New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Mount Willey

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
Mt. Willey (4285’) is the second of highest and southernmost mountain of the Willey Range, which also includes Mt. Field (4340’) and Mt. Tom (4051’).

Suggested Routes
Moderate: The most direct route to the summit of Mt. Willey is via the steep Kedron Flume Trail, which ascends to the Ethan Pond Trail. A short hike west on Ethan Pond Trail will bring you to the Willey Range Trail. Take this trail north for about a mile to the summit of Mt. Willey. Descend the way you came up.

Strenuous: The gung-ho peak-bagger might choose to bag all three 4,000 footers of the Willey Range in a day. One way to do this is to be dropped-off at the trailhead for Kedron Flume Trail, south of the AMC’s Highland Center, and take Ethan Pond Trail to Willey Range Trail north, which tags the summits of Mt. Willey, Mt. Field, and Mt. Tom in that order. Descend via A-Z Trail, then Avalon Trail, which ends at the AMC’s Highland Center.

Trip Planning
The AMC’s Highland Center and Shapleigh Bunkhouse are open year-round, offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Ethan Pond Campsite is located at the base of Mt. Willey, along the Ethan Pond Trail.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the nearby AT/Webster Cliff Trailhead, connecting hikers with the Highland Center and Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.