August 18, 2020
Mount Willard Trail, Crawford Notch, NH
Here is a short report on a short but rewarding hike in one of the most spectacular parts of New Hampshire and the northeast in general, namely Crawford Notch. The hike is short (1.6 miles one way) and relatively easy. The summit is at 2864 feet elevation (compare to 1900 feet at the start of the trail). The trail is not flat as a sidewalk but has a steady, low-gradient ascent. The hike rewards you with outstanding views of the U-shaped glacial-carved valley and sweeping views of the heart of the White Mountains, including mount Chocorua’s distinctive summit pyramid.
The mount Willard trail begins just behind the Crawford Notch train station right at the top of the “notch”. Parking is available just off Route 302 at the depot. Cross the railroad tracks and the trail becomes obvious (see picture below). After one left turn shortly after the hike begins, the trail ascends through the forest. One scenic small waterfall punctuates the hike but it is otherwise a somewhat monotonous walk through the forest. Near the top of the hike, the trail looks like a straight tunnel with light at the end (see photo below), which is where all of a sudden the view opens up. Once you arrive at the summit, the view includes rugged mountains (Eisenhower, Webster, Jackson and Pierce all loom to the left) and not much sign of humans. Route 302 and the railroad snake their way through the valley, but otherwise the view is all untouched. You may see a train from the Conway Scenic Railroad snaking its way up the valley, battling the mountain grade.
This is what the trail looks like, with a light at the end of the tunnel 
emerging from the trees at the summit
We arrived on the summit after an hour and a quarter of walking. I was carrying our four-year-old and we had our eight-year-old. We spent about 15 minutes taking in the view, opting not to picnic at the top because we felt that the steep cliff drop-offs made it not a good place for children to run around. All in all, though, it was a very nice hike. Easily accessible, straightforward and simple, good for kids (but watch them near cliffs) and rewarding. The downside is that it can be crowded. Just a quarter mile short of the trailhead we were also treated to great views of a black bear feasting on wild blueberries, which colored our experience nicely.
Acadia National Park, Maine 2020