Mount Willard, October 6, 2015, Crawford Notch State Forest, White Mountains, New Hampshire

The Famous View from Mt. Willard Ledges

I have mixed feelings when it comes to Mt. Willard. I hate that it attracts so many people, yet I like the friendly interaction that the popular peaks afford. I like the outstanding view south into Crawford Notch and the summits (namely perfectly-cone-shaped Chocorua) beyond, but I hate that the forested valley is scarred by a busy highway and railroad cut. I hate that the trail is so short that the climb involves minimal effort and time, but I love that the short distance makes for a nice warm-up hike or crummy weather excursion.

All mixed emotions aside, K and I decided to have a picnic lunch atop Mt. Willard on a day when we didn't feel like full exertion but wanted a nice higher elevation point to see the fall foliage. We arrived at the notch in late morning, passing a bustling Highland Center, yet easily finding a parking spot behind the train station. We hopped across the tracks and onto the Avalon Trail which leads to the three 4,000 footers on the west side of the notch (Tom, Field, and Willey), and then quickly turned left on the trail bound for Mt. Willard.

Foliage on Mt. Willard, and the Webster and Jackson ridge

It's an old carriage road, so that meant easy uphill grades the entire way. Lots of people were descending as we went up, which fortunately resulted in us nabbing the best picnic spot on the ledges. We hung out for quite a long time, enjoying what really is a great view.

On the way out, we popped into the Highland Center to check out the map selection.

We passed on the "I climbed Mt. Willard" bumper sticker.

Peak: Mount Willard Ledges
Elevation: 2,800 feet (Gain: 900 feet)
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Route: Up and back, Mt. Willard Trail
Conditions: Partly cloudy, 50 degrees F