Mt. Willard
NileGuide Expert Says:
Mt. Willard combines hiking with great views -- it's easy accessibility make it a prime choice for hikers of all abilities.Address:
Phone:
603-278-4453Description:
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}Located off of Route 302 in Bretton Woods, adjacent to the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center at Crawford Notch, Mt. Willard offers perhaps the best hiking experience in the North Conway area for a minimum of effort. The trailhead for this hike begins almost directly across the railroad tracks from the Crawford Notch train depot on Route 302 (which currently serves as the Highland Center's gift shop). The journey up the mountain is fairly level for the first third of the hike and then gradually ascends up the mountain. There are a few rocky sections, along with exposed massive tree roots, so be careful as you walk along the trail. Along the way, there are several overlooks that afford hikers gorgeous views of the rushing river below.
The final section of the trail is level and, before you know it, you enter into a clear rock outcropping that is Mt. Willard's summit. Even though the mountain is only 2800 feet (small compared to many of the towering summits in the White Mountains region) and there is only a 900 foot elevation gain (again, very limited compared to hikes up larger mountains), Mt. Willard offers some of the best views of Crawford Notch to be found anywhere in the area. From it's summit, it is possible to take in nearly the entire notch with the majestic slopes of other mountains surrounding you. Nearby, it is possible to witness hawks gliding on air currents (a roosting nest is located close by). This hike is especially great for families with young children since it is a relatively short distance (the entire hike up the mountain takes an average of 90 minutes or less) and rewards youngsters with a stunning vista that will long be cherished and remembered.
