Mt Pierce
March is actually a great month for winter hiking. Trails are pretty well packed down by now unless you happen to go out after one of our March storms.
A well packed down trail will often make certain trails much easier than they would be when there is no snow. Instead of climbing up rocks and stepping up and down, the packed in trails become more of an incline. They may still be steep but it’s a smoother hike than when you are trying to scramble up over rocks and roots.
One of the best things about winter hiking in my opinion is the trip downhill. That’s right. I’m about to talk about butt-sledding. If you’ve never done it, you really should try. It’s a lot of fun and can cut your downhill trek time down provided you’re on a steep enough trail. Butt sleds are more common now than even a few years ago, and they can be found online, at any outdoor store and even at some box stores. They are lightweight and have a handle so they can be easily hung from or attached to the back of your pack. (I’ve been told that a large heavyweight trash bag will slide well too!) You can also go down right on your butt without a sled if the trail is smooth enough. Fresh snowfall however will be a huge hindrance so plan ahead weather wise.
Choosing a hike of the month is really difficult for me because I honestly have several favorites for March. Some of my favorite butt sled trails nearby include Mt Waumbec, Mt Tom, Mt Jackson, Avalon, Sugarloaf and Hale. But my pick of the month is going to Mt Pierce.
Mt Pierce is number 41 on the list of NH’s 48 – 4000 footers. It’s one of the shorter mountains at 4,310’ and the trail is considered to be a moderate hike. It is one of the easier hikes of the 48, and it boasts one of the very best views. As part of the Presidential range, the trail itself (Crawford Path) will continue all the way to Mt Washington.
During the winter, the trail is well packed down, but snowshoes and micro spikes are still recommended. This is one of the more popular hikes in the mountains so there will almost always be other people on the trail. There are steep sections for sure, but the views at the top are beyond worth it. This hike is truly beautiful any time of the year, but there is something about climbing up through the snow-covered trees and their magical Whoville-like appearance that just makes you smile in awe. The incredible formations at the top will make you think you stepped into a whole other world. This is also one of the summits that is home to the beautiful Gray Jays that live in the area. These friendly little birds have no fear of people at all and tend to enjoy treats right out of your hand. Please be considerate of their heath and carry unsalted nuts or dried berries. Bread, crackers and candy aren’t good for their digestion, but they don’t know that, so it’s up to us humans to take care.
As always, plan your hikes with care, check the weather and pack accordingly.
Happy Hiking!
