Name: Mt. Chocorua - Piper Trail
Rating: 4.3

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Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Recreation Passes:
The White Mountain National Forest requires a recreation fee at most trailheads and developed recreation areas. There are self-serve pay stations at these locations, while longer term passes may be obtained at Ranger Stations and local vendors.

Money raised by the recreation pass fee is used to maintain and enhance recreation opportunities across the White Mountain National Forest.

Camping:
Camping only allowed at Camp Penacook and Jim Liberty Cabin.

Overview

Mount Chocorua bears the name of Sokosis Chief Chocorua who lived in the early 1700s. While all of the stories agree that he met his tragic death on the mountain, they differ as to how. Some have him falling from a high rock, while others have him being shot by white men after he uttered a curse on the valley below him.

I assure you that you'll not befall the same fate, but you'll enjoy the incredible setting that this hike places you within.

Description

The trail starts on a gradual grade following an old logging road. The Weetamoo Trail turns off to the left at .08 miles and the Nickerson Ledge Trail turns off to the right at 1.4 miles. The Piper Trail ascends moderately past a cleared outlook to Carter Ledge.

The trail then becomes steeper and changes into a series of switchbacks, stone steps, and paving. The Camp Penacook Spur Trail at 3.1 miles branches off to the left and ascends .2 miles to the shelter. Open ledges are soon discovered giving great views to the north, east and south. The Champney Brook Trail comes in on your right at 3.9 miles and .2 miles further, the West Side Trail comes in on your right. The Piper Trail continues following yellow blazes over open ledges to the summit push.