Mount Tecumseh and the Thundering Herd

More and more people seem to be getting out in the mountains every day, which is great. I feel it deeply in my soul that no matter the method one engages nature, or absorbs its divinity, the earth is better off when more people explore it and understand how delicate—and powerful—everything is, all at once. But I do wish for everyone embarking on such adventures, they would take a little more time doing it.

The Easiest 4000-Footer?

This weekend, in support of my daughter and her friend’s Independent Senior Projects that both involve climbing the 4000-footers, we took on Mount Tecumseh—the shortest 4000-footer and quite possibly the easiest. Part of me feels like Mount Hale or Mount Waumbek might be easier, but I’ll have to climb them again before I can declare which one is truly the easiest, so let’s just say for now: if you’re beginning your 4000-footer adventure, Tecumseh is a good place to start.

And by the looks of it, many people do start there. When we arrived at the lot there were at least ten cars, maybe fifteen, and plenty more when we returned to the trailhead at the end of the climb. Along the way we saw a broad cast of characters, all surprisingly different in appearance and persona, and it was encouraging to see that the modern hiker is not limited to any one type. But despite this, they did all share one thing in common: they were all moving fast. Too fast, I thought. It was like everyone was on a personal quest to log the fastest time they could on Strava. It was kinda weird and I can’t say that I’ve seen it like this on many other 4000-footers. Maybe the fact it’s the shortest 4000-footer was motivating people to see how fast they can do it?

Trying to slow down, we stopped to take in some viewpoints off-trail. This view of Waterville was particularly beautiful.

Too Much Speed

When we arrived at the summit, we witnessed a few hikers march right over the top and begin their descent, not at all interested in taking in the views. How can that be? You’re not even going to stop and look for a second? What is going on in your life that would make you administer such self-inflicted punishment? If you’ve managed to lug yourself up to a mountain summit, you have to at least take in the view for a few minutes, otherwise, what’s the point? Just to say you did it? To beat some stranger on Strava? Oh man, if so, you’re missing out!

I understand the need to get a win each week and accomplish something. Summiting a mountain certainly satiates that. But I hope when you take on your mountain quest, that’s not all that it’s about. When I head out for my next climb, I hope that I’ll see more people taking their time to look around and smell the pine trees. To not look at the mountain as something they “have to get done,” but as a friend they’ve been long overdue to meet. You don’t have to be like John Muir or anything, talking to rocks and whatnot, but man, if you don’t stop to listen to the roar of a spring river flushing its way through the valley, or the happy songs of birds filling the air, or the wind meandering its way through the trees, you’re denying yourself something that you can’t get by checking a box marking your accomplishment.

Enjoy it out there. Look around. Breathe it in. You deserve it.

A couple brook crossings and some wonderful views of the Tripyramids await on the Mount Tecumseh Trail.

Mount Tecumseh Ascent Details

Trailhead: Waterville Valley Ski Resort. Mount Tecumseh Trail is off to the right if you are looking towards the mountain.
Route: Mount Tecumseh Trail
Time: 4.5 hours (including a thirty-minute break at the summit), and I thought WE were moving too fast.
Distance: ~5 miles
Conclusion: This was my first climb up Tecumseh during summer-like weather. I’ve always tackled it in the past during the winter, carrying skis on my back. I found it much prettier in the warmer conditions, and as such, moved it a few notches up my 4000-footer ranking list. It’s a good one!