SEM Beginner Winter Hiking Series Hike #5: Overnight at the Highland Cente

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): William Belben, Tracy Hawes, Paul Brookes, Jeannine Audet, Benjamin West, Dia Prantis, Zoe Rath, Gilles Pipernos, Brian Gollub, Katherine Sullivan, Jonah Sakwa-Novak, Annemarie McKee
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN0000027a5d
Register By: 3/1/2026
Audience: Adults

Description: Join us for the 5th hike in the SEM Beginner Winter Hiking Series and immerse yourself in the amazing and breathtaking winter wonderland of both the Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch in New Hampshire's White Mountains! This adventure promises three days of invigorating hikes, beautiful views and fun games all with wonderful company. Over the course of the three days, we will be winter hiking on various trails that offer great views, frozen waterfalls, and the fun of winter hiking.
Please note that preference will be given to those who have participated in the SEM Beginner Winter Hiking Program.
Day 1: Friday
We will be meeting near Cannon Mountain to do a warm up hike of around 1.5 miles/500’ elevation gain to Artists Bluff which will give us outstanding views of Cannon Mountain, the Franconia Ridge and Echo Lake. We will then drive a short distance to Flume Visitor Center where we will do a 3.7 mile/1,250’ elevation gain hike of Mt Pemigewasset (52 With-a-View) which offers 360 degree views of the Franconia Ridge, Presidential Range along with the Kinsman Ridge. From there we will drive to Crawford Notch to check-in to the Highland Center. In the evening, we will enjoy a hearty dinner, games or an easy moonlight hike of Ammonoosuc Lake. Day 2: Saturday
After a hearty hot breakfast, we will set out for a day of hiking with two itineraries to choose from.
Option 1 will be a 5 mile/2,025’ elevation gain hike of Mount Jackson (one of the 48 NH 4,000’ers) that will offer 360 degree views of the Presidential and Willey Mountain Ranges. This will be followed up with short hike up Crawford Path to see the frozen Gibbs Falls.
Option 2 will start with a 3 mile/895’ elevation gain hike of Mount Willard (52 With-a-View) which will offer spectacular views of the Southern Presidential and Willey Mountain Ranges. This will be followed by a fun 3.7 mile/875’ of elevation gain hike to the frozen Arethusa Falls where we may get to see some ice climbers.
Both of these options will culminate back at the Highland Center with another outstanding dinner and fun games.
Day 3: Sunday
After a satisfying breakfast, we'll make one final 1.7 mile/ 500’ elevation gain hike to see the frozen Ripley Falls. From there we will head back to the Highland Center for final checkout and goodbyes as we journey back home.
Participant Requirements Attendance at a Winter Hiking Workshop and/or winter hiking experience. Screening prior to approval with preference for SEM Winter Hiking Series participants. Full winter hiking gear including micro-spikes and snow shoes. You will need to pay when you register and if not confirmed you will receive a refund.  TRIP LEADERS Bill Belben, Paul Brookes, Tracy Hawes, Jeannine Audet, Benjamin West, Dia Prantis, Zoe Rath, Gilles Pipernos, Brian Gollub, Jonah Sakwa-Novak and Ann Rega
COSTS
200.00 USD - The total cost for the weekend is $200 per person which includes your personal bunk bed for two nights at the Highland Center, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
Please note: Cancellations made by February 6th will receive full refund. Cancellations made after February 6th will be refunded if a replacement participant is found.
REQUIRED GEAR
· Insulated hiking boots · 2 pairs of wools socks (one to wear and one spare) · Multiple layers of wool or synthetic clothing (moisture wicking/quick drying, non-cotton) o T-shirt o Base layer top o Base layer bottom o Wool or Fleece Mid-Layer · Warm wool, fleece, or nylon-shelled hat · Fleece or wool gloves (spare pair recommended) · Wool or fleece neck gaiter · At least two liters of water in wide mouth Nalgene-type water bottles · Trail snacks and lunch cut into small pieces · Rain coat and pants that are waterproof and windproof · Leg gaiters · Micro-Spikes · Snow Shoes (with Televator) · 12 point Crampons (don’t need immediately but may need for later hikes) · Hiking poles with winter baskets · 10 Hiking Essentials o Headlamp and spare batteries o Personal first aid kit o Sunscreen o Toilet paper and baggie o Map o Whistle o Compass o Pocket knife or multitool o Gear repair supplies o Fire starting materials · Gear for Above Treeline o Face Mask or Balaclava o Goggles o Waterproof shell mitts or gloves with insulated liners · Backpack to hold all the above · Trash bag · Foam pad for sitting during breaks (optional) · Mylar “space blanket” for emergencies (optional) · ID card · Trip Itinerary left with someone at home

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!