The Denmark Mountain Hikers climbed Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch, NH on Friday, January 9, 2026. Eleven hikers gathered at the trailhead. Hiking today were Greg Moulton, Jeff Sturgis, Jacob Schor, Greg Dean, John Patrick, Kathy Huchthausen, Laura Sullivan, Janet Arens, Gordon Farrell, Susan Sedita and Sheldon Ashby. We started up the trail at 10:15 AM. Weather was partly cloudy, with temperatures starting in the low 20s, up into the 30s during the day. It was cold and very windy in the open area where we parked the cars and in the open train depot area near the trailhead, uncomfortably so, but once we were on the trail, we were sheltered by the trees and quite comfortable. \[at some point I’ll add a the group photo from the train depot once someone shares it]
We managed to gather on the lee side of the train depot out of the wind long enough to taake a group photo and then made out way to the trail. We scurried uphill for a few minutes fast trying to warm up. By the time we reached the first trail junction a few hundred meters in, the wind had abated. Fomr then on, It was fine winter hiking weather all day through a lovely winter wonderland.
The trail was well-packed snow. Gordon and Susan, along with David Atchason, had climbed Mt. Willard the day before and so were able to provide us with good u[ to date trail information. They recommended microspikes, which worked great. We didn’t even bother carrying our snowshoes. The Mt. Willard Trail ascends gradually, with some steady uphill hiking, but no really steep or difficult sections. The winter woods were beautiful, with snow still hanging on the trees from snowfall a few days ago.
The packed snow made for easy walking smoothing over the bony rocks and roots we would contend with during the warmer months.
The trail follows the old carriage road and with the snow covered trees feels like a narrow, endless hallway that we walk steadily up until it suddenly opens revealing the broad view as we step out onto the open ledge.
We arrived at the “summit” ledges at 11:45 AM. Though not quite at the true summit, the ledges are the destination for most hikers, including us. The view was spectacular, down through Crawford Notch, and up to the mountains on either side, including Mt. Washington.
The sun even came out and sparkled and reflected from the many icicles hanging in the nearby trees. After 20 minutes at the ledges, we headed back down the trail. As temperatures rose into the 30s, we had some problems with snow collecting and balling up on our microspikes. By then we had our full downhill momentum and just powered through down to the trailhead. We finished at 1:10 PM. Afterwards, we went to the AMC Highland Center, just up the road, for lunch, before heading home. A near perfect day!
Gorden and Susan, as mentioned, hiked up two days in a row, on Thursday and then with us on Friday. They reported that Thursday’s conditions were not nearly as pleasant as what we enjoyed. Clouds had hung over the notch the whole day, reducing visibility to only about 20 meters.
Next Week’s Hike: January 16, 2026. Hawk Mountain
Directions to Trailhead: Turn onto Mill Hill Road off of ME-35, 1.2 miles south of Waterford on the left or 4.5 miles north of Harrison on the right. In just over 0.5 miles, turn right onto Hawk Mountain Road and proceed for 0.7 miles. The parking area will be on the left in a dirt lot immediately opposite the trailhead. Address: 100 Hawk Mountain Road, Waterford.
The Hawk Mountain Trail proceeds 0.7 miles south from the trailhead to the town owned Hawk Mountain lookout. Grades are gentle to moderate, and the surface is mostly dirt with some loose rock in the summer but will probably be picked snow and ice for us. The length and relative gentleness of the ascent make this trail an excellent choice for us. At the summit, broad cliffs may offer panoramic southerly views, if the weather permits.
The trail departs directly across Hawk Mountain Road from the parking lot and begins to climb immediately, with the first 0.2 miles characterized by a consistent moderate grade. At the intersection 0.5 miles up the trail, bear right to continue towards the summit and cliffs. Shortly thereafter, the trail emerges onto the first summit in a large clearing which offers views to the east. Continuing into and up the other side of a steep gully, the trail then emerges onto the second summit of Hawk Mountain, which offers cliffs and views to the east, west, and south. Elevation gain 291 feet. Trail is 1.5 mile round trip.
Note: Both Jeff and Dale plan to drive directly to Hawk Mtn and not meet at the church. Those meeting at the church to carpool, set your phone GPS at home before leaving. As many of us have learned the hard way, phone reception in Denmark is unreliable. Address: 100 Hawk Mountain Road, Waterford.
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