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.