AMC Outdoors, January/February 2005

Snowshoe Glen Boulder Trail

For beginner snowshoers, the Glen Boulder Trail delivers a full taste of White Mountain adventure. Pick up the trail just south of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (PNVC) on the west side of Route 16 at the Glen Ellis Falls parking area. The trail winds through wooded terrain with views of Wildcat Mountain and Pinkham Notch. The trail becomes steep at 0.8 miles, crosses the Avalanche Brook Ski Trail, then levels off before climbing again. The boulder for which the trail is named lies just ahead, but can be reached only by climbing over exposed rocks—not ideal for novice snowshoers.

Snowshoers can access the Glen Boulder Trail closer to PNVC by taking the Direttissima Trail, which connects with the Glen Boulder Trail. The trail is fairly level, but there are plenty of ups-and-downs to keep things interesting.

When You Go: The distance from the Glen Ellis trailhead to Glen Boulder is 1.6 miles with an elevation change of 1,750 feet. Plan for the trip to take approximately two hours. Beginners are advised to stay below treeline.

The Direttissima Trail is about 0.2 miles south of PNVC and reaches the Glen Boulder Trail in one mile with an elevation change of 400 feet. Allow for approximately one hour, depending on your ability.

Explore Great Glen Trails

Just up the road from PNVC, Great Glen Trails offers a network of trails ideal for cross-country skiers and snowshoers of every level. Try the Libby Trace Trail for groomed, gentle rolling hills that lead to one-of-a-kind views of the northern Presidential Range, including Mount Washington. Stop at the warming hut, Great Angel Station, to recharge for the return trip. This long log cabin has tables, and visitors are welcome to bring snacks, lunch, and warm drinks. Distance to the warming station and back is less than two miles.

For a shorter section of trail, try Clementine Wash, a half-mile stretch of groomed trail that runs alongside the Peabody River and also offers great views of Mount Washington.

When You Go: Great Glen Trails is open seven days a week; one day of skiing costs $15. Skis, poles, and boots are available to rent ($18 a day for adults, and $10 for children ages 5-12 and seniors 62 and over). There is also a full-service ski shop and cafeteria. For more information and for updated trail conditions, call 603-466-2333, or visit www.greatglentrails.com.

Cross-Country Ski Old Jackson Road

Ease into the White Mountain experience by gliding along this section of the Appalachian Trail. Reaching the trail couldn’t be easier—Old Jackson Road is within stumbling distance of the Trading Post at PNVC. The former carriage road is great for hiking and cross-country skiing and runs north to the Mount Washington Auto Road.

The road has a moderate incline and access to several trails including the Tuckerman Ravine Trail about 50 yards from the trailhead, George’s Gorge Trail at 0.9 miles, and the Raymond Path at 1.7 miles. Along the wooded path expect to cross over several small brooks and a rocky hogback, a ridge with steeply sloping sides.

When You Go: The distance from PNVC to the Auto Road is 1.9 miles with an elevation change of 700 feet. Plan for approximately an hour and half trip.

Hike the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Although Tuckerman Ravine is synonymous with backcountry adventures for telemarkers, snowboarders, and alpine skiers, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is great for all levels of wanderers—not just downhill dynamos.

The Tuckerman Ravine Trail, one of the most popular paths for ascending Mount Washington, can be accessed directly from PNVC. A network of trails spin-off from the main trail, but continue heading straight to remain on the Tuckerman Trail. The climb is gradual and crosses a tributary as well as the Cutler River.

Approximately 2.4 miles into the hike, the Hermit Lake Shelter can be found near the point where the Boott Spur Link veers to the left. Spend the night here (they can accommodate up to 86 people in eight lean-tos and three tent platforms), but plan to bring your own sleeping bag, food, camp stove, water, and appropriate overnight winter clothing and gear.

When You Go: The distance from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Boott Spur Link and Hermit Lake Shelter is 2.4 miles with an elevation change of 1,850 feet. Allow two to three hours to hike in.

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