Mount Willey, Field, and Tom Photos

Ripley Falls

Me in front of Ripley Falls

Looking out from Mount Willey


These are the birds I was hand-feeding

Mount Washington in the background

Mount Willey, Mount Field, and Mount Tom

I hiked Mounts Willey, Field, and Tom solo Saturday, July 3, 2010. On the way up I saw a moose running in the street too! The weather was perfect again! Sunny with clouds, but not too hot. These mountains lie in one straight line, following the Willey Range Trail, making it easy to summit 3 peaks in one day. While the views are always spectacular on any 4,000 footer summit, these 3 summits are NOT above treeline, so any photos you take will include trees at the summit blocking views (unless you zoom in past the trees). The summits on all 3 mountains were quite small, and since there are trees present, it makes it hard to sit and enjoy a snack or the views if there are other people up there.

On the top of Mount Willey and Field, I was hand-feeding the birds with a couple other people up there. Just hold your hand out with a piece of food in between your fingers, and they will swoop down and pick it up. They aren't scared to get real close to you, and sit near you either.

When I was almost done my hike, and back to the parking lot, there is a .50 mile trail leading to Ripley Falls. I highly suggest anyone to take that extra mile back and fourth of hiking to see this waterfall. It is simply amazing! It is a 100 foot drop, cascading over a rock wall.

Mount Willey = 4,285 feet
Mount Field = 4,340 feet
Mount Tom = 4,051 feet

• Start time = 9:10 am
• End time = 6:10 am
• Total hike time = 9 hours*
• Total miles = 12.2 miles (including visiting Ripley Falls)
• Rating = Moderate/Difficult
• Extras = Not above treeline, waterfall, brooks.

* Hiking times include roughly 1 hour total of stopping from start to finish.

Route Summary = Parking for this hike is at the end of Willey Station Road, off Route 302. When you turn on the road, go all the way up the hill to a small parking area. Parking along that road is also permitted if it is crowded. You begin on the Ethan Pond Trail for .30 miles. You will cross railroad tracks very close to the parking lot. Continue up for 2.7 miles to the summit of Mount Willey. After you enjoy Mount Willey, continue up the trail for 1.4 miles to the summit of Mount Field. From there, continue on the trail for .90 miles where you will reach an intersection. To go up to Mount Tom, you will turn left (the sign will say Tom Spur, instead of summit). Continue for .60 miles to the summit. To get back to your car, you will retrace your steps all the way back, making sure to stop at the Ripley Falls on your way back.

I recommend this hike if you are looking to peak bag 3 summits in one day of the 4,000 footers. An easy hike to add 3 mountains to your list! The waterfall is an extra bonus to see, and if you are able to hand-feed the birds at the summits, that is an extra bonus! You really get the naturesque experience when you can be in nature, AND interact with the wildlife.

If you are looking for a hike with awesome summit views, I would NOT reccommend this hike, becasue none of the summits are above treeline, or have a large enough area to sit and enjoy the views like other mountains sucn as Mount Pierce, Eisenhower, Osecola, Lafayette, Lincoln, etc.

Mount Osceola, and East Osceola Photos

Me on the summit of Osceola Mountain. The mountain in the background is East Osceola, where I just hiked from.

Summit of Osceola Mountain


Alot of the connecting trail looks like this


Beautiful day out!

Mount Osceola, and East Osceola Mountain

I hiked Mount Osceola and East Osceola Mountain solo on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. It was a very nice day, around 72 degrees. Sunny, but not too hot. The summits were both a tad windy, but nothing to bad. I had read online that Mount Osceola is the easiest hike out of all the NH 4,000 footers, and I agree with that, it seemed pretty easy, BUT the trail connecting both mountains was very difficult. The first half of it was all downhill (easy), but the last half was very very steep. I felt like I was rock climbing on vertical rock for parts of it. (I was using my hands, feet, and butt for these parts!)It would be a good idea to bring a pair of gloves for rock climbing, so you don't scrape your hands too bad.

The views from both summits were amzing, but only Mount Osceloa has a bear rock summit, above treeline, unlike East Osceola Mountain. I actually didn't even know I was at the top of the mountain because there is no summit sign, and the path sorta just continues along.

Mount Osceola = 4,340 feet
East Osceola Mountain = 4,156 feet

• Start time = 10:30 am
• End time = 5:30 pm
• Total hike time = 7 hours*
• Total miles = 7.6 miles
• Rating = Moderate/Difficult
• Extras = Brooks, rivers, rock scrambles, Mt. Osceola is above treeline

* Hiking times include all breathing breaks, 30 minutes at the summit, and breaks to take pics.

Route Summary = You begin on Greeley Ponds Trail for 1.3 miles. This section is super easy, pretty much flat, with a very minimal incline. It is, however, very rooty. Yes, you expect roots on a trail in the woods, but these roots were sticking up pretty far, making it difficult to maneouver around. After 1.3 miles, you will come to a fork in the trail. Turn right onto Mount Osceola Trail. Continue for 1.5 miles to the summit of East Osceola Mountain. From there continue for exactly 1 mile up to the summit of Osceola Mountain. To return to your car, retrace your steps back the way you came. (3.8 miles total)

Tip = Bring a pair of rock climbing gloves (or any kind where the fingers are exposed). This will help with the connecting trail between both mountains, where you will be using your hands a lot.

I recommend anyone looking for an easy 4,000 footer hike to climb up East Osceola Mountain. For a bit of a challenge, hike over to Osceloa Mountain from there, where you will be doing some rock scrambling.