Mount Tecumseh
#48 of 48Easy
4,003 ft | Waterville | 1 route
28°F / Feels 13°F
23 mph WNW
ConditionsDifficult
At the summit, Oct 17, 3:20 AM ETAs of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Tecumseh are currently rated Difficult. At 3:20 AM ET it was 28°F at the summit (4,003 ft), feeling like 13°F, with WNW winds at 23 mph. The listed route, Mount Tecumseh via Mount Tecumseh Trail, is 4.8 miles round trip with 2,189 ft of elevation gain, taking about 2-5 hours. Mount Tecumseh (4,003 ft) is #48 of 48 on the NH 48 list. See the hour-by-hour Mount Tecumseh weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Routes
Trails that reach the summit
Sosman Trail (0.7 mi) · Mount Tecumseh Trail (5.0 mi)
Trail Map
Today's Conditions
Updated Oct 17, 3:20 AM ETCurrent Weather
28°F
Feels like 13°F
23 mph WNW · Gusts 43 mph
95% humidity
AI Trail Conditions
Difficult
AI Synthesized
medium confidence
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
A cold front brings a rain-to-snow transition with snow and ice on trails at all elevations on Saturday, plus strong, gusty winds and wind chills near or below zero near the summit. Daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so an early start is essential. Sunday offers calmer, clearer conditions with milder temperatures and is the much better window for this hike.
Conditions at the trailhead (~2,000 ft) are near or below freezing at 28°F with moderate winds, while the summit runs about 19-34°F with winds near 47 mph and wind chill around -4°F, with the freezing level crossing the route. Start with layers you can adjust, add an insulating layer and windproof shell on the climb, and expect the biggest chill at the summit.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday is the better option with clearing skies, lighter wind, and temperatures rising above freezing by afternoon; start mid-morning after trails soften. If hiking Saturday, go out early with microspikes and turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Hazards
Fresh snow over a freeze-up on wet rock and leaves leaves slick trail surfaces, with possible thin glaze ice from earlier freezing rain
Wind chills near or below zero with gusts to 43 mph raise frostbite and hypothermia risk
Low visibility and fog in the clouds, with upslope snow showers possible
Wet footing from recent rain freezing overnight, plus icy steps and rock slabs
Wind-loaded snowfall and blowdown possible after strong overnight winds
Limited daylight and a significant temperature swing between trailhead and summit
Recommended Gear
Microspikes or other traction devices
Insulated waterproof boots and gaiters
Insulating mid-layers plus a windproof and waterproof shell
Warm hat, balaclava or buff, and insulated gloves with spare pair
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles
Hand and toe warmers
Insulated water bottle or thermos and extra food
Goggles or glasses for blowing snow
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
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Recent Trail Reports
10Sep. 30, 2026by Uki
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail
Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail
“This was an en route pivot. My original plans were thwarted by unexpected rain and more than expected cloud cover when I hit Gorham and Crawford Notch. I mentally ran through what I still needed for September for G2 and decided on Tecumseh because I didn't get it last month and more importantly, it is so short that I would be home in time to make pizza for dinner. There was a still a slight mist in the air when I started and the humidity was high so everything was super wet. The crossings are still easy but all the rocks were wet. The steps offer wonderful footing even when wet which was much appreciated. I could see blue skies but when I got to the summit mostly everything was still in the clouds. The sun was warm so I settled in and snacked and admired what I could see. I did the little loop around the summit to stretch out the hike. The roots and rocks were still slick and the spider webs were plentiful but it was just so nice to putter around a bit longer. I met quite a few hikers coming up as I descended and everyone was in great spirits and seemed to be enjoying the day. I am glad I changed my plans because this turned out to be just a lovely day!”
Sep. 26, 2026by Becca Munroe
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Wanted to sneak a hike in before the noreaster. Everything dry and good views from summit. Super pretty woods as always! This is my favorite route up Tecumseh!”
Sep. 25, 2026by Chad
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail, ski trails
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Waterville Valley is starting to pop! Walk the ski slope service road down - you won't regret it. Not only have they done a lot of work to smooth it out, but you get amazing views of the reds, yellows and greens of autumn that all those people from away drive hours to see. But do those people hike for a few hours for the best views? Absolutely not. Take advantage of their laziness and delight in the changing colors. The trail is in great shape. Go enjoy. Unless a Nor'easter hits us, then maybe wait a day or two.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
What to bring
From the summit forecast, Sat to MonPaid links. Backcountry.com pays me if you buy. Prices are Backcountry's, checked twice a day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
62 mph
Summit gusts
Plan a below-treeline hike
Daytime gusts near 62 mph above treeline. Pick a sheltered route or another day.
19°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 19°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
-1°F
Wind chill
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Get condition updates for Mount Tecumseh
About Mount Tecumseh
Easiest 4000-footer with ski area on slopes. Can be hiked via ski trails or Mount Tecumseh Trail.
Elevation
4,003 ft
Range
Waterville
Rank
#48 of 48
Difficulty
Easy
Coordinates
43.9667, -71.5565
Nearby Peaks
Trip Reports
5.0 (1 trip report)
Michael W.
Jan 19, 2026
Hiked on January 18, 2026
Great day, hard packed trail with some loose snow, some ice under snow. Uses Microspikes up and down
Snowy