Mount Chocorua

Rocky home of a water serpent

Sept 27,2024

Mount Chocorua is the easternmost peak of the Sandwich Range and at the southern end of the White Mountains. Its distinct, rocky summit is the result of a series of forest fires between the early 19th and 20th centuries. From its bare peak, hikers have excellent views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests. However, some say that the name comes from a local legend about a Native American chief named Chocorua. The legend says that the chief was pursued by white settlers after his son died from being poisoned by a white settler. The chief was then shot by a white settler while standing on a crag of the mountain.

This trip was special. We left in Atiq’s Truck which towers over every car on the road.

The rendezvous point was Zubair Bhai’s home which is a resort in itself. We left around 2 pm and made a stop at Esselon cafe in Hadley for coffee. Asma Baji had made us some paratha and omelet rolls for us with tasted great with a touch of nostalgia. The conversations were deep and intellectual as Zubair Bhai, an intellectual power house was quizzed on various topics. We made our way quickly to the town of Albany, New Hampshire. Reaching there on time, we checked in our three bedroom apartment. There was nobody to check us in and the door in the third floor was open. We walked in and settled down before leaving for dinner. Conway is the neighboring town which is well developed and there was a REI and LL Bean next to our diner called, Black Cap Grille. I made the mistake of going for a Maine lobster roll which is never a good idea outside of Maine.

After dinner, we went to Walmart for some water and Powerade. Diluting it with water in our bag’s bladder we were set up for next day. The apartment was comfortable except only had a single bathroom, a first world problem per my wife.

After some gup shup we all passed out and woke up to some egg and cheese sandwiches that i picked up from Shelborne falls. We made some tea for the way and went down for a photo session by the river. Toby and Terry were our hosts and were kind enough to take our pictures.

We reached the trail head early at 7:30 am and saw only a single care in the parking lot. We decided to take the piper trail up the mountain.

The trail quickly makes way to an incline and its taking a tread climber all the way to the top. We made our way up quickly and broke the tree line for some 360 degree views of the the valley.

There was not much traffic. As we approached the top, we appreciated the sunny day as it had been raining the day before and most of the rocks had dried up. The last 0.6 miles to the top is tough and a scramble over naked rocks that get really slippery in the rain. As we made our way up the wind picked up and it was so strong that it felt like it will blow us off. We made our way to the top and found an area to take shelter and have our sandwiches and chai. Nothing beats the exquisite taste of sandwich and tea on the top. Another customary photo session on the top and we made our down.

We went down the west side trail. The descent was challenging and took a toll on our joints especially the knees.

We made our way to the Liberty Cabin. The cabin was built in the eighteen hundreds and its tied down on both sides by steel. Yet it was burnt down by fire and eventually restored. It now serves as a place for campers to spend the night. I was also able to leave a message in the hiker’s book for my dad as it was his birthday.

Eventually we took Weetamoo trail which goes with Hammond trail for a mile before taking a curve to join the the piper trail. Overall I was happy with the trail blazes and felt that the trail was well marked.

We did the trail in about seven hours with one hour of rest. Reaching back to the parking lot, we thanked Allah and jumped in for the ride ahead. We made our way back, tired but excited for being able to complete the hike. Atiq was the designated driver and drove us back in quick time, making one gas station stop for coffee and boiled eggs.

Reaching back home, I could not wait to get back and chronicle my new adventure.