2,734 ft | Welch-Dickey | 1 route
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Welch-Dickey are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 32°F at the summit (2,734 ft), feeling like 19°F, with NW winds at 21 mph. The listed route, Welch-Dickey Loop, is a 4.2-mile loop with 1,638 ft of elevation gain, taking about 2-4 hours. See the hour-by-hour Welch-Dickey weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Welch-Dickey Loop Trail (4.0 mi)
Feels like 19°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, windy mid-October conditions with freezing temperatures and strong NW gusts, though precipitation has ended. The open ledges on this loop will be exposed to wind, and rain over the past 48 hours followed by sub-freezing temps likely means icy or slick rock. Plan an early start with the sun well up and aim to finish well before dark.
The freezing level spans the entire hike, so expect subfreezing temps from trailhead to summit: roughly 28-41°F with 27 mph winds at the trailhead versus 25-38°F with 36 mph winds and wind chill near 7°F on the summit ledges. Start with a warm base layer and add a windproof shell before reaching the open slabs, and keep an insulating layer handy for summit stops.
Best Hiking Window
Saturday late morning through early afternoon, after the sun has begun melting ice on the ledges and winds are typically less severe; Sunday offers lighter conditions with a higher temperature and no expected precipitation, but still allow time to descend well before sunset
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Great weather for hiking. Was surprised at how many people were on the trail on a Monday. A good bunch of people all around.”
Trail: Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Saw the search-and-rescue team hiking up and want to express a huge thanks for their efforts that day and thoughts and prayers with family of the man who died hiking up. No comments otherwise, beautiful weather and great trail conditions.”
Trail: Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock
“Wet slabs were a little slippery, but overall the trail was in great shape. I started hiking around 9am and the heat was not a factor.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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25°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 25°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
48 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 48 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
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.
Rising above the Waterville Valley region in the White Mountain National Forest, this satisfying summit sits within the Sandwich Range and rewards hikers with sweeping, open views despite its modest elevation. The popular Welch-Dickey Loop Trail traverses both this peak and neighboring Dickey Mountain, making a scenic 4.4-mile circuit that punches well above its weight. The route features extensive exposed ledge walking with dramatic panoramas of surrounding peaks, including Mounts Tecumseh and Osceola. The open slabs provide an above-treeline feel that is relatively rare on shorter hikes in the region, making this an excellent introduction to ridge walking for newer hikers. The trail's combination of forested approaches and airy granite ledges gives it a varied, engaging character. As a **52 With A View (52 WAV)** list peak, it attracts peak baggers seeking New Hampshire summits with exceptional scenic payoffs.
Elevation
2,734 ft
Range
Welch-Dickey
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
43.9210, -71.5774
Welch Mountain
2,605 ft
43.9190, -71.5760
Dickey Mountain
2,734 ft
43.9230, -71.5787
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
6 incidents on file · drawn from NH Fish and Game releases and regional reporting
47-year-old male from Thornton, NH
On October 7, 2025, William Rose, 47, suffered a leg injury on the Dickey Mountain Trail approximately 1.2 miles from the trailhead. Rescuers from Campton/Thornton Fire Department, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded. He was carried out via rescue wheel litter and transported to Speare Memorial Hospital.
Sharon Christianson, 61, of Texas
Christianson fell and suffered a leg injury about 2.2 miles from the trailhead while hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop with her husband. Rescuers carried her by litter to the trailhead, and she was transported to Littleton Regional Hospital.
Calee Merenda, 25, of Salisbury, MA
Merenda injured her leg and could not continue; over 20 rescuers carried her by litter 1.5 miles down to the Welch-Dickey trailhead.
Nicolasa Kuster, 53, of Stockton, California
Kuster, a solo hiker, fell on slippery rock near the summit of Dickey Mountain and could not walk out. Two Good Samaritans stayed with her and called 911; Campton-Thornton Fire stabilized her and rescuers carried her out.
Elisabeth Campbell, 26, of Somerville, MA
Campbell suffered a serious lower-leg injury descending Welch Mountain and could not finish the hike. Rescuers reached her about 1.3 miles from the trailhead, secured her in a litter, and belayed the litter with rope on steep, icy portions of the trail.
Nick Swertlow, 45, of Long Beach, California
Swertlow suffered a possible lower-leg injury while descending the Dickey Mountain Trail and was carried off the trail by rescuers.