Weekend of Summer Hiking
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You are responsible for:
Knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
To share the hiker code with others.
hikeSafe: It's Your Responsibility.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES >>>
FRIDAY - Check-In
Stretch your legs and go for a quick stroll along the Village Trail.
Stop by Town Square along your walk and stop by Olde Waterville Pizza Co. Wind down in this cozy sports bar, relax, and enjoy some fresh pizza, craft beer, and live sports.
Enjoy live music from local artists and bands at the Gazebo Stage in Town Square.
SATURDAY
Grab coffee and breakfast from La Tasse Cafe to fuel up in preparation for your day of adventure.
Spend the day exploring Waterville Valley's famous hiking trails! The Valley has plenty of trails to choose from, here are some of our favorites:
If it's a hot, sweltering day, we recommend hiking to Cascades Falls. Cascades Falls is a series of waterfalls and swimming holes, perfect for cooling off and beating the mid-summer heat. Be sure to pack your bathing suit, towels, bug spray, and some hiking snacks! There are primarily two ways to get there:
You can hike along the Cascades Path, beginning at Snow's Mountain Parking Lot.
If you want to shorten your hike, you can ride Snow's Mountain Chairlift. From the top of the chairlift, you'll hike 0.8 miles on Upper Snow's Mountain X-C Trail. As you approach the first bridge, you will notice the Cascades Path sign to your right. Hike along this path and you'll find a series of gorgeous waterfalls and swimming holes.
If you're looking for hikes with panoramic mountain views, we recommend hiking Mount Osceola or Welch-Dickey Loop.
Mount Osceola is one of NH's 4,000-footer mountains. This steadily ascending trail features a section that is quite rocky and rough and may be difficult in wet conditions.
Welch-Dickey Loop offers stunning views of the Mad River Valley and Sandwich Mountain Range. This mostly rock faced trail traverses over two peaks: Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain. Given the rock-faced trail, you can take in incredible mountain views for a substantial portion of this trail.
Discover an alpine pond by taking a hike to Greeley Ponds! Greeley Ponds hike traverses gradually through the Mad River Notch. As the headwaters of the Mad River, Greeley Ponds offer scenic beaches with views of East Osceola cliffs. Pack your fishing gear - Greeley Ponds is known by locals as one of Waterville's best fishing spots!
Enjoy a late afternoon picnic on Corcoran Pond. Stop by Jugtown Country Store for sandwiches, Board's Head meats & cheeses, chips, jerky, and adult beverages. Set up by the picnic tables on Corcoran Pond Beach.
Take advantage of your Freedom Pass and swing by the White Mountain Athletic Club. Relax, rejuvenate, and decompress in their sauna, steam room, and hot tub.
Enjoy al fresco dining and authentic Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda. Locals love their margaritas and table-side guacamole!
Enjoy live music while you dine! During July & August, local musicians perform at the Gazebo Stage on Friday and Saturday nights.
SUNDAY - CHECK OUT
Wake up early and embark on a sunrise hike. Mount Tecumseh faces east, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunrise above the mountains. Mount Tecumseh is considered a 4,000-footer, so be sure to pack your headlamp and some snacks and hit the trail early so that you can catch the sunrise at the summit!
Upon returning from your sunrise hike, head over to the Clubhouse Restaurant and enjoy brunch while taking in panoramic views.
