Dickey - Welch Loop

Located in Campton off Route 49
Total Distance (total loop): 4.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderately Easy
Climbed August 15th, 2003
Weather conditions: Sunny/upper 80"s

New Hampshire: Hiking loop that climbs two small mountains but has loads of exposed rock. Very fun hike.

Follow Route 49 to Upper Mad River Road, turn right on Orris Road (sign for Welch Mt). This trail begins at a parking area and leads to the open summits of both mountains. It is well groomed, and marked with yellow blazes. Because of some steep ledges and several rock faces, it could be extremely difficult or hazardous in inclement weather. The trail affords excellent views from several lookouts throughout. Looking up at the summit of each mountain, the distance to each can be very deceiving (whether from the recovery area or across the wooded col) but be assured that it is well worth the effort to cross both peaks.

This trail begins at a parking area and leads to the open summits of both mountains. We chose to start left and do the loop in reverse of the suggested route. It is well groomed, and marked with yellow blazes. The first half of the hike was moderate climbing through pine and hardwood forests. Once we climbed out onto the exposed rock the hike got real interesting and beautiful. The hike finished down steep rock ledges and several rock faces, it could be extremely difficult or hazardous in inclement weather. The last section of the hike was back through the wooded valley. A creek accompanied us near the end and the woods provided us with shade from the scorching sun.