August 14, 2021
Coming into August I was kind of in a hiking slump. Key staff members were taking well-deserved and overdue vacations. Being a department that runs lean, I felt obligated to stay in town just in case there was a network related issue I was not isolated on the top of a mountain 100+ miles away. Needless to say, I was itching to get back out there. I did hike my home mountain, Monadnock, the previous weekend. It will also be a favorite of mine but Monadnock lacks the steeps of the duration found in the Whites. I was curious how my legs and lungs would hold up after the break. I chose to hike the Osceolas. They were the last 2 southern 4000 footers o the list and my research indicated that would be an easier hike (more about that later). I was up at 3:30 am and on the road by 4:00 am headed for Tripoli Road and the Osceolas.
I arrived around 6:00 am and was hiking by 6:15 am. It was a little drizzly contrary to mountain-forecast.com. I had decided to lighten my pack a bit and one thing I dropped was the rain gear I always carry. Osceola was quick to remind me that the rain gear is the wrong item to leave behind. Before I put my pack on, I put my Rab windbreaker on. It kept what went from drizzle to steady rain to outright downpour from soaking me directly. But the windbreaker is far from waterproof. I trudged on, fingers crossed that the rain would stop. After about an hour the rain subsided and the sun came out.
The hike up Osceola was very technical. It never got overly steep and was not really long. The rain had left mud and slippery rocks. ROCKS. ROCKS. SLABS. 45 Degree SLABS. The Mt Osceola trail is several miles of boulder field. It’s fun and challenging because you can’t let your focus lapse. Each foot placement counts. A slip could end your hike for the day or longer. When the sun did break through close to the summit, it was truly spectacular!
I reached the summit of Osceola at about 8:00 am. Osceola is one of those summits that will have an impact. The view of the ridge that leads to East Osceola is clearly visible to the left. Mt Passaconaway, Whiteface and the Tripyramids.
After a quick snack, I began to make way to the next peak, East Osceola. The map says about 1.25 miles. The map also calls for a steep descent to a col between Osceola and East Osceola. VERY steep it was! And I alluded to the research I did into the hike indicated an ‘easy’ hike by White Mountain standards with an exception. The final drop into the col is a chimney. A chimney is a section of trail that goes straight up a rock face that is 3 sided. This chimney is about 20 feet of very difficult descent. There is a documented route to the north that skirts around the sheer drop and offers a very slightly less tricky descent but can be negotiated and hands, feet, and maybe some butt. I chose the bypass for the descent all the while knowing I had to come back this way and not only negotiate the chimney or the by-pass but also the very steep ascent I just descended. I knew enough to keep it on my mind as I made my way to the summit of East Osceola.
East Osceola Summit
My thoughts on the hike to and return from East Osceola were dominated by the chimney. I felt prepared, unlike when I found myself on an exposed ridge on Wildcat. I wanted to ascend the chimney and not go up the slightly easier bypass. I made my way back to the col and watched and listened as a couple and their dog made their way down the chimney bypass. It’s really amazing watching dogs on the trail. They make it look so easy. We chatted about the dog and the chimney and they made their way to East Osceola leaving me alone with the chimney ascent.
Looking up the chimney 
The bypass 
Down a section 
Looking over the edge 
Near the topof the chimney
I decided to go up the chimney and only bail to the bypass if I felt unsafe at the start, knowing backing down after a certain point could be dangerous. As regular readers and those familiar with my treks know, I hike solo. I am very cautious with all my hikes and take sections like this very seriously. Although this trail is popular, I hike early and don’t see many people. If I fall, it could be a while before I get help. With adrenaline pumping, I moved in and up the chimney. I tried to video record the ascent but had to put the phone away partway up. Needed both Hands.
With both hands free, I was able to make my way up the chimney. I have to say it was not all that bad. I think because I was mentally prepared it was kind of fun. Never one to back away from a challenge.
I continued on from the chimney up the VERY steep ascent back to the summit of Osceola where I stopped for a half hour. I ate some more snacks, visited with a couple of dogs, and chatted with the few people that had made their way there since I had left for East Osceola. I left the summit and made my way back down the way I came up, Mt Osceola trail.
I seem to always say it, but the Osceolas are one of my favorite hikes. It is just so accessible and not long and supper strenuous. A really fun hike!
| Distance | Elev Gain | Time |
| 8.7 Miles | 2,810′ | 5:15 |
Mountain Mike 