Phil from UNITED STATES writes:

I climbed to East peak, then to the main summit. The hike up to east from the Kancamagus is a memorable one. Make sure to stop by the Greeley ponds, only a 5 minute detour to the first pond. Once past the ponds the climb starts. The trail goes straight up in White mountain style. Most of the climb to East peak is on orange Granitic rock. It's a bit crumbly in spots but it's a beautiful rock. Some steep scrambles bring you to the wooded ridge, and it's easy to walk right past the viewless summit (which we did) (there is a decent outlook to the tripyramids, with the north slide very visible) -- From east peak you've done the large majority of you're hike. A relaxing walk down the wooded ridge to the col (ca. 3900 ft) and a few more steep pitches past the notorious "chimney" (those brave enough can scramble straight up it but there is an easier bypass) leads to the broad ledges with great views of Waterville Valley, including a look back at East Peak. The actual summit is just behind the ledge. This is a challenging, but very fun
and rewarding hike. Those seeking an easier trail should see about the approach of Osceola from Waterville Valley, I've never done it but I've heard it's more moderate.

2014-10-01