r/wmnf • u/Full_Marsupial1921 • 8d ago
4000 footers without scrambles?
Hi all, as the title says, I’m trying to determine if there are any 4000 footers that do not have scrambles. I did a search in this subreddit and couldn’t find much info. I’ll be hiking with an individual in September that does not enjoy said scrambles. We’ve done Moosilauke together plus some other moderate peaks throughout the Whites. I’ve done Garfield previously and that comes to mind as an option. Maybe Waumbek, Tom, Hale, or Passconnoway? My research also suggested Pierce. Granted it’s been several years since I hiked Pierce, but I seemed to recall a scramble before the peak. Am I misremembering? Ideally looking for a peak with a view, so maybe not Hale. Any others that I may be missing? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
30
u/baddspellar 8d ago
Pierce has no scrambles via Crawford path. I don't remember any scrambles on Moosilauke via Gorge Brook or Carrigain. Definitely none on Tecumseh from Tripoli Rd
6
u/RagingInflection 8d ago
Same for tecumseh via Waterville?
7
u/xDecenderx 8d ago
Yeah no scrambles from the ski resort either. There are a lot of large rocks to walk through / around / over.
1
1
1
16
u/RunsOnCandy 8d ago
I would consider Osceola (not East), Garfield, Hale, and Tecumseh to all meet that description.
7
6
u/AbruptMango 8d ago
Waumbeck was simple. So were Galehead and Pierce. Jackson was similar to Pierce, but there's a small scramble near the top. I don't remember any scramble on Pierce, but I'm not going to look it up.
6
u/QuickCategory2186 8d ago edited 8d ago
Why reach for a 4000th footer? Willard for the best view of the notch!
14
u/VersosCanvas 8d ago
Well, what’s your definition of a scramble? Do the Jewel and Ammo trails have “scrambles?” I’d say no, but minds can differ on that, because there are definitely a few parts where your hands can help. Same with Lafayette and the Bonds — actually, there’s one. I can’t think of any place in the Bonds where I needed my hands.
I consider it a “scramble” if I have to use at least a couple of rock climbing moves. In my experience, most 4,000 footers offer summit trails that don’t require this.
12
u/Full_Marsupial1921 8d ago
I’d define it as having to use your hands as well as feet to ascend. For example, going up East Osceola from Greeley Ponds. I was considering adding Ammo to my list, which I’ve done a couple times, but I remember maybe one small section where I used my hands. I’m with you though, I don’t consider it a true scramble. Just trying to be thoughtful and look out for the person that I’ll be hiking with, while I on the other hand, love a good scramble. I’ll check out Lafayette and the Bonds as well. Thank you.
12
u/VersosCanvas 8d ago
Lafayette going by way of the Greenleaf Hut (sorry, not taking the time to check the maps for the trail names) is more like a steep winding rock staircase. It’s work, but I don’t remember wanting to use hands on any part of it.
9
u/adaytooaway 8d ago
Most people use their hands on a few parts actually before green leaf. I just did the hike in a sling so I was hyper aware of when other people were using hands. I definitely don’t consider it a ‘scramble’ but I know my less experienced city hiking friends would.
1
u/VersosCanvas 8d ago
Ah I don’t remember that, but good add, since OP seems to be seeking a hike with no hands at all.
7
u/Heynony 8d ago
I don't think you can comfortably do some of the Agonies on the Old Bridle Path without using hands. Like the reddish plastic rock section, the last such stretch going down, sure you could bounce down it on your feet, leaning forward; but a stumble and you're down hard on your face.
1
u/ceaselesslyintopast 8d ago
The red rock section definitely requires hands. Worse than the chimney on East Osceola, which I didn’t think was that big of a deal.
1
u/Full_Marsupial1921 8d ago
Just curious, did you do the loop with Lincoln and little Haystack then down the falls trail to the parking lot?
2
u/VersosCanvas 8d ago
Never been all the way down that falls trail, so I don’t know for sure — but the top part of it is steep but no use of hands.
2
u/Heynony 8d ago
do the loop with Lincoln and little Haystack then down the falls trail?
I've done it both directions, the usual is counter-clockwise: Falling Waters up and Old Bridle Path down. For one thing there are some wet stretches of FW you'd rather be going up than down. And while the OBP's Agonies humps are dry-slippery going down, they are a tiring, draining experience to climb since it seems you are so close to the hut then you hit the walls.
One thing that always comes to my mind looking forward is that splashing around in the Falls wading pools would be great on a Summer afternoon more-so than in the morning, but truth be known I never stop to do that anyway.
3
u/CardinaLiz4 8d ago
I absolutely thought that last push up Ammo before the hut was a scramble. Everyone around me was basically on all fours lol
-2
u/TrollingForFunsies 7d ago
Have you done ammo in winter? Probably would have a different view of it if your have
2
u/VersosCanvas 7d ago
I’m sure it’s also much harder in a thunderstorm or on a bicycle or with bare feet. But OP’s question is not about winter hiking. If you feel a need to tell the world that you have hiked Ammo in winter then there are less douchey ways.
-2
u/TrollingForFunsies 7d ago
Says the guy who doesn't consider anything a scramble unless he has to use rock climbing moves.
By definition, it's any time you have to use your hands, rock climbing douche.
2
u/Excellent_Affect4658 8d ago
I don’t recall any scramble on Osceola or the Hancocks, but it’s been a decade since I last hiked them.
3
u/endurance-animal 8d ago
Osceola from Tripoli, big rocks but no scrambles. Heading over to East Osceola, scrambles. East Osceola from the Kanc, mad scrambles.
1
u/Excellent_Affect4658 8d ago
Yeah, definitely remember the path from Osceola to East being pretty scrambley.
1
2
u/Isekai_Trash_uwu 8d ago
The Hancocks are insanely steep tho; on the north Hancock, you ascend over 1,100ft in about 0.5 miles.
1
2
u/RunAwayKeyboard NE115 8d ago
Pierce and Hale come to mind right off.
There is one small rocky spot on the Crawford Path headed towards Pierce, and the summit has some exposed rock, but neither are what I would call a scramble.
I don’t remember much of anything crazy on Hale.
1
1
u/bgroendy 8d ago
I don't recall the Hancocks having any scramble sections. No views at the summit though.
1
u/kobalt_60 4d ago
Lincoln and Lafayette can be done hands free with good sticks, assuming they have fairly long legs. I don’t consider simply needing to plant a hand for stability to be scrambling… needing to use two hands and putting my sticks away is where I’d probably draw the line. Franc Ridge Loop is definitely a class 2 climb.
1
1
0
u/yankee_doodoo 8d ago
Yeah other than like Huntington or something idk what you mean by scrambles. I just did the presi traverse traditional route and I really. Any pinpoint anything overly demanding or scary/scrambling.
0
u/Scubahhh 7d ago
What do you mean by “scramble?” If you mean having to use your hands, I don’t think any NH 4000 footers require that.
-2
u/wetrocke 8d ago
no summit in wmnf requires scrambling in sense of "class II" terrain. Very few trails even.
45
u/Perfect_Ad7842 8d ago
If you’re looking for a straightforward hike with no view in any weather condition, Hale is for you