Welch & Dickey Loop
Sunday, October 20, 2024
On a sunny, warm October day, we decided it was time to hit the trails again and hike the infamous Welch & Dickey Loop. This hike is quite popular in the Waterville Valley area of NH, and it’s easy to see why. The views are breathtaking, and the hiking is moderately challenging.
The stats- 4.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,781 feet, all thanks to the All Trails app that I had diligently tracking our every move. So if our stats don’t match up, just blame the app— I do.
I had read that hiking this loop counterclockwise was the way to go, so I decided to listen and, shockingly, pay attention this time. I’m glad I did! The ascent started off quite gradually and peacefully, honestly feeling fairly easy. We took our time, soaking in the stunning fall foliage and the gentle sound of a stream trickling nearby. The first real challenge hit when we reached a rock slab. At that point, the incline and my cardio were in a fierce competition—let’s just say my lungs were not winning.
Just under an hour in, we reached our first breathtaking viewpoint, and let me tell you, it took our breath away—quite literally! After that, the views kept coming, like an endless slideshow of nature’s best. As we approached the first peak, the rocks and steepness remained relentless, but so were we. We encountered more hikers along the way, some zooming past us while we, in our leisurely fashion, probably resembled a family of tortoises on a mission. We started our hike around 8 AM, so maybe the early bird gets the… not-so-crowded trail?
The thing about double peaks and loop trails is that you’re committed—you can’t just throw in the towel and head back. From Welch, we could see our next destination, and honestly, it looked intimidatingly long and steep. At this point, I started to wonder if the app and all those glowing reviews were part of an elaborate prank. Perhaps I was just getting hungry—food delirium is a real condition, folks! But in reality, the next leg wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. There were some rock scrambles and steep sections that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach—but I survived!
Overall, it was a fantastic hike. The descent was just as beautiful, and we started to see even more people out enjoying the trail. Our trek took about 4 hours, filled with plenty of breaks to enjoy the views, snap some photos and videos, and of course, indulge in some snacks—because hiking is basically about the snacks!
By the time we got back to the car, the parking lot was bustling. The NH Park Service was there, providing tips and advice to those in need. I always appreciate a parking lot with a bathroom after a hike, even if it wasn’t the freshest one I’ve ever encountered. It’s all part of the adventure!
I would rate this hike a solid 7/10 for difficulty and a stunning 10/10 for views. Happy hiking, everyone!
