NH> Bringing in the New Year in the Whites

**Carol** · 12-20-2014, 23:51

I might be up for this. I just moved here Ossipee NH, this past summer. How hard is this hike? steep? I've been knocked to nube hiker status I'm out of shape (I'm fluffy and old) and still smoke occasional, I have done some REALLY easy hikes this past summer and fall. I do snowshoe when there is enough snow and have time.

**atrane21** · 12-21-2014, 17:59

The hike into the shelter I don't think is to bad. Short distance with a little elevation. The day hike from there to zealand or hale on the other hand is a good hike. It's 12-16 miles round trip depending on which one we do. If we have to break trail it would make it even more difficult.
I don't say that to deter you from coming just want you to be aware so you don't get caught of guard.
If you think you're up for it we'd be glad to have you along.

**atrane21** · 12-21-2014, 18:00

Originally Posted by brambor

With snowshoes its pretty good. I am currently waiting for status of family plans before I confirm 100% but I always pls as if I was going.

Did u start at willey house area when you went? If so is that section from parking up to the shelter able to be hiked with a pulk or is it to steep/rocky?

**brambor** · 12-21-2014, 19:14

I started at Willey road that leads to Arethusa Falls. From there the trail leads steep for about a mile and then eases off a little. You can try a pull but there will be 10 - 15 sections that could frustrate you. I would say snowshoes and a backpack is an ideal course of action.

**atrane21** · 12-21-2014, 19:17

I figured that would be the case. No problem. Backpack and snowshoes it is.

**brambor** · 12-21-2014, 19:28

If you start at Willey house instead the trail gets much steeper.

**brambor** · 12-21-2014, 19:31

Btw if you guys decide to do Mt.Willey beware the trail is extremely steep in many sections and benefits greatly from using microspikes or crampons or snowshoes with crampons.

**atrane21** · 12-21-2014, 19:55

I think Zeacliff and zealand mountain would be a good hike for saturday. Roughly 12 miles round trip. Good full day hike and then head back to camp for the night.

**gr8brew** · 12-21-2014, 20:34

Originally Posted by atrane21

I think Zeacliff and zealand mountain would be a good hike for saturday. Roughly 12 miles round trip. Good full day hike and then head back to camp for the night.

Man this sounds so good I can't take it. I can't do this one. But in the new year I should be able to jump in the next one.