Well Rose & I awoke later than we wanted but got on the road by 7:00 to a perfect crisp blue new england sky. I like to be on the trail earlier in hopes of getting better views before clouds or storms arrive.

Our goal for today was to Summit Mt Chocorua via the Champney Falls Trail which departs from the Kancamagus Highway. The estimated round trip for the day is 7.5 miles. We also wanted to take our dog Teah with us on her first hike. Since she doesn’t care for most people or dogs we were in for an exciting day, but we figured a socializing experience would be great for her.

We arrived at the trail head and got underway around 9-9:30am, the parking area actually had a couple parking spaces which was surprising considering it was a holiday weekend. After placing Teah’s pack of water on her I felt it was best for me to carry her pack in mine versus her carrying it for her first adventure. I could see the weight slightly affected her gait and we hadn’t been able to train with it prior, so better safe than sorry. Certainly with the pack on she would be less likely to bounce at other dogs. (Dog Gear harnesses, hiking and such www.ruffwear.com)

We got underway, the trail grade was very easy and somewhat follows a stream which provides a great ambient sound of falling water in the forest for about the first half hour. We met several people on the trail and as we stopped for snacks and water met even more (it was busy). The Chapmney Falls loop joins to the right at 1.5 miles in and rejoins about a half mile further along. Rose and I decided not to go to the falls if time permitted on the return we would swing into them. At this point the grade became steeper but still a very manageable easy to walk. A couple miles in we started to get great views back across the valley and of Mt Washington. After a while we came out onto a ledge that provided wonderful views back across the valley and took a break. I noticed at this point that we had lost most of our company on the trail . I fully expected our companions to be coming by and they never came. I suspected we missed our turn somehow and ended up on the Sisters Loop Trail. Rose, Teah and I enjoyed the solitude, treated Rose’s heal blister and moved on. At this point we were close to a summit and when we crested what a site! Views in all directions and an incredible unique view of Chocorua’s rocky summit cone. It’s hard to see in this photo, but in the larger version you can see all the people around on the rocks. (check out the album link at bottom or article)

We admired the view and worked our way down the side to the column between Chocorua and the Sisters. The trail markings were difficult to see and the trail was a bit tricky and could be difficult in rainy weather since it was all rock with a couple of big steps
. We rejoined the original trail and made way for the summit. There were loads of people on the summit and lots and lots of dogs. Loads of people, lots of them, everywhere! I was amazed…Teah did well and handled the dogs and the terrain in stride. I’m not sure if Teah was getting better with people and dogs or I was getting numb from controlling her but things seemed to be improving steadily throughout the day as she had more contacts.We had lunch, took some pictures and hung around a while before starting down. Teah had decided that she had enough of the hiking experience and was starting to lag. I could tell she was likely getting sore feet from the rocks since she did fine on dirt but wanted nothing to do with the rocky areas.The hike down other than Teah slowing us went without issue and was wonderful. It was nice to have the valley views all the way and certainly going straight down the Champney Falls trail saved us a few miles from zipping back up and around the sisters loop once again.

We made the parking lot around 4:30pm and found that the place was packed, cars were lined up along the road in both directions. We were amazed by the numbers of people just heading up the trail so late in the day, with no supplies or even water. We didn’t swing into the falls on our return due to concern with Teah’s paws. She was being a good sport but we didn’t want to push her anymore than we already had so we left that for a future trip.

Today’s hike was an excellent day in the woods and a route I would highly recommend to anyone. I estimate the trip ended up being roughly 10.25 miles with the Sisters Loop without it the guide books say it.s about 7.2 mi. The picture below is Mt Chocorua and the Sisters taken at Chocorua Lake just off of Rt 16.

Although not officially a 4000 footer, Mt Chocorua does have a lot of elevation gain so standard precautions must be made for weather, water and supplies. Here is a link to all the Photos from the Day

It was an excellent day and a wonderful hike.! Thanks Rose…Love You!