Travel 1.5 hrs Will recommend Will return I used the Brooke to liberty Trail there are some very steep slab parts of the trail about 2 miles in I am not that experienced of a hiker and it was OK for me to do. I was intimidated looking at it but once I got my foot grip down, I was OK to continue. There are slippery spots due to being running water off of the mountain the views are breathtaking. The sounds of the babbling Brooks and the little waterfalls are beautiful. and just being in the woods there is just amazing. Everything is alive and I mean that by saying not lots of dead trees around I mean there is dead trees, but it’s so much alive that you don’t really see the dead trees. it’s very dense woods. we did not take the trail that leads all the way to the top of Mount Chocorua (piper) we had a very challenging night the night before with our other tenants of the building so it was best that we had not done that without doing that we had a 7 1/2 mile hike had we included that it probably would’ve been a 9 mile hike. We took our time and had small 15 minute breaks and in total it took us about 6 1/2 hours, but it can definitely be done in four if you do straight hike up straight hike down. Going down liberty Trail. It was a little bit more wet and mushy because you’re going down the mountain and the streams are running down mountain but I didn’t care. I have hiking shoes that are intended to get wet so and you can find alternate routes through the woods if you choose to do so it still wouldn’t deter me from coming back For the parking you do have to drive down what looks to be a snowmobile trail. Don’t be afraid of that. Yes, there is parking enough of it directly where your GPS leads you. I hope you all...
Read moreThis review is for the uninitiated and use of the Piper Trail off of Route 16 (south approach to the mountain).
The Basics: If you are looking for a hike (I mean a really good cardiovascular one) and a great payout of a view, Chocorua is the place for you. Just be sure the weather is good or the hike will be brutal and you'll have little or no vista. With three distinct micro environments to appreciate as you ascend, it's best taken slow and quite if your looking to appreciate the glory of NH's nature. This trail demands you dress in layers, that you have plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots. I do it without poles but your call there as safety comes first. That said, don't over pack or you are going to regret it. A small backpack will suffice. Once out of the lower woods, you have to scramble (use all fours) a bit on the rocks as you follow the yellow dashes. Also, pack something enjoyable and healthy to consume for replenishment at the peak and leave the rest back at the car for when you return. You'll need it. And of course, bring a camera. 😏
Protect the Experience: This spring there were a few inconsiderate people that littered with trash and loud music. Also, even if it is a very loose or improper interpretation of the regulation, drones (sUAS) are not allowed. So, don't be that jerk and ruin the hard earned experience for everyone else by doing any of these three things.
Standard PSA: And, as always, if it is spring or summer, do a tick check at the top and the bottom of the hike, especially if you had to go off trail for a bio break. Other than that, always stay...
Read moreAbsolutely incredible hike. I took the Champney Brook Trail up and I highly recommend it. For about half the distance, the hike isn't all that hard until around the half way point. There, the trail is fairly steep until you reach the 'ridge' of the mountain where you can either go straight to Mt Chocurua or take the short trek to the Middle Sister peak, which is a great little appetizer and allows for you to get a good look at the beast which is the summit of Mt Chocurua. After some traversing along the Mountain, you reach the scramble for the summit. The final scramble is very fun and if you are adventurous/thrill seeking you can pretty much make your own route up the summit. At the top, the view is absolutely breath taking and the harsh winds only add to the feeling of accomplishment. In total, this took me about 5 hours although that is including a few stops to soak in the views. I started early in the morning (4 am) which I would recommend since it usually means you get the summit to yourself. Another tip is to check out the falls on the way down, since it gives you something to look forward to on the long hike down. I recommend this hike to any moderately fit person as it is rewarding, beautiful, and not that...
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