"I reached the AMC Highland Center around 9:30am and saw that the Presidential Range was completely socked in. Instead of hoping the clouds would lift on my hike up, I decided to go with a wooded mountain I had hiked before – Mt. Tom. In addition to the low clouds, the temperature was in the low 40s, which was pleasant without any wind. I crossed the train tracks and set off along the Avalon Trail just before 9:45am. About 98% of the trail is still covered in snow, but conditions were extremely variable – ranging from icy sheets down low, to slush halfway up, to a pack-down monorail near the summit. Aside from a brief attempt to use snowshoes in the slush to avoid postholing, I wore microspikes the entire way. Soon after the junction with the Mt. Willard Trail, the Avalon Trail makes its first crossing of the Crawford Brook. I had previously hiked this trail in late summer when the water level was relatively low, and one could rock-hop. In early Spring, however, the thin logs crossing the brook were absolutely required to make it across dry. After the first water crossing I took the brief Cascade Loop detour to check out the similarly rushing waterfalls. Soon after this is the first..." — JCalautti • Apr 4, 2026

"Well. If there ever is an example of what not to do, I'm your guy. I severly underestimated this climb but at the same time overestimated it too, if that makes any sense. My friend Ryan and I ended up having a late start from Massachusetts which complicated our time factor for our descent, and we started our climb at exactly 3:30pm. The weather however was honestly perfect. The day was 64 degrees which made our ascent enjoyable and the skys were mostly clear giving us plenty of view and light at a distance. Conditions on our way up the trail was mostly snow pack so we had no issue with deep snow. However, we messed up by not having microspikes in our packs we realized halfway up, but digging in the heels and sides of our boots made up for it, especially in the final steep mile stretch towards the top. At some point we were confronted with a light sprinkle but even then the will to make it to the summit was not deterred. Our summit was around 7:30pm with just enough time to observe the valley around us grow dark by the setting sun and grab a few good pictures. Thankfully we weren't dangerously under prepared, as we brought more layers to put on as it grew colderwith night. We always..." — Raven • Mar 30, 2026

"Great day out on Tecumseh, skiing was bad so I hiked it. Very steep, quads were burning going down. Honestly, probably better in the winter, because the paths are not rooted. If you do it in the winter microspikes are a must. There are a few river crossings, so be careful. View is good, but limited, and great to bring a furry companion along!" — Wafflepeakbagger • Mar 28, 2026

"Steep climb for part of it. Crampons and ice axe necessary. Trail is mostly packed down and icy except for one short section of snow. Really fun climb with great weather for the peak. Was 20 degrees with 12 mph winds. Glissaded nearly the whole way down. Summit to parking lot in 2hrs 15. Ascent took 5hr 45min." — Nao • Mar 6, 2026

"I was staying in Bethel for the week and I needed a Calendar Day. I learned that Old Speck was broken out, so that became the plan. It is always intimidating when I am the only car in the parking lot and the wind was whipping through the trees. I used microspikes for the hike. The trail was well broken out. The day got nicer as the hike went on. It was windy but I was sheltered the entire time. There was some nice views just below the summit. Only person on the mountain and I picked up my last Calendar Day for February. " — newenglandwarrior • Feb 18, 2026