Written by:Two years ago I decided I wanted to hike all the 4000 footers in New Hampshire. This list is comprised of 48 very unique peaks with something different to offer. I realized that after each hike I was getting stronger and more capable of hiking more challenging mountains. I soon added miles and tough trails like ascending Mount Tripyramid’s North Slide. For me, these mountains became more familiar but not easier. There was always something I could have done differently or a section of a trail that kicked my butt.
After I completed the 4000 footers in New Hampshire, I went to the next list: adding Maine and Vermont’s peaks. I became accustom to long drives and multi-day outings to tackle these mountains. Every mountain has been special to me in one way or another. This experience has shaped me the way the mountains have been carved by water and wind. If you ever are thinking about taking on an outdoor challenge, don’t put it off!
The following are my top ten favorite challenges!
10) Mount Osceola and East Osceola
The challenge: These were my first two 4000-footers (and I did them solo) when I decided to start from scratch and attempt the whole list. Originally, I thought the list would take me 3 or more years.
9) Tripyramids
The challenge: The ascent I took to North Tripyramid is North Slide which gains 1,200 feet of elevation in 0.5 miles (about a 45% grade)
8) Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette
The challenge: My first two 5000-footers were also my first two winter summits. With 70 mph winds and plenty of ice, a full balaclava, goggles, and crampons were needed.
7) Mt Moosilauke
The challenge: I’ve hiked Moosilauke three times in the past two years (and still haven’t had views!) The most difficult route is definitely Beaver Brook trail!
6) Mt Moriah
The challenge: The views were gorgeous from the summit, but it was definitely the most ice covered trail I have ever been on. We definitely took our time on this hike!
5) Crocker Mountain, South Crocker, and Mount Reddington (Maine)
The challenge: After hiking to the summit of both Crockers, I bushwhacked (hiking without using a maintained trail) to the summit of Mt Reddington. This is the only peak on the New England 67 list that you have to bushwhack to!
4) Mt Flume and Mt Liberty
The challenge: My final two 4000-footers in NH were saved for last because of the views and the challenge. You can take the Flume Slide Trail up Mt Flume for a steep and rugged hike. (so we may have been exaggerating in the photo, but it is steep!)
I have to include 4B: The flume slide down the actual slide 🙂
3) Pemi area overnight (Hale, Zealand, Bond, Bondcliff, West Bond, South Twin, and North Twin)
The challenge: The Bonds are some of the most remote peaks among the Whites. Seeing the sunset and getting hailed on only added to the fun!
2) Presidential Traverse
The challenge: Solo hike gaining 9000 feet of elevation over 20 miles on 7 of NH’s most rugged 4000-footers.
1) Mt Katahdin (Hamlin and Baxter peaks)
The challenge: After hiking up to Hamlin Peak and then to the Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Baxter Peak, I descended via the Knife Edge Trail. Watch a first person perspective of Knife Edge.
Last modified: November 28, 2014
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