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| Tecumseh Summit, with the the Osceolas in the Distance |
Some hardcore NE hikers successfully complete the so-called "Winter 48," which means that they have gone up all of the 4,000 footers in the winter months. My guess is that you have to be local to undertake that kind of challenge. Winters in the Whites are so unpredictable and dangerous, that you really need to have nearby access in order to seize the nice days when you can and avoid the bad ones when they roll in on short notice. Further, many access roads to the popular peaks are closed in the winter months, meaning that your choice of trails is limited.
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| Gradual Grade on Mt. Tecumseh Trail |
Such is the case with Mount Tecumseh, known for the diminutive distinction of being the shortest of the biggest mountains in the Whites. In the winter, Tripoli Road is closed, forcing hikers to use the crappy trail the runs right through the slopes of the Waterville Valley Ski Area. Still open on Columbus Day but soon to close, Tripoli Road served as our access point to what I think to be the much better trail to the summit - the Mount Tecumseh Trail.
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| Sun and Autumn Leaves on Mt. Tecumseh Trail |
Arriving at first light, we found the parking lot completely empty and started out in head lamps. The trail makes a steady ascent, but is comparatively tame with no boulder scrambles and sure footing all the way. The only challenging portion is when one reaches the West Peak and then has to descend into a col and then steeply climb to Mt. Tecumseh proper. We made it to the top without a break and decided to spread out on the summit and take in the early morning sun of a definite blue bird day.
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| APC on Tecumseh Summit |
We were pleasantly surprised to have awesome sit down views from the summit marker. Apparently, the Forest Service cut down trees since the publication of
Steven Smith's guidebook - an absolute must-have for any White Mountain Mountaineer. After taking in the magnificent views of the Tripyramids and the Osceolas and talking with a few women wearing shirts from the
Views From The Top hiking group who arrived while we were relaxing, we jetted back to the parking area inside four hours, having seen only four people throughout the entire morning.
With Tecumseh, we narrowed our 4,000 footer lists to 3 and 6 respectively.
Our conversation on the descent involved what lists we might tackle next.
Peak: Mount Tecumseh
Elevation: 4,003 feet (Gain: 2,600 feet)
Distance: 6.2 miles
Route: Up and back, Mt. Tecumseh Trail
Conditions: Sunny, 45 degrees F
