Mt Pemigewasset + Winter Hiking Tips: My First Winter Hike in NH
I’ve been saying it every year for a while now- I want to like winter hiking. Each year I’m trying something new to test the waters again and each year I’ve come to the same conclusion: I’m only really made for winter hiking if it’s sunny and over 30 degrees. I hiked Mt Pemigewasset in January 2021 attempting to change that.
I absolutely love a blue skies day in the woods with my microspikes, but I have yet to find my love of hiking when I’m clouded in during a snowfall freezing my fingers off. Snowshoes are too chunky to me and usually two miles in I wonder what I got myself into and why I’m not home with a nice cup of hot chocolate.
That said, I will always remember the first mountain I hiked during winter after moving to New Hampshire because the day came with perfect-for-me hiking conditions! The time I hiked Mt Pemigewasset might even be one of my favorite hikes so far in New Hampshire because the day was made up of everything I love.
Keep reading to learn more about my Mt Pemigewasset hike, what to do after the hike, and tips for beginner winter hikers:
- Hiking Mt Pemigewasset (52 with a View)
- Woodstock Inn & Brewery (Views & Brews)
- Tips for Beginning Winter Hiking
Hiking Mt Pemigewasset
Parking and Trailhead for Mt Pemigewasset
Mt Pemigewasset is a very popular hike in the White Mountains. It is easy to access and quick to climb. This combination makes Mt Pemigewasset a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike.
To climb Mt Pemigewasset, the easiest parking is found at the Flume Gorge and Visitor Center in Franconia Notch State Park. This parking lot is in the heart of the White Mountains so it is very easy to find by taking Exit 34A off Interstate 93. The parking lot is also very big to accommodate the many visitors that come year-round.
That said, during peak seasons in New Hampshire (most of the summer and especially early fall), this parking lot can be extremely busy! I am focusing on a winter hike in this post but if you want to hike Mt Pemigewasset during a busier time of the year you will definitely want to plan to get to the parking lot early to get a spot.
On a winter morning the lot will be a little quieter though and you will have more space to yourself. I believe when I met up with a friend to hike Mt Pemigewasset around 8am on a morning in January there were only two other cars in the lot when we arrived.
The coordinates that can also be used to find this parking lot are: 44.09780, -71.68164.
To reach the trail, you must first start on the bike path and cross under U.S. Route 3 and I-93. Driving into the lot, the bike path will be on your far left behind the leftmost row of cars. You should be able to start on this path and after only a few yards make a left-hand turn at a Mt Pemi sign.
This turn to the left should allow you to walk under Route 3 and I-93 where you will see blue trail markers to begin your hike!
Quick Climb up Mt Pemigewasset
Mt Pemigewasset is a fast hike. According to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) White Mountain Guide, the summit is around 2,557ft and at the parking lot you are already starting around 1,300ft. Therefore, elevation gain for the hike is only around 1,250ft.
This is an out and back trail totalling around 3.7 miles. That distance can minorly change depending on where you end up having to park. Less than 2 miles each way though, the total time my friend and I spent hiking Mt Pemigewasset was just around 2 hours.
Remember, you are following blue trail markers on this hike! Especially with fresh snowfall in winter, trails can become particularly difficult to follow. Luckily the day I hiked Mt Pemigewasset, the trail was packed down and easy to follow from previous days even though my friend and i were the first ones there that morning.
I brought my microspikes because I really wanted to test them out again but it wasn’t even worth it! Countless snowshoers and hikers had already passed through and headed up and down Mt Pemigewasset since the last snowfall making them unnecessary. This was great for me though because I just got to enjoy a sunny, blue skies day while only focusing on my layers, water, and snacks.
Leaving the bike path and crossing under the roads, you will walk over a little bridge before heading into the woods. From reading my AMC guide I knew to expect a few stream crossings on Mt Pemigewasset, but the snow and ice at this time of year had completely covered these up so we were walking on a continuously snowy trail.
Hiking on such a sunny day, the trees were absolutely gorgeous covered in fluffy snow! The branches were heavy, burdened with thick, wet snow and no wind to shake it off. Seeing the sun shine through the trees making everything around me sparkle was beautiful and I was enjoying every minute outside.
Since Mt Pemigewasset’s summit is less than 2 miles from the parking lot and elevation gain is around 1,250ft, the ascent is moderate. Certainly some sections were steeper than others but there was no climbing that I would describe as extreme and no scrambles. I did not feel nervous at any point climbing Mt Pemigewasset.
Less than 0.1 miles from the summit you will see a junction with Indian Head on your right, but continue straight if you intend to reach Mt Pemigewasset. I have not yet hiked Indian Head so I cannot speak to this trail but I’m excited to try it in the future!
Views for Miles at Mt Pemigewasset Summit
After the Indian Head junction, the trees will open up and you will be on a huge ledge with the most amazing view in front of you! My jaw definitely dropped a little bit. Since I so rarely winter hike I forgot how breathtaking summit views are during the wintertime.
The top of Mt Pemigewasset has some fantastic views for relatively little effort. The views are to be expected from a mountain on New Hampshire’s 52 with a view list- a list of 52 mountains in the state that are under 4,000ft with stunning views. I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy it though!
The true “summit” is a little past the wide open ledge on your left so my friend and I popped over quickly before going back to the ledge to take pictures and enjoy looking at the landscape. Unfortunately my hands were a little cold since I had to keep taking my gloves off to get photos or else I would have gladly stayed up there longer.
I would love to hike Mt Pemigewasset again and spend more time at the summit on a warmer day. This mountain seems like the perfect spot to lay out a blanket, have lunch, and chat with some friends.
On this winter morning though, my friend and I were quite chilly and decided to speedily hike down the mountain. A very easy ascent becomes a quite slippery descent when you are rushing down haha. Know your limits and don’t go faster than you are able to.
Mt Pemigewasset was absolutely beautiful on a 30 degree day and it was the perfect length for a beginner winter hiker. I am so happy that the sun was out and I was able to truly enjoy the trail. I still need some gear upgrades to keep me warm, but I am slowly understanding the appeal of winter hiking.
Trail Stats:
Mileage: 3.7mi
Elevation Gain: ~1,250ft
Date Hiked: January 8, 2021
Moving Time: just under 2h
Parking:
Flume Gorge and Visitor Center or
44.09780, -71.68164
To read about other mountains I have completed from New Hampshire’s 52 with a View list, click here.
Woodstock Inn & Brewery
Spending a couple hours out in the cold always makes one want to grab some warm food and something to drink, am I right? I knew on my Views and Brews list that Mt Pemigewasset was associated with Woodstock Inn & Brewery nearby so I suggested it to my friend and we decided to give it a shot.
Since this fitrst visit, Woodstock Inn & Brewery has actually become one of my favorite breweries! There is a great vibe from the moment you walk in. It kind of looks like a ski lodge at the main bar, but there are lots of rooms on the first floor to dine in and each one has its own unique character.
Woodstock Brewery has a wide variety of beers, great cocktails, and delicious food. You can also get a tour of the brewery while you are visiting and sometimes there is even live music!
The cans have a beautiful design and you can make your own 4-packs on the way out which is always fun. Every time I have visited Woodstock Brewery it has been packed which goes to show how popular it is.
Further, while I have not had the opportunity to stay here yet I would absolutely love to! There are 40 unique rooms spread out over 6 buildings on the property with lots of amenities. Cute and cozy rooms right next to an amazing brewery in the mountains, what else could you want?
My mouth is watering just thinking about visiting! After typing this maybe I’ll have to plan a weekend trip…I definitely recommend checking out Woodstock Inn & Brewery if you are around North Woodstock, New Hampshire even if it isn’t right after hiking Mt Pemigewasset!
6 Tips for Beginning Winter Hiking (From a Beginner Winter Hiker!)
Read my six pieces of advice below that I think can help you get into winter hiking! Though I’ve only done a few winter hikes myself (see winter hiking posts), these tips help me find trails to try, safely test my abilities, and keep me comfortable.
1. Layers
This is probably the most common piece of advice you’ll hear for winter hiking. Having the proper layers of gear keeps you warm, comfortable, and safe. It’s always better to overpack than under because you can put more layers of clothing on but you can only take so many off and stay safe.
It’s best to start with a sweat-wicking base layer that will bring sweat away from your body but retain your body heat. I tend to use an Under Armour layer that doubles as my base layer when skiing as well.
Next is some type of fleece to keep you cozy and warm. Of the four layers I’m describing in this section this is the one I’m most likely to ditch first when I start to get warm. Most often I can be very comfortable hiking without my fleece on and I don’t feel as restricted under my coat.
One of your top layers should be some sort of insulated/down/puffy coat. These coats are best for keeping the heat close to your body without weighing you down too much. Very often you can find lightweight versions of these coats and they are packable making them very easy to stow in your backpack for whenever you might need it.
Lastly, your top-most layer, depending on conditions, should be waterproof and windproof. This will protect you against the elements you’re hiking in and keep you dry! I love the LL Bean coat I have because the puffy jacket zips into the top layer so I’m always covered.
It is a good rule of thumb to have these layers (and more if you need them) on any winter hike. You should never start hiking toasty warm because you’ll only get warmer as your body is moving and exerting energy. So start with layers where you feel a little chilly and if after 10 minutes you haven’t warmed up at all, consider throwing on another layer!
For accessories, always bring something to warm up your hands, head, and neck! Even if you don’t think you’ll need them it is better to have them in an emergency situation than not.
2. Go to a Familiar Area
One of my favorite tips for beginning winter hiking is to go hiking in an area you’ve been to before! Whether it is a park you have visited or a trail you have already completed, you will be surprised at how much more comfortable you will feel doing a winter trail that you’ve already seen in another season.
You will have an idea of what to expect which will take away some of the stress and anxiety of the unknown. Also, as anyone that has hiked in multiple seasons will tell you, hiking a trail in winter is completely different than hiking it in summer! Rocks and roots are often covered and without leaves on the trees (depending where you are of course!) the views can be totally different as well.
3. Hike in a Populated Area
Another trail to try if you are a beginner winter hiker is one that is in a well-trafficked area. If you want to try a new trail but are a little uncomfortable doing so by yourself or are worried how the snow might affect things, going on a trail where you’re very likely to pass other hikers can be very comforting.
Though of course you should be prepared for every hike you go on, knowing others will be around is always a good feeling. That way whether the trail is one you’ve previously hiked or not, you will have company to ask questions and get confirmation about the trail you are on.
4. Start with a Short Trail
This is probably my favorite tip for beginner winter hikers since it has worked so well for me. If you are just learning the ins and outs of winter hiking and aren’t even really sure if it is for you yet, start with a short trail! Three miles with a bit of elevation can be challenging and even a flat trail that loops through your local forest is a fantastic learning experience for beginners.
You can play around with your gear- putting on and taking off layers and seeing what accessories you like. You can rent or borrow snowshoes and microspikes to get a feel for what you might prefer. This can also help you practice navigation as the trails look a little different in winter than you might expect.
Also, remember how temperature and weather can be different in winter! You may not have the stamina in cold air to do longer hikes that you might be familiar with in summer. It’s great just to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and explore!
5. Check the Weather
I have a bad habit of assuming the weather will work out when I go on my summer and fall hikes. I know I’m prepared for the sun and the rain and I tend to just send it up the mountain.
In the winter though, I definitely get more nervous as I’m still learning what gear I need and what keeps me the warmest when I am outside. I’ve been on sunny, blue sky winter hikes (like my hike up Mt Pemigewasset), but I’ve also had hikes that started that way and then got completely clouded in with thick heavy snow falling (the time I hiked Bald Knob).
I was prepared for this snow with my snowshoes, but I know I don’t enjoy hiking as much in that weather, especially by myself. If I’d taken the time to really check the weather I may have started my hike earlier that day or postponed the trip.
Checking the weather is important because as hikers we tend to have our basic set of essentials that we bring on every hike but sometimes there are additional items we may want if it’s going to be just a little colder than we think or just a little different than we expect. Looking at the forecast is good practice for every hike you go on! This keeps you safer as you are more prepared for what you are about to walk into.
6. Pack Extra Clothes in the Car
This is a true beginner winter hiking tip. Pack extra warm clothes in your car for after your hike! I guarantee that if you are beginning winter hiking there will be at least a couple times where you are slightly underprepared (even if you think you aren’t) as you figure out your ideal gear set up and what keeps you comfortable in the snow.
I love keeping thick sweatpants, a hoodie, and fuzzy socks in my car just in case. Of course with proper layering these shouldn’t be essential because you should not be freezing upon your return to the car but they are certainly helpful to have and best case if you don’t need them they are just cozy to change into if you have a long drive home. I’ve found knowing I have backup items in my car is very comforting as a beginner as I’m still figuring everything out.
Thank you for reading about my hike up Mt Pemigewasset, my first visit to Woodstock Inn & Brewery, and my 6 beginner winter hiking tips. To read my other posts about hiking in New Hampshire, click here!
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment below on this post or head over to my Contact page to reach out to me directly! Let’s learn about winter hiking together.
