Mount Hitchcock-West Peak (NH) 2/1/2016

Mount Hitchcock-West Peak

Location: Lincoln, New Hampshire
Mileage: 4.75 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1990 Feet
Trails Used: East Branch Trail, Bushwhack
Views: None, Wooded Summit
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Lists: NH 200 Highest/NH 3000 Footers

I took Monday off to do a hike or two, so with the nice temperatures and low snow levels I decided to do a bushwhack and test the conditions. I left the house a bit later than normal but the drive up to Lincoln, New Hampshire was quick. Once I made it to the Lincoln Woods parking area, I geared up quickly and headed out. It was overcast and a bit on the cool side, but the snow was firm so I wore Microspikes for the whole hike/bushwhack. My objectives would be Mount Hitchcock-West Peak and if I had the energy and time I would try for Mount Hitchcock.

The ranger station located at the Lincoln Woods parking area. There was no one staffing it today, or maybe it was because of the early time I set out.

I started hiking on the East Branch Trail and once I was past the ranger station, I hopped into the woods and headed directly west through open woods towards the summit of Mount Hitchcock-West Peak.

I hit the southern part of the summit ridge, and this was about as thick as the woods would get for the days bushwhack. The snow depths were minimal as well.

The summit canister for Mount Hitchcock-West Peak, elevation 3080 feet

Heading back across the summit ridge, this is where all the deeper snow was located. I followed my tracks in reverse which made for a quick trip down.

I deviated from my tracks heading up to the summit and managed to get views through the trees of Whaleback Mountain and Mount Flume

This would turn out to be the only bushwhack I would do today. Although snow conditions were perfect, and the temperatures were in the pleasant side for being winter, I ran out of energy to try for Mount Hitchcock, which is the highest peak of the five Hitchcock peaks in New Hampshire. The bushwhack itself was easy but somedays you have it and somedays you don't. Regardless, being in the woods still beats being at work any day.