One never hears of anyone climbing Mount Welch, or Dickey, or Dickey & Welch. It’s always Welch & Dickey. These twin mountains are a popular pair of small peaks in central New Hampshire, on the south edge of the White Mountains. Part of their popularity is the loop trail that goes over both peaks, making a far more interesting hike than the usual out-and-back route one might use to approach a single peak. Today, a brilliant late-winter day, Andy and I followed the classic route and enjoyed perfect trail conditions, blue skies, and crystal-clear views. Read on and check out the photo gallery!
Despite the deep powder that has filled the woods in recent months – like the deep powder I enjoyed on Moosilauke last Thursday – or the the light rain that coated the region this past weekend – spoiling the powder! – the trail conditions today were excellent. This trail is heavily traveled, and thus well-packed, so our footsteps were firm and never sank in. Better still, the trail surface was fresh and snowy, yet firm and not icy. (Despite a glaze over the untracked snow.) With microspikes, we were easily able to climb the steep slopes and granite slabs that Welch & Dickey have to offer.
Despite the popularity of these two little peaks, and the five cars at the trailhead, we never saw another person on the trail. (Another advantage of a loop trail! everyone hikes in the same direction.) The clear blue skies gave us some great views of the nearby peaks (Sandwich Dome, Tripyramids) as well as further peaks (Moosilauke, Franconia Ridge, Kinsmans, and more). Check out the photo gallery!
Hike stats:
Distance: 6.70 km
Time: 2h:20
Gain: 520m
Info page
David Kotz 
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