Welch Mountain - 2339'

Back to the White Mountain National Forest's west side. The Welch-Dickey Loop takes off from the trail head just off Route 49. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot--we were sure to have company on the trail today.

The first 800' of vertical was almost effortless thanks to a twenty minute break for a phone call from Arj. The second 800' was mostly steep open granite ledge. Very challenging for us! Easily the toughest terrain thus far. Thankfully it was dry. Had it been wet we would have retreated.

There was a nice view just before the final ascent that showed off Sandwich Mountain and the Sandwich Range overlooking Route 49..





Turning left gave you a good shot at Welch's summit and Muh, the volunteer family portrait photographer.



The trip up Welch had us scrambling over and squeezing between granite slabs. This passage was about 20" wide, 15' deep, and about 8' vertical change front to back.