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More Greeley Ponds Trail Reports
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Greeley Ponds from Kancamagus Highway
Destination:
Greeley Ponds (2240')
Trail:
Greeley Ponds Trail
Region:
NH - Central East
White Mountain National Forest, Waterville Valley
Location:
Livermore, NH
Rating:
Easy/Moderate
Features:
Ponds
Distance:
4.4 miles
Elevation Gain:
300 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:
Typical:
2:20
Outing Duration:
Typical:
3:45
Hike Date:
Saturday, 4/08/2000
Last Updated:
1/22/2008
Weather:
45 degrees
Author:
Webmaster
Companions:
SDHrs: Dennis M., Cheryl M., Ed T., Al B., Rich, Phil B.
Route Summary
Start at the Greeley Ponds Trailhead on Kancamagus Highway.
Follow Greeley Ponds Trail for 1.7 miles until reaching the upper Greeley Pond (ignore Mount Osceola Trail which turns right after 1.3 miles).
From the first pond, continue along Greeley Ponds Trail for another 0.5 mile to reach lower Greeley Pond.
Retrace your steps to return to your vehicle.
Place
Split
Miles
Total
Miles
Greeley Ponds Trailhead on Kancamagus Highway (1940')
0.0
0.0
Upper Greeley Pond
(2240')
1.7
1.7
Lower Greeley Pond
(2180')
0.5
2.2
Upper Greeley Pond
(2240')
0.5
2.7
Greeley Ponds Trailhead on Kancamagus Highway (1940')
1.7
4.4
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Trail Guide
Conditions were looking pretty grim as the date for the first SDH hike of the season approached. A couple days before the hike we heard from fellow SDHrs that the trail was covered with ice. The night before, a 60% chance of rain was predicted. When I got up Saturday morning the skies were gray but dry, so I dutifully went to the first rendezvous point. Here, I met up with a couple brave souls (one canine) who weren't intimidated by the weather forecast. We proceeded to Puffin stop, through rain, where we met up with 6 more adventurers (again, 1 of the 4-legged variety). I thought we would cancel at that point, but our fearless leader, Dennis, said "no way - we're going!".
It rained all the way to the trailhead and there was still snow along the Kangamagus Highway. Upon arrival at the parking lot, the rain magically ceased and things started looking up from there. The hike alternated between easy inclines and flat stretches but we still got a good workout due to the fact that we were traipsing through snow (luckily most of the ice had been melted away). Most of the time we were able to stay pretty much on top of the snow but periodically one leg would unexpectedly plunge down calf-, or knee-deep, making us look most ungraceful. Cheryl got a laugh each time one of us found a soft spot because she was the only one wearing snowshoes! She is a true mountaineer - even wearing her snowshoes while rock hopping over the many stream crossings.
We stopped at the first pond and ate our lunch. It was a pleasant 45 degrees for hiking but a little chilly for sitting around, so after a brief break we walked up to the other end of the pond. By this time the sun was fully out and I took a picture of the crew on the beach with mountains looming up behind them. Next was a short jaunt to the second pond and then we retraced our steps. The leafless trees and clear skies afforded us great views on the way down.
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Driving Directions
The parking area and trailhead are located on Kancamagus Highway on the south side (right-hand when heading east), approximately 15 miles east of its junction with I-93.
Other Notes
A parking permit is required to park at White Mountain National Forest trailheads and parking areas. You can purchase a WMNF permit from the forest service and other vendors and can also pay-by-the-day using self-service kiosks located in many parking areas.
Rates:
$3 per day
$5 for a week-long pass
$20 for a year-long pass
$25 for two year-long passes (one household/two cars)
More Greeley Ponds Trail Reports
Greeley Ponds via Greeley Ponds Trail from Waterville Valley on 8/30/2003
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