Top 5 Fall Hikes In Waterville Valley
1.Mt. Osceola
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,070 Feet
Time: 3-4 hours
This is a heavily trafficked, moderate out and back hike with a steady ascent. The summit offers outstanding views at 4,340 ft. You can also carry on and traverse the ridge to East Peak [4156 ft.]. Enjoy sweeping views of the valley below and the Tripyramids off in the distance. This is the perfect hike to enjoy spectacular fall color. Make it a sunrise hike to avoid crowds as this is an east facing summit.
To Climb Mount Osceola you will park at the trailhead off of Tripoli Road. If you are hiking on a weekend or holiday expect a crowded parking lot and lots of company on the trail. You will need to obtain a recreation pass to park on Tripoli road. They are available at the trailhead or at the ranger station on the east side of the road.
The trail begins on a rocky and rough section that requires more time than might be expected, especially in wet conditions. It ascends the ridge, crossing a spring 2/3rds of the way up. It then climbs by short, rather steep switchbacks to the summit.
If you would also like to check out East Peak, you will carry on from the summit as the trail descends steeply into the col. At one point, you have the option to "chimney" down a short rock face, or take an easier route around. There are lookouts to the north as you ascend East Peak. Add an extra hour or more for this as it is a rocky and steep climb for about a mile each way. East Peak is a wooded summit marked by a small cairn.
2. The Scaur
Distance: 4.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 583 Feet
Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
To get to The Scaur you will park at the Livermore USFS Fee lot. Take a left on Livermore Road and begin hiking north for about 25 minutes. You will take another left when you see a sign marked Kettle’s Path/Irene’s Path.
Follow Irene’s Path for about a mile and as it meanders uphill. The final stretch of the hike then climbs steeply to the Scaur spur trail which you will see on your right as you come around the top of a hill. Follow the yellow sign up to your destination.
Take in the wonderful views of Waterville Valley, Mount Tecumseh, and the Sandwich Range and then return the way you came. Or, if you would like to explore further, you could continue to follow Irene’s path to the Waterville Flume.
3. Welch & Dickey
Distance: 4 Miles (Loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,751 Feet
Time: 2-4 Hours
This is a moderate, high trafficked hike that leads to the rocky summits of Welch and Dickey Mountains, offering stunning 360 degree views of foliage in the valley below and white mountain views off in the distance. To avoid crowds do this hike at sunrise or sunset.
The trail begins at the parking lot off of Orris Road, just past the Gateway Condominiums on Upper Mad River Road. Most people hike the trail counter-clockwise, and this description follows that direction.
Bearing right at the beginning, the trail crosses a brook and traverses the foothills of Welch Mountain, and then begins to ascend by switchbacks leading out onto "Welch Ledge," which offers a stunning view of the Mad River Valley and the Sandwich Range.
From there, the trail rises more steeply on the rock slabs, with several difficult passages up the ledges, eventually crossing over the Welch summit, and continuing down into the col between the two peaks.
After a short wooded section of conifers, the trail ascends steeply up to the Dickey summit, and then traces the rock ledge back into the woods. It gradually descends a mature hardwood forest back down to the parking lot.
4. Greeley Ponds
Distance: 7.4 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 670 feet
Time: 4-5 hours
This is a moderate out and back trail used primarily to access several other hiking trails and upper Greeley Pond, the source of the Mad River. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the upper pond and take in the views of the foliage as it reflects off the water.
The hike to Greeley Ponds begins in the Livermore Road parking lot. Walk past the information stand and fee area and turn left down the gravel path. After a short walk you will reach a small meadow with an intersection. You will then continue straight through the meadow, over a bridge, and back into the woods. Almost immediately after crossing the bridge you will take a left onto the Greeley Ponds Trail.
It starts as an old logging road alongside the Mad River, and continues parallel with the river past the Goodrich Rock Trail on the left after about 30 minutes. Shortly after this you will continue ascending up a gentle grade. The Timber Camp Trail diverges from the Greeley Ponds trail on the left after you have ascended. The Greeley Ponds trail continues, and descends back down to the level of the Mad River, which it crosses on a bridge.
For the rest of the hike to the ponds, the trail stays close to the diminishing river as it ascends the Mad River Notch. There are 6 wooden planked footbridges over rills and run-offs adding to the river; and then the trail descends some log steps and crosses the river (difficult in high water,) at a point where a cross country ski trail continues straight ahead (blazed blue,) The hiking trail enters the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area on the other side of the river, and is wet in several places as it passes to the left of the lower pond.
Stay left as the trail forks and begins to ascend gradually to the upper pond. At the north end of the upper pond a spur path on the right leads down to a small beach. After enjoying the ponds you can head back the way you came, or If you’re feeling adventurous you can follow the trail all the way down the other side to the Kancamangus Highway.
5. Snow’s Mountain
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,335 feet
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Snow’s Mountain is a primarily wooded, moderate loop beginning at the Snow’s Mountain chairlift. There is one overlook towards the end of the hike offering one of the best views of Town Square and the Valley. Fall is one of the best times of years to do this hike with colorful canopies above.
There is ample, free parking at the BBTS/WVA parking lot located at the start of this hike. Follow this trail clockwise, beginning at the base of the Snow’s Mountain chairlift. Begin climbing one of the old ski trails directly under the lift and bear right above the ski jumps. You will then see a trail head sign for the Snow’s Mtn trail on the right tree line.
The trail meanders through the woods climbing moderately up the side of Snow’s Mountain. About half way up the trail parallels the Upper Snow’s Mtn trail which is often used for mountain biking. The trail then becomes a bit steeper as it climbs to the wooded summit of Snow’s Mountain. There is one rock near the summit which you can climb to take in some views. From the summit, continue on down the trail as the best view is yet to come.
The trail begins to gradually descend down the side of the mountain. About half way down there is a small over look offering views of Town Square and Corcoran’s Pond from above and the Ski Area in the background. This is a different perspective of Waterville Valley that many people don’t get to see. Enjoy the view and continue on down the trail.
The trail ends in a resident’s driveway, so please be respectful while exiting the trail. Follow Snow’s Mtn Road back to Boulder Path Rd (the road you drove in on) and then take a right onto Boulder Path Rd. Follow the main road back to the parking lot.