#1 Mount Lafayette - via Falling Waters, AT, Bridal Path This is the ultimate New England day hike. It's a good workout going up Falling Waters, then a spectacular couple of miles above tree line on Franconia Ridge, followed by the summit of Lafayette, and a pretty mellow down via the Bridal Path. #2 Mount Mooselauke Ok, maybe as a Dartmouth grad I am overly biased on this choice. Nevertheless, it is a scenic hike up and features tremendous views from the summit. #3 - Mt Katahdin This one is a haul (both to get there and to get up it). Everything that goes for my #1 choice (Mt. Lafayette) applies here too (i.e., substitute "Knife Edge" for "Franconia Ridge") #4 Mt Dickey A short, mellow hike with awesome views. The perfect 2 - 3 hour hike when time is limited. #5 Mt Osceola Just a nice hike with a great view. #6 Mount Washington - via Ammonoosuc, Crawford Path, Jewell Trail A great workout and, of course, views everywhere once you get above the treeline. My only reservation about this hike is that after 4 hours climbing, you arrive at the summit to find a parking lot full of cars and motorcyles, mobbed with people who drove up the auto road. There's also that aweful cog railroad, cutting a scar up the side of the mountain (don't get me started on that one . . . ) #7 Mt. Washington - via Tuckerman's Ravine Same destination as #6, just from the back side. #8 Mt Eisenhower - via Edmands Path Just a nice hike up and back, with great views at the top. #9 Camel Back Arguably the best hike in Vermont. #10 Salt Ash Mountain (aka Round Top in Plymouth Union, VT) - via Vedal Village Trail Hike up the old Round Top ski area to the top, and sled on down. |
