Start Small- Mt. Tecumseh

Start of the trek

Date: June 7th, 2013 

Mountain Height: 4003ft 
Elevation Gain: 1739ft 
Trail(s): Mt. Tecumseh Trail 
Total Distance: 5.2miles 
Total Time: 2 hours

Strapping on new hiking boots is like taking a headlong dive in the frigid Gulf of Maine on a hot summer day – you can’t wait for the refreshing feeling, but the apprehension of the uncomfortable pinch gives you butterflies. In an attempt to break in my boots easy, as well as give my newly local boyfriend a taste of New Hampshire 4000 footer wilderness, we decided on an easy trek up Mt. Tecumseh. Ranking in as the smallest of the NH 4000 footers, it’s a short 4003ft with a lazy 2200ft ascent. 

View point along the way

Driving up the Whites, our anticipation was building and we were pumped for our first summer hike. The steady rain, swift breeze and fog failed to apprehend us. We pulled into the Waterville Valley Ski Area parking lot and donned our raincoats with excitement. Perry strapped on a light pack with water, warm clothes and snacks and, with a bounce in our step, we heading to the Mt. Tecumseh Trail trailhead. We decided that because we were starting at 2pm, we’d take the shortest route to the top, which skirts the ski area with a few view points. The trail was a steady 2.5miles, and both of us trekked up with ease. Our viewpoints were moot, but the newly budding greenery and “fairy forest” we hiked through were spectacular. As expected, the top was shrouded with tree cover and, at the few viewpoints, we were blasted with a chilling wind. Our stay at the summit lasted about 1.5 minutes and we skedaddled down the same trail to the car. 

Our "geodetic photo"

Made it to the top!