Hiking Mt. Willard

At the beginning of the summer my friend and I decided to drive about three hours north of Boston to make a day out of hiking Mount Willard. It had been a few months since we had seen each other and hiking is such a great way to catch up with friends while doing something different and exciting. The drive was smooth and easy, but when we got to the mountain we had the hardest time finding the trail head. We drove up and down the main road inspecting every little pathway that led into the woods. We even followed a pair of hikers who were walking along the road just in case they were headed to the trail. Apparently they weren’t so we just looked like stalkers tailing them. At least we weren’t in a big white van. Finally my friend spotted a small sign right past an old railroad station that marked the beginning of our ascent. That sign was the definition of a needle in a haystack so if you choose to hike this trail remember that it begins behind the train station off of Rt 302 in the Crawford Notch National Park. That way you can save yourself the embarrassment of looking like an ill-equipped villain from Austin Powers.

We parked the car in one of the many nearby lots, had a quick lunch, and then began our climb. Mount Willard has an elevation of 2,865 ft with the elevation gain being only 900 ft. The trail is 3.2 miles out and back and is considered moderate, but most people find it less straining than other trails labeled as such. To add to the ease of the experience, it has a much more obvious trail route than other hikes in the area. So much so that there is very little need for trail markers. Before we got into the climbing portion of our hike, we came across two rivers that required some careful maneuvering. For each of the two rivers, the only way to get to the other side was to walk along two thin logs. We let a couple, who were on their return trip, go first. The man had to encourage his girlfriend to muster up the courage to walk along the logs as she was frightened that she would fall in. I don’t blame her since the logs were very unstable. When she eventually went for it, we cheered her on until she successfully made it to the other side. Though I too did not wish to fall in, I was really excited to try to cross the rivers. I think we’ve all seen a 90’s movie where the campers have to climb across a treacherous log in order to get to their destination. Though this wasn’t as life-threatening as it was in Troop Beverly Hills, I still got that little thrill scurrying across the logs.

After successfully crossing the rivers, we followed the trail around a sharp bend. It was then that the beginning of our climb was revealed and we were able to take in what we were about to embark on. There was a sudden incline, but that’s to be expected on such a short trail. What we weren’t counting on was another surprise waiting for us. The trail was completely covered in snow and ice. The possibility of this had crossed my mind for a fleeting moment during the drive up, but I never gave it any real consideration since it was May. Then again, I spent the record-breaking winter in Los Angeles so I had no right to judge the resourcefulness of this past winter’s snow. Though we were a bit caught off guard, we shook it off and began our ascent. As we climbed, it was cool to see the water flowing underneath the ice because the ice was at that point where it was melting underneath the surface and making it’s way down the mountain, but the top layer still remained solid. Unfortunately, this meant that where there wasn’t ice, there was mud. This mixture made the hike challenging especially since I was wearing worn out sneakers with holes in them. Though my sneakers were great for showing off the cool socks that covered my all too visible pinky toes, they weren’t strong in the grip area. This led to some great laughs though. In everyday life I’m not the best at ‘going with the flow’, but it’s a necessary mindset to have when you’re hiking. You’re going to fall, and that’s okay. It just keeps you on your toes, or sometimes on your butt if we’re being technical here.

So we took our time, paying extra attention to each step we took. For the first half of the trek, we walked beside a waterfall that flowed into a body of water called the centennial pool. It provided a serene soundtrack to our outdoor experience, but make sure you plan your visit before September if you want to see the fall in all it’s glory. It doesn’t completely dry up after August, but there have been reports of the water levels dropping significantly. Though the waterfall was a pretty sight, it was small and did not have that feeling of grandeur that the Arethusa Fall had. The trail was a little bit crowded and because it was narrow in many parts, it was hard to step aside to let people pass. Also, with the ice being a factor, there was a good chance that the domino effect would be tested. Luckily for us most of the people we encountered were on their way down the mountain, which meant that the crowd at the top would be minimal. Due to this observation, instead of suggesting that you go earlier to beat the crowd, I would actually suggest that you go a little later. We started around 1pm so, since this is a short hike and therefore easily done before the fall of darkness, I would recommend going around 2 or 3.

Even with the occasional group making their way down, we often found ourselves walking alone with only each other for company. There remained that feeling of seclusion as we were surrounded by thick, tall trees. I noticed that there wasn’t a strong bird presence, which was in my best interest since birds tend to dislike me, but they were probably trying to avoid the snow so if you went a little later in the season I’m sure you would find plenty of birds frolicking through the trees. It was beautiful to see such luscious greens against the backdrop of the white snow. It really made the color of the trees come to life. Though the snow made climbing difficult, I truly enjoyed the balance that the mountain struck between the cold conditions and the warm conditions. There was snow, but the trees were thriving. There was ice, but the waterfall flowed with abandon. It was almost like we were witnessing the mountain’s transition from one life to another.

Towards the top of the mountain, we saw a light break through the trees to reveal the end of our upwards climb. Excited to finally reach the top, we scurried through the little opening of the trees. What I saw after emerging from the woods was the most breathtaking view I had ever encountered. It was like I was looking at a backdrop rather than an actual view. That’s how unreal it was. In comparison to the Frankenstein Cliffs view, which was also of the Crawford Notch, this one was just more. More mountains, more depth, more height. Just all around more. There was a lot of room to walk around and separate ourselves from others at the top so we made our way over to the side, sat down, and just talked for a good while. It was such a peaceful environment that we were reluctant to leave.

Making our way back down the mountain proved to be harder than climbing up it. Honestly, with all the snow on the path it would have been easier and less treacherous to sled down the mountain, but with one hand holding onto a tree at all times, we slowly made progress. I slipped and fell in the mud a few times, which made my friend burst out laughing, but then seconds later she would slip and fall, leaving the both of us laughing. There was more mud towards the top of the trail than any other place along the route. I recommend that you only attempt this trail the day after a heavy rainfall if you’re looking for a challenge and don’t mind getting a bit dirty because there will be mud and it won’t be forgiving.

Every fall and every scrape and bruise I obtained on this trip was worth it. The view was amazing and the trail was beautiful. Definitely hike it with someone who takes their time climbing mountains because if you rush to the top you’ll miss the beauty that surrounds you during the climb. The waterfall is small, but it’s alluring in it’s own right. The rivers are shallow, but they provide a sense of adventure. I highly recommend this hike to anyone and everyone. It’s a great climb for families and people of all skill levels; just heed my warning about the snow and mud.