Many use the same hike to summit both Mount Flume and Mount Liberty. There is a 1.2 mile connection between them so many hikers take advantage of this peakbagging opportunity. The most popular way to do this is to take the Flume Slide Trail up to the summit of Flume. It is highly recommended to not take the Flume Slide Trail down.
The Flume Ledges are a rocky 0.7 mile section of the trail that can be very dangerous with rain or snow. Once you summit Flume and take the connecting trail to the summit of Liberty. Once at Liberty many take the Liberty Spring Trail down which leads them to the Flume Visitor Center. This loop is around 10 miles long.
The Osseo Trail, accessible from the Lincoln Woods Trail at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center, is an easier way up then the Flume Slide Trail. One takes the Wilderness Trail for about 1.5 miles before reaching the Osseo Trail. The Osseo Trail then takes you 4.1 miles towards the summit until it meets the Flume Slide Trail for the final 0.1 miles to the peak of Mount Flume. The trail has nice views of a brook and is relatively leisurely for a 4,000 footer. This out and back is about 11 miles total.
Downtown Lincoln isn’t far away from the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and has plenty of hotels and spots to eat. Black Mountain Burger will satisfy your post-hike appetite with its wide selection of burgers.
Have a great hike!
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year-round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
]]>The previously mentioned Crawford Path is the most popular way up and down Mount Pierce. Starting from the Crawford Connector parking lot, hikers take the Crawford Connector about 0.4 miles before reaching the Crawford Path trailhead. You then take Crawford path for 1.5 miles before the Mizpah cutoff is reached.
Hikers can go right to the Mizpah Spring Hut, an AMC hut with great views at 3,800 feet and then approach the summit.
One can go left at the cutoff to continue along Crawford Path about 1.3 miles to the summit of Mount Pierce. Peakbagging Mount Eisenhower from here is popular, especially among hikers who are trying to summit all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers.
To reach Eisenhower, continue another 1.2 miles on Crawford Path to reach the summit. From there hikers will usually either go back the last 1.2 miles they hiked to Mount Pierce’s summit and then continue down Crawford Path to the Crawford Connector parking lot.
Another option is to take Edmands Path down Eisenhower. Edmands path is about 3.3 miles down to the Edmands parking lot which is a 2.3 mile walk on Mount Clinton Road back to the Crawford Connector parking lot.
The Mizpah Spring Hut is operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Reservations for overnight stays can be made through the AMC.
The Crawford Connector parking lot is located off of Mount Clinton road.
After your hike, head towards Bretton Woods for a bite to eat and a spectacular view of the Presidential range (at least on a clear day).
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year-round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
]]>Mount Liberty, standing at 4,459’, is a member of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000 footers and part of the Franconia Range. The Liberty Spring Trail is accessible from the Liberty Spring Trailhead near the Flume Visitor Center.
]]>The Liberty Spring Trail is accessible from the Liberty Spring Trailhead near the Flume Visitor Center.
Those hiking Mount Liberty often summit Mount Flume first then hike 1.2 miles across their connecting ridge to the summit of Mount Liberty. It is recommended that those looking to peakbag hike up Flume, via the Flume Slide Trail, then over to Liberty and descend down the Liberty Spring Trail. The Flume Slide Trail, featuring the Flume Ledges, is quite steep and offers a much more challenging trip down than it does on the way up. This loop totals about 10 miles.
The Liberty Spring Trail is also an option for those looking for an out and back hike. This option is a bit shorter at about 8 miles round trip.
Whether you’re hiking in the winter or the summer, Liberty is a challenging hike where the weather can become unpredictable. Make sure you check weather reports ahead of time. The Flume Slide Trail is especially steep so take proper precautions.
The Liberty Springs Trailhead is located off of I-93 at the Flume Visitor Center exit.
Downtown Lincoln, NH is a short drive from the Flume Visitor Center and offers plenty of food and drink options. Swing by One Love Brewery after your hike and enjoy some craft beer and delicious food.
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year-round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
]]>Mt. Israel, one of New Hampshire’s “52 With a View,” is located in Sandwich, NH. There are several trails to the summit, the most popular being the Wentworth Trail which is a 4 mile out and back. At the end of Diamond Ledge Road, the Wentworth trailhead lies next to a white AMC meetinghouse. It’s a relatively easy hike with rewarding views at the summit as it looks onto Chocorua and the rest of the Sandwich Range.
]]>There are several trails to the summit, the most popular being the Wentworth Trail which is a 4 mile out and back. At the end of Diamond Ledge Road, the Wentworth trailhead lies next to a white AMC meetinghouse. It’s a relatively easy hike with rewarding views at the summit as it looks onto Chocorua and the rest of the Sandwich Range. Going up, things are quite steep but it makes for a speedy trip down. About 1 mile into the Wentworth Trail there’s a small creek you must cross. There is a false summit towards the end of this hike - when you reach this point turn right where you can see the true summit higher up. The trail continues to the true summit, going down a little first before going up.
Off of Sandwich Notch Road is where the Guinea Pond Trailhead is located. This is a longer out and back that totals about 6.5 miles. This trail gives access to the beautiful Guinea Pond and starts around center Sandwich.
The Foothills Cafe and Curio, in downtown Sandwich, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner not far from the trailhead. They have daily sandwich and dinner specials as well as breakfast pastries and yummy smoothies.
]]>The Cabin Trail, about 1.4 miles, is not as steep or challenging as the Red Hill Trail (1.7 miles). The two are often combined in what is known as the Fire Tower Loop. Both trails start at the Red Hill Trailhead and about 0.3 miles in hikers either switch paths to the Cabin Trail or continue up the Red Hill Trail to the top (approximately 1350 feet of elevation gain).
For a more difficult approach, try the Eagle Cliff Trail. This trail ascends from Bean road, climbing 0.6 miles over steep and rocky terrain. Eagle Cliff offers excellent views of Squam lake. Continue onward for approximately 2 more miles to reach the summit of Red Hill -- this route is 1650 of elevation gain.
Parking is available by the trailhead on Red Hill Road. Stop by Red Hill Provisions and grab a homemade muffin before your hike. Or, head there after for an ice cream cone!
Have a great hike!
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
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The Greenleaf Hut, maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club, is a popular spot for hikers to book an overnight stay and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Some popular trails include The Falling Waters Trail and the Greenleaf Trail.
The Old Bridle Path, a 7.5 mile out and back trail, was adopted by Burgeon in 2020. Burgeon is committed to keeping the trail clear of obstacles, improving drainage and reporting major issues to the Appalachian Mountain Club. Beginning at the Cannon Mountain tramway parking lot, the Greenleaf Trail takes hikers to the AMC’s Greenleaf Hut then to the incredible summit views.
Lafayette is often included an a Lafayette/Lincoln/Little Haystack loop. Hikers usually ascend the Falling Waters trail to Little Haystack, then take the Franconia Ridge Trail over the summit of Lincoln to Lafayette. To complete the loop descend on the Greenleaf trail to the hike, then follow the Old Bridal Path to back to the parking lot. Total length approximately 8.8 miles.
Lincoln and Woodstock offer some great spots to eat pre or post hike. Merland’s in Woodstock is the perfect place to grab a sandwich and a beer after your hike.
Have a great hike!
Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
]]>The mountain, owned by Dartmouth College, was made public years ago when the rights to the summit were transferred from the college to the government. The Dartmouth Outing Club runs and operates the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge as well as providing maintenance to various trails.
The Gorge Brook Trail, off of Ravine Lodge Road, is a 7.4 mile out and back hike that is relatively low in difficulty and offers some awesome views for day-hikers. Carriage Road is also relatively low in difficulty but offers a great workout as a 10.2 mile out and back.
While not an overly technical hike, the elevation gain makes it a great workout and the views are well worth it. Summit Views include part of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Kinsmans, the Presidential Range, and Franconia Ridge.
Parking for the Gorge Brook Trail, Carriage Road and Ridge Trails is available on Ravine Road. Lodging is available in the Spring, Summer and Fall in the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. Reservations are required for dinner and overnight stays. There are over 30 miles of trails from the lodge with varying skill levels required.
Have a great hike!
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Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019. Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish. Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH. By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains. 5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.
]]>Cotton Mountain in Holderness, NH is a perfect hike for a morning work-out, avoiding the crowds, and as a quick hike on a trip to Holderness or the Lakes Region.
]]>Elevation: 1200 feet
Vertical Gain: 600 feet
View: Nice views of Squam Lake
Town: Holderness, NH
Cotton Mountain is a 1.4 mile round trip hike in Holderness, NH that offers views of Squam lake. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The first 0.3 miles are relatively moderate in terms of pitch. You gain most of the approximately 600 feet of elevation in the final 0.4 miles.
This hike is perfect for a morning work-out, avoiding the crowds, and as a quick hike on a trip to Holderness or the Lakes Region.
Before or after your hike, check out the Squam Lake Marketplace for coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream. Enjoy!
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