The fire tower at the summit of Red Hill. 

The views from the fire tower were magnificent. Distant high peaks to the north, Squam Lake to the west and here looking south- Lake Winnipesaukee.

For such little effort the views are spectactular and 360 degrees. The day was very overcoast and we definitely want to return. Here we face south toward Lake Winnipesaukee.  

Climbing Red Hill. 

Returning at three times the speed! 

As the sign says Emerson, Thoreau and Melville went before. 

Red Hill December 22, 2004

Despite the threatening weather, today was a good day to hike. A 3" blanket of fresh snow covered the trails and a heavy rainstorm due for tomorrow threatens to ice the trails. We are not yet experienced winter hikers and although we have snowshoes we do not have crampons. We opted for a light hike up Red Hill in the Lakes Region. We needed poles but not snowshoes.

In the summer climbing takes as almost as much time down as up. Although the demands of your lungs are much less going down, most trails in the Whites are very rocky and you must pay attention to your footing. When a trail is snow covered but not iced you can return at blazing speed. Today's climb was 1 hour and 25 minutes up but only 35 minutes down.

Distance 3.4 miles; Climb 1350 feet; Elevation 2050 feet

From the Flume we see Mt. Liberty (foreground) and Mt. Flume. We hiked Liberty in July and Mt. Flume in October. 

At the top of the Flume gorge. 

Looking down at the Flume from the top. 

The Flume December 19, 2004

The Flume is a huge tourist attraction in the summer but in the winter you have its beauty to yourself. In winter the boardwalk that goes up the gorge is removed and although the park is officially closed the hiking trails that go through the park and to the top of the gorge are accessible. The Flume was one of our first winter hikes when the children were younger and we try and return each winter. The circuit makes for a very serene and beautiful walk in the woods.