Chase Outdoors

How do you pronounce Chocorua?  I’m not sure, but anyway you say it, Mount Chocorua is an exceptional hike.  Located a little southwest of Conway, New Hampshire, in the southern White Mountains, Chocorua is a 7.6 mile out-and-back hike to an alpine-like summit.  Uncertain of snow and ice conditions at higher elevations, our overly cautious Trip Coordinator (that would be me) recommended carrying snowshoes and crampons on a recent Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society mountaineering trip.  An intrepid group of eight began hiking in a foot of well-packed snow and circumstances remained uniformly good throughout the trek.  After steadily ascending for more than 3 miles in a mixed hardwood and conifer forest with sporadic views north and west, junctions for Middle Sister and Piper Trails were passed.  Shortly beyond, harsh, blustery winds welcomed as we emerged above-tree line for a summit attempt.  Expecting an icy surface on the precipitous, alpine pinnacle, instead we encountered dry rock and drifted snow rendering crampons unnecessary.  After cautiously navigating to the top for phenomenal 360-degree views, unrelenting winds and severe chill factors dictated a prompt descent.  On our return, many trip members pondered aloud the wisdom and judgment of the Trip Coordinator’s imperious suggestion to carry snowshoes and crampons.  Fortunately, before mutinous violence erupted, the hostile band was distracted by an entertaining trio of ice climbers on frozen Champney Falls.  Heavy packs provided everyone with a good workout.  For information on more great hikes throughout New England, see our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  Readers will not need an imperious Trip Coordinator on the recommended hikes as directions, map, trail description and other pertinent data are provided.  Our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, offers more information on our book and many other outdoor adventures.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 5:26 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.