Tecumseh

Mount Tecumseh is the shortest on the list, currently reported as 4,003 feet. However, a recent project to resurvey the White Mountains using Lindar laser technology has it documented at only 3,997 feet. AMC still recognizes it on their 'official list', but do pay attention to that as it may change in the future.

Trip Summary:

Elevation: officially 4,003 ft

Views: Nice views peeking over the trees at the summit

Total Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Time: 3-4hrs

There are two trails up Tecumseh, (1) one from Tripoli Rd, which is slightly longer at 3.1 miles, and (2) the shorter 2.5 mile trail from Waterville Valley Ski Resort. For the latter, take 93N to exit 28 for Rt.49E. Just before the sign for the town of Waterville Valley, take a left on Tripoli Rd. At the Y, stay to the left toward the Ski Resort. At the big entrance sign, take a right and follow that around to parking lot #1, which is opposite the trailhead on your right.

The beginning of the Mount Tecumseh Trail runs alongside the Tecumseh Brook on your right, which may or may not have water in it depending on the time of year. The trail is marked by yellow stripes. After you cross over the brook, continue straight up the hill in front of you on the rock stairs. There is a little section where you descend, then backtrack to cross over a brook, then go back up again.

At 1.2 miles, there is a nice viewpoint off to the left from one of the ski trails.

From here, the trail continues fairly straight alongside the edge of the mountain with a gradual, steady incline. It is either climbing over rocks or manmade rock stairs. You will come to the place where the Sosman Trail joins in from the left, but stay right on the Mount Tecumseh Trail. You will come to another Y where the trail splits, but both paths lead to the summit.

After only 0.3 miles, you will reach the wooded peak, with a small cairn and a summit marker. There are nice views over the tree tops.

Views to the north from the summit (click to enlarge)

Whichever path you chose up, you can take the opposite one down for a little variety. Now you could descend the Mount Tecumseh Trail back down the way you came, or this time you can split off on the Sosman Trail to the right. This will take you over to the top of the ski slopes.

About halfway down this trail are a nice northwesterly viewpoint, and another northeastern viewpoint featuring a wooden bench.

Northeastern view from Sosman Trail

West-northwesterly view from Sosman Trail (click to enlarge)

The trail takes you to the WLKC-FM radio tower. Off to the left of the clearing is a short trail that cuts through the woods to the ski trails. This provides great unimpeded views across to the Sandwich Range.

Views from the top of the ski slopes (click to enlarge)

You can now pick any ski trail to follow down, though the path under the main chairlift is the most direct, though steep, descent. At the main lodge, exit to the left side to find parking lot #1.

Official Trail Map: (click to enlarge)