right trail, so we just kept on going.

If you've hiked this trail before, you know it increases in difficulty after the waterfalls stop. We were coming off of a night of partying, so none of use were in our peak physical conditions. The trail kept getting steeper and steeper, and we were growing much more suspicious of Jim's knowledge of the trail. Eventually, we asked these two older ladies who were descending how much longer the trail was, and their response was "Oh, you know it's just 2, maybe 3 more", and walked away. Two or three more what? Jim was like, "Oh she probably means hundred yards (horrible deduction), can't be that much farther". So we kept going, hiking up the steeper and steeper trail, getting more and more exhausted and thirsty

After those "2, maybe 3" hundred yards had long passed, I got fed up and made us pause to find out what was really happening. We had a map of Franconia that we picked up so we looked around it to find our trail, and what do you know the trail led to the top of the Franconia Ridge, a 6 mile 3,000' elevation hike. Obviously we were upset with Jim at this moment, and do not let him live it down to this day. We were able to tell from the switchbacks on the trail how far along we were at that point, roughly 2/3 the way. I still feel incredibly stupid for just going with the flow and not looking at the map up until that point to this day. Regardless, we were all exhausted, but decided we might as well finish the hike now, otherwise the memory would just be depressing.

We kept on going, hating every second of that last portion, especially the final approach of the summit where it just turns into a stair master of rocks for a couple hundred feet. When we got to the top, despite being irritated, exhausted, and misled, it was absolutely worth it. The view from Little Haystack is just so incredible, and the sky was crystal clear so we could see for miles in each direction. We hung out at the peak for a little bit, one of us spilled the remaining almonds off a ledge sparking some quarreling, and sipped at our water before making our way back down. In total the hike ended up taking 7 hours, we were taking our sweet time when we thought it was a short trail. We drove straight to Black Mountain Burger Co. and absolutely feasted on some Smitty Burgers (Burger that uses grilled cheese sandwiches as the buns, crazy and amazing innovation), and knocked out once we got back to the house.

Even if it sucked in the moment, that is one of my favorite memories from the forest. I've gone back and hiked the entire ridge in a much more prepared manner and it is one of my favorite hikes in the Whites. It also serves as a lesson of always knowing where you are hiking and having a plan, even if it is supposed to be a light and short hike. We were very lucky to have perfect conditions and a fit/knowledgable group, things very easily could have gone badly with how unprepared we were

https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-forests-emergency-logging-rollins-e2d7173bedcc697dee56f94ab613276f

I have not seen this posted here yet and thought it was important to share. The whites are on this list and its not a small section. This is not saying the forest will be logged, but it opens the door to a much easier process of doing so. Below is a zoomed in map, the blue areas the the new areas which they call "Forest Health and Fuels Emergency Situation Determination (FHFESD) lands"

It exempts affected forests from an objection process that allows outside groups, tribes and local governments to challenge logging proposals at the administrative level before they are finalized. It also narrows the number of alternatives federal officials can consider when weighing logging projects.

So yeah fuck that.

I am aware the Whites have always been open to logging, that is part of being a National Forrest, but considering how relatively small the whites are, I feel any logging has the ability to have a bigger impact than other forests.

Link to the USDA press release.

Link to the full map.

4/5/25

Thompson & Meserves Purchase – Conservation Officers, volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR), Pemigewassett Valley Search & Rescue (PEMI SAR), Mountain Rescue Services (MRS), and a COG Railway personnel responded to a call of a hiker with multiple injuries off the north side of Jewell Trail, not far from Mt. Clay, Saturday afternoon. The hiker had reportedly slipped and fallen in the icy conditions and slid several feet off trail before striking an object. The hiker identified as William Tessier, 29, from Carignan, QC was descending after summiting Mt. Washington and was hiking with 4 other companions.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. and a call for help was made by Tessier via 911. Fish & Game reached out to the Cog Railway for assistance in relaying rescuers up the train tracks to where the Westside Trail crosses the tracks known as Skyline. The Cog has always been willing to help in every rescue situation and this time they provided a train which saved rescuers from having to hike nearly 3 miles up the Jewell Trail in rain, icy and windy conditions to access Tessier. The Cog took rescuers up the tracks in two separate groups. Rescuers still had to hike nearly a mile encountering high winds and icy conditions across the ridge above 5000 feet elevation the whole time.

The first rescuers arrived at Tessier at 7:24 p.m. They treated him for a leg injury, shoulder injury and hypothermia. After treating him, he was placed in a litter and carried uphill back across Gulfside Trail to Skyline. This was a herculean task: 20 rescuers took turns carrying Tessier uphill into 40 to 60+ mile per hour winds across ice covered rocks. There were injuries suffered from rescuers in this task. Fortunately, the rescue crew made it to the train at 10:15 p.m. without further incident.

Tessier and the rescue team arrived at the Base Station at 10:45 p.m., where he was transferred into the Twin Mountain Ambulance and transported to Littleton Regional Healthcare for treatment.

Without the dedicated SAR volunteers from AVSAR, PEMI SAR, MRS and the Cog Railway’s willingness to help, this rescue mission would not have gone as well as it did. The weather was terrible and the conditions were potentially life threatening, but each group responded to the call for assistance and endured less than hospitable weather conditions to save the life of this hiker.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BsHosCj9P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It was an easy hike at Madison via Valley Way, only spikes were used. 20/48 marked my completion of all 4k footers in the presis. I got lucky enough that it just started snowing when I started summiting and rained at the end of my hike. The 3 hour drive back to Boston in freezing rain and rainstorm was a lot more brutal than my 5 hour hike…

It says on alltrails it’s $3 to park here didn’t see anywhere to put the money are we supposed to pay online or something?

Hello all,

I've applied to a couple AMC Trail Crew positions and think I'm pretty qualified for it but really want to spend my last college summer out in the Northeast, outdoors. The schedule, mission, area, and company all really appeal to me.

Unfortunately, I haven't heard back for about a month. I understand if I wasn't selected to interview but it's stressful to not know whether I've been phased out at this point or might receive a late offer or the AMC is getting hit by all the federal nonsense going on right now. I emailed the Conservation department but it's just silent and AMC Hiring explicitly states "no phone calls."

Anyone involved with or have connections in the AMC that might know more about the current hiring state? Or have advice? Or alternate jobs in the area that provide housing? I know it's a little late for summer hiring but I thought this would be a fantastic fit and a sure thing and only chose to apply to the AMC back in February. 😢

Hoping to start fishing early this season. Are there any spots for trout fishing with a spinning reel open yet? And if not what are some places that open the last weekend of April

It was a beautiful hike but in hindsight I wouldn’t do it in yesterday’s conditions again. Going up, I was obviously burning calories and working up a sweat so I had a false sense of the temperature. As soon as I got to the top and stopped for a minute, I realized I was pretty cold. Luckily, I had spare layers and put on dry and warm clothes, but I can see how it could have gotten very bad very fast.

Thinking about doing a hike up to Hermit Lake Shelter then skiing down the Sherburne Trail this Friday (4/4/25) - looks like they’re getting a bunch of snow today into tomorrow. Does anyone have any insight into what the conditions will be like Friday? I mainly mean the ability to hike up, will crampons be enough?

Hope it does not happen in the whites!

The Squam Lakes Association closes trails every spring to prevent wear and tear. Until further notice, you can't get to:

• The Rattlesnakes
• Morgan & Percival
• Other peaks along Crawford Ridgepole Trail

You can find a complete list of closed trails on this page.

If you have your heart set on hiking around Squam Lakes, the trails to Red Hill and Eagle Cliff are open!

Hey New Hampshirites,

I'll be spending two nights in Bartlett this month, and I'm keen to explore the White Mountains, but I know the Mt Washington Cog Railway only goes 1/3 the way up before May - is it worth it?

What and where are the best views in the White Mountains in April? We can drive or do moderate hikes, but I don't want to rush headfirst into a journey that ends up getting hairy. Does anything come close to those breathtaking views from the top of Mount Washington this early in the season?

I'd also like to go to Franconia Notch state park, so again, any recommendations on how to best enjoy that at this time of year would be really appreciated. I'm interested in the tram up to the top of Cannon Mountain - what are conditions usually like in April, and is this only worth it if we're skiing, or are there trails, views etc that we can enjoy without skiing?

Appreciate the help - please hit me with any other recommendations too!

Like the title says, I wanna do Jefferson & Clay, or vice versa from the Great Gulf. Any trail advice on which one is better for the descent (and ascent) would be appreciated. 6 Husbands, Sphinx, Great Gulf Tr.

Hey guys,

Me and my friends are considering hiking the Davis Trail at end of april/ start of may. We're pretty experienced hikers, but we're wondering how the conditions might be at that time of the year.

Has anyone done it, or other Mount Washington hikes around that time of year?

Thanks!

sorry for the typo for the title, its actuall start of may

I myself am in my late '40s and I think I am dealing with a meniscus problem in my left knee. It's kept me from doing any winter hiking. I was hoping with rest and my own rehab I'd be able to get back on trails this spring into summer. Unfortunately it's not looking that way. I guess this is just a long-winded way of asking you all about your knees and any issues you have all had on and off the trail and how you've dealt with it. I was really hoping to knock off my remaining 4K footers this summer with my boys before they go away to college. Currently waiting for an insurance referral for orthopedic visit 😑

Hello all,

I made a post recently about backpacking the WMNF and it seems like it is not always the best idea or right thing to do. I am sure I will dabble but respectively.

I would like the ability to have a fire and not always stress about location. I was hoping for some examples of dispersed campsites that people enjoy that involve at least a half day hike, I think Sawyer Pond would fit this example?

Thanks in advance and would love any DMs to help me get started!

If so where did you park? I’m originally from NH but never been to that shelter, was planning a trip back home and wanted to go camping while up there. I found trappers John, but using google maps I don’t see any clear place to park.

Trail is really grown in, full of snow, Classic late winter conditions.

Hello All!

I am looking to get into more backpacking/non-site camping this year as I have camped plenty but really only at designated sites. It is my understanding that in the WMNF you can camp anywhere (that is not a protected forest area?) as long as you are 1/4 mile from road and 200 yards from any trails or water sources, is that correct?

What is the best place to check for fire ratings/if they are permitted?

What are the best bear practices?

Appreciate any other tips/advice and any great locations to check out!

Thanks!!

Beautiful day, trail was in great condition, spikes the whole way

I’m trying to finish the 4000 footers, I have 13 left and thought it would be best to try and get isolation done before the snow melts. Has anybody been out there this week, the last week has been pretty warm. I’d like to tackle it tomorrow morning (Sunday). I have no problem carrying my snowshoes but I’d like to not have to use them all 13 miles.

I also need north twin, hale, Zealand, Cabot, moose, owls head, west bond, white face, passaconaway, trypyramids and cardigan. If you think I might have a better option feel free to chime in. Ideally I’d like to finish before Memorial Day as that is when I started.