First peak conquered: Mt. Chocorua!

For those who don't know, Jeff and I have set a goal for this summer: hike to the summit of Mt. Washington this summer! Its summit is 6,288 ft., so I realized that I need to get into better shape by hiking some of the lower-elevation-but-still-extremely-challenging peaks in the White Mountains. So last weekend, for our first in the series of hikes on tall peaks, we decided to hit Mt. Chocorua!


Mt. Chocorua is a mere 3,475 ft., but the elevation gain is something like 2,700 ft. Soooo....yeah. It's pretty sharp looking from the distance, and I knew it would be a tough challenge. I haven't hiked anything that steep since I lived in Alaska.

The trailhead is right off of the Kancamagus Highway south of Conway. The lower elevations are gorgeous via Champney Brook Trail. We crossed a lovely stream and hiked next to it while under thick green tree canopy, soft pine needles cushioning the walk.

Champney Falls is at approximately 1/3 of the way up, with a series of falls and small cold pools of water perfect for Zoe and Shelby to wade into and cool off.

We continued upwards, me getting a bit grouchy because my knees were bothering me from the steepness of the trail and hard-packed earth being so unforgiving to my joints, plus I was breathing pretty hard. Ugh! I am not in good enough shape yet. But after a series of switchbacks, there was an opening in the spruce trees and we could see Mt. Washington in the distance. It still has snow on it!

The Three Sisters peaks were to our left via the Middle Sister Trail as we ascended and soon we hit the intersection of Piper Trail near the top. A sharp right turn took us to the ridgeline and onward to bare rock, allowing amazing views of all the high peaks.

Wow!! What a view. The dogs were really thirsty and we sat down to immerse in the scenery and mountain air.

Lots of black flies still out, but gorgeous weather made it well worth the hassle. Some teens had hiked to the peak with their skateboards and were doing tricks on the summit. That's dedication! I should bring my banjo next time..

Check out the 360 view!



Overall, it took us about 4.5 hours to go 7 mi. or so...and I was VERRRRRYYYYY sore the next day. Very proud, though. There are folks up here who hike all mountains taller than 4,000 ft., there are something like 48 such peaks. I have a lot of work left to do before I hit my goal! Ahhh, but for now, it's time to relax...