Peak Reviews
5.0 (1 review)
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
4,003 ft | Waterville | 1 route
Feels like -17°F
Below freezing at all elevations
~2.2°F drop per 1,000ft
Best Hiking Window
Monday afternoon offers the least dangerous window, as winds gradually subside through the day from their overnight peak — but temperatures remain below zero and wind chills will still be extreme. This hike should be strongly postponed until Wednesday or later when temperatures recover. If Monday is the only option, plan an early morning start to allow maximum daylight (approximately 11 hours available), move efficiently, and commit to a firm turnaround time well before sunset.
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular
“It was another awesome day up in the bluetiful skies of the White Mountains! We decided to grab another couple thousand feet before heading home. In the parking lot, we saw the awesome Julie and Brian, who were excited about the cider donuts that they give away at the summit for free! (Take a left at the Dunkin’) I know Julie really liked the ones they had last week on Garfield. As she was leaving the summit, she very sweetly said that we were, and I quote, “so pretty.” I’m the first to shame a barebooter but we were the barebooters today! Or rather, we were able to wear our spikes door to door while the slowshoes came along for the ride. Many others were in snowshoes, it really seemed like dealers’s choice today and as always, it’s up to you and what you need, and not me and what I need, OK? Love you! Side note, there’s just something to be said for getting off social media and talking with people one on one on the trails, and I’ve really appreciated that these past few months. 🩷 It’s crazy how crowded things are getting up north these past few weeks with school vacations! NH only has so many mountain ranges to run away to. If I had a girlfriend in every mountain range, I’d be set. But what if they all ran into each other? Xoxo 😘”
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder
“The storm made for perfect snowshoeing conditions - hard packed trail covered by 3” of powder. Broke trail to the summit and didn’t see anything other than moose tracks the whole way. It was great. Going down is also fast, but an army of unprepared bare booters descended upon the trail on the way down. Fortunately uphill skiers weren’t far behind and packed down the trail yet again. In short - perfect for snowshoes.”
Trail: Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular
“Hiked in from the Waterville Valley side. Trail in good condition - good snowpack with minimal postholes and no significant blowdowns. I snowshoed up and wore spikes on the way down. Snowshoes were overkill. Gorgeous, bluebird day. Nice to see many people out enjoying the mountain.”
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
Michael W.
Great day, hard packed trail with some loose snow, some ice under snow. Uses Microspikes up and down