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Details

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Amy Kelliher, Sabrina Hawthorne
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001LG9F
Register By: 12/3/2026
Audience: Adults

Description: Enjoy beautiful views of the Lakes Region with a pre-winter hike of about 9 miles with over 2100 feet in elevation gain through the central section of the Belknap Range. This is called an “Adventure Hike” because December brings highly variable conditions: Maybe snow, ice, and cold temps, or maybe t-shirt and sunglasses weather! The leaders are willing to tackle the variability and will cancel only for steady rain or snow. We will likely hit 5-6 of the summits in the central area of the range, but it is dependent on conditions.
We are aiming for a moderate pace, around 1.5 mph for the day, which includes short breaks for switching layers, hydrating, and snacking. We expect to be slower on the more technical scrambles and steep or icy sections and faster on the smoother or flatter sections and to make quick and efficient stops.
The hike is open to all who qualify. Those who register for this hike must be ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to leave on the ground for us. Participants must have prior experience hiking in winter while wearing microspikes and be able to moderate their temperature with appropriate clothing layers and delayering. Participants must also have a solid base of fitness and have hiked this fall or summer. Registrants should expect a phone call from one of the leaders to discuss hiking experience, fitness, and required gear.
The planned route may be modified or canceled by the leader before or during the hike due to unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather or unacceptable trail conditions. Steady rain or snow will cancel the hike. The leaders are tentatively planning Sunday December 6th as the rain date.
Required equipment: Non-cotton, synthetic layers Insulating layers (fleece, wool sweater, or puffy down/synthetic jacket) Rain/wind jacket and pants At least 2 liters of warm water Plenty of food that can be eaten easily while standing or walking and that will not freeze; Electrolyte drinks (recommended) Insulated winter hiking boots Microspikes (such as Katoohla MICROspikes or Hillsound trail crampons) Headlamp Personal first aid kit and medications Snowshoes (mountaineering snowshoes preferred)*
*Snowshoes are not likely to be required but will depend on snow conditions the day of the hike. The leaders will make the call a few days ahead of time based on weather conditions.
Please see the winter gear list for reference (above treeline gear NOT required): https://hb.amcboston.org/images/docs/Gear_lists/Winter_Dayhike_equip.pdf

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

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