Welch-Dickey Loop

The Welch-Dickey Loop is 4.2 miles around the loop, starting at Welch-Dickey Loop Trailhead. At AMC book time (half the distance in hours plus 30 minutes per 1,000 ft of climbing), that works out to roughly 2-4 hours. Most parties take longer than book time on rough or above-treeline terrain, in winter, or with a heavy pack.

The Welch-Dickey Loop climbs about 1,638 ft over 4.2 miles, an average of roughly 386 ft of gain per mile. That figure is cumulative ascent across the whole loop, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the Welch-Dickey Loop Easy on a six-tier scale from Easy to Most demanding. The rating comes from the route itself: its 4.2 miles, 1,638 ft of gain, and the steepest quarter mile of trail, with routes known for scrambles or ledges rated a step harder. It is the same scale our NH 4,000-footer difficulty ranking uses. Above-treeline exposure, water crossings, and winter conditions can still make a well-rated route the hardest day of your year, so check current conditions before committing.

The Welch-Dickey Loop summits 1 named peak: Welch-Dickey.

The Welch-Dickey Loop starts at Welch-Dickey Loop Trailhead. Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive: trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.