Earlier this week, I hiked Mount Osceola for my third time since starting my NH 48 4000 footer journey in 2019. They say you never forget your first, and Osceola is a special one for me as it’s the mountain that hooked me to this hiking drug – and an admittedly psychotic obsession to complete the 48.
Technically, Osceola wasn’t my first 4000 footer. Years ago, I hiked the Franconia Ridge with my mom – wearing sneakers, cotton clothing, and armed only with a crappy JanSport® backpack and a couple bottles of Poland Springs® water. I didn’t know about any lists – or the stark differences between Mount Major and a 4000 footer – and honestly, it’s a wonder mom and I made it out alive that day. And while I wish I could say I’ve learned a thing or two between then and now, I’m still an idiot and the learning curve has been steep. But hey, I’ve got an Osprey® backpack and dry-wicking clothing, so that has to count for something – right?
So, to you newbie hikers out there who are considering starting your 48 journey, I see you – I see you with your JanSport® backpacks, your Fruit of the Loom® t-shirts, and your broke down Reeboks®. So, before you go asking me for the 500th time what mountain you should start your 48 on, here’s the reasons why I think you should consider starting your 4000 footer journey on Mount Osceola:
It’s a quick drive (relatively) ?
Osceola is about as close as you’re going to get from wherever you’re coming from – SoNH and People from Mass, I’m looking at you here. It’s true, Tecumseh is slightly closer, but it’s a dumb mountain and trust me, you don’t want to do that one first – but that’s another topic, for another time. So sit back, and enjoy the quick (albeit bumpy) ride down Tripoli to the trailhead.
Praise be! There’s a toilet at the trailhead!
Finding yourself doing the potty dance in the car because you drank too much Dunkins®? It’s a rare luxury to have a potty at the parking area, but Osceola has got you covered with spacious and somewhat stinky commodes, stocked with a fresh supply of 1-ply at your disposal.
It’s easy to navigate ?
You don’t need to be Dora the Explorer to hike Osceola, and this is a great one for the directionally challenged – like me. It’s as easy as lifting weights – you hike up it, and then you hike back down it. But do you even lift, bro?
… and it’s easy to hike ?
At ~6 miles roundtrip and just over 2000 feet in elevation gain, you don’t get much easier hiking in the 48 than Osceola. Some will try and convince you that Tecumseh is easier, but they’re big, fat liars and it’s a dirty, rotten staircase of a mountain. But again, another longwinded post for another time.
That summit! ? That view! ?
The summit is spacious, and the view is gorgeous, so pack a lunch and be ready to take lots of summit pics. Since you might be new to taking hiking pics, popular mountaintop poses include:
- Backside of hiker staring longingly at the view, while pondering the meaning of life
- Some stupid yoga pose (tree and handstand are popular)
- Holding your dog up in the air like the Lion King
- Jumping up in the air (while trying not to jump off the mountain)
- The starfish – triumphantly holding your hiking poles, or arms in the air
- Or my tried and true – hands-on-hips, strong independent woman who don’t need no man to conquer the mountain pose
Now, there a few things to keep in mind when you hike Osceola:
Bring your dolla, dolla bill, y’all ?
More specifically $5, as you will need to pay-to-play for hiking Osceola. There are pay envelopes at the trailhead, so you’ll need to bring exact change.
Tripoli is BUMPIN’
The drive down Tripoli Road is an amusement park ride of its own, with lots of bumps and aggressive potholes. While you can certainly make it with a small car (I drove it once with my old Mazda3), it’s a smoother ride with AWD.
Expect crowds
With the close-ish proximity to Mass and SoNH, and the ease of this trail, Osceola is VERY popular. Parking at the trailhead holds about 12-15 cars, so get there early to nab a spot – but don’t be surprised if you have to park along Tripoli Road.
The Chimney – the horror! ?
Yes, it’s true that in order to complete the 48 you need to get both Osceola and East Osceola. And yes, it’s true there’s this rock Chimney thing, which can be intimidating to new hikers – especially those scared of heights – like me. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to bag East Osceola the first time you hike Osceola. In fact, I didn’t get East until my second time up, and I was glad I did because I was able to see how far I had come as a hiker, and how that the big, bad Chimney wasn’t so scary afterall. Want to know more? Check out my blog post and learn how-to conquer the Chimney.
Well, if you’ve made it this far, I hope I’ve convinced you of the reasons why Osceola is a great way to start your 48 journey. But don’t take my word for it: break out your JanSport® pack, your best Fruit of the Loom® t-shirt and get hiking!
