May 20, 2022: It was a perfect day to hike up to Mount Willard, which is supposed to be a 3.2 mile out and back trail near Bretton Woods (GPS tracker indicated 3.8 miles). Weather conditions could not have been better: The clouds were lifting from Crawford Notch, the sun was shining, there was a light breeze, and temps were in the 50’s to start. Once on the Mt. Willard Trail, it wasn’t long before two streams, not far from one another, had to be navigated – the first stream crossing was a bit more than ankle deep and 15 feet wide; the second stream crossing was not as wide (if one traversed the narrow log), and about as deep.
Stream crossings done, it wasn’t long before coming upon Centennial Pool, on a short spur off to the right of the trail. Beyond that, there were plenty of rocks to walk around and over for much of the trail. It was all quite worth it, however. Once at the top, the panoramic view of Crawford Notch below was nothing short of breathtaking.
After the hike, a couple of stops were made to see Elephant Head, and a view of Mount Willard from Crawford Notch Rd.
Crawford Depot, at Crawford NotchTaking the Mt. Willard Trail to Mount Willard!One of many rocky inclines along the Mt. Willard Trail
Centennial Pool, along the Mt. Willard Trail.More rocks on the way up the trailMore and more rocks to navigate up the trail. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all…..…..OK, now it’s just Blarney Rubble nowArriving at the top of Mount WillardImpressive view of Crawford Notch. Crawford Notch Rd (Route 302) on the left, and the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks on the right.View of Mount Webster from Mount WillardJoyous Vagaries enjoying the view of Crawford Notch from the top of Mount Willard.Enjoying the view. A very narrow view of Mount Washington behind whatever mountain is in the foreground.Many of these seen along the trail. One name known as Moose Wood.Mission accomplished! First of Fifty-two with a view. only 51 more mountains to go…Elephant Head, as seen from Crawford Depot, on Crawford Notch Rd.Looking back at Mount Willard, as seen from Willey House Historic Site, on Crawford Notch Rd.Mountainside scar, near Willey House Historic Site.Mount Willard out and back hike (3.8 miles).
