Mt. Tecumseh

Total Distance :(from parking area to summit) 2.2 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate/Difficult
Climbed August 31, 1997
Weather conditions: Partly Cloudy - 70"s

Hiking in New Hampshire - A modest climb with restricted views.

Follow Rt. 49 to Tripoli Rd. Follow Tripoli Rd to the Ski Area base camp. The trail head is directly across from the parking area. The trail runs adjacent to a brook and a short distance in crosses it. The water level was very low, but looks like it could run full after a lot of rain or in the spring. The trail continues, ascending moderately through the woods. At almost a mile, it descends and re-crosses the brook. The brook at this crossing was dry, but again, in the right conditions could be full with running water. The trail continues to ascend moderately until it reaches a juncture where the it turns sharp right (well marked). If you take an offshoot left a few feet, you come out onto the slopes and have a fine wide open view of Mt. Osceloa, and Mt. Tripyramid"s three peaks. Continuing on the trail, it immediately climbs steeply on an old logging road. It is rock covered (much loose rock and slippery if wet). This stretch seems to go on for a very long time, we estimate for about a mile. The trail then meets with the Sosman trail to the left and levels off. We were fortunate enough to be able to watch a couple of pheasants feeding on the Sosman Trail. Continue on until you come to a fork in which the summit of Mt. Tecumseh can be reached either way (well marked). The trail, sometimes narrow, ascends moderately to the summit. We were somewhat disappointed when we reached it, though. It was very small in area, and the surrounding views were impeded by trees. The trail continues from the summit to Tripoli Rd for another 3.2 miles. We opted to go back the way we came, although descending the mile of rock stretch was somewhat slow

Today was supposed to be a rainy day. As it turned out, it was sunny in northern New Hampshire. I started the hike 45 minutes late. This was due to the fact that I did some shopping in Lincoln NH. Found some great buys on hiking equipment. They did not have my size for trail runners so Ill have to give it a go another day. Anyway the hike was intense and I summeted in 1 hour and 20 minutes. I decided to decend towards the ski area and then walk the road back to the car. This was a big mistake. It took me another hour to reach the ski area. Once there I hikes 6 miles to my car. I was exhausted. If I had just hiked back down the same way I went up it would of taken me 2 hours total. This would of allowed me time to make it back home in time to visit and partake in adault beverages with friends. In reality I just got home and I am exhausted. It is midnight and I am going to bed. Good night all.