How to Hike NH’s Mt. Tecumseh in the Fall

Selfie at the top of Mt. Tecumseh on a cool fall day.

Here, I am going to tell you How to Hike NH’s Mt. Tecumseh in the Fall! The smallest of the NH 48 4,000 footers standing only at 4,003 ft tall. Located adjacent to Waterville Valley Ski Mountain.

Tecumseh is a short 4,000 footer, definitely one of the easier ones of the 48 but still tough in areas. The rewarding views at the top make it all worth it!!

In October my boyfriend, Alby and I, hiked Tecumseh on a beautiful, brisk Sunday fall morning. We had a lot of fun hiking this one! Overall the hike, up and back, took us three hours.

Are you planning on hiking Tecumseh or interested in doing so? In this post, I will tell you all about the mountain! Where to park, what to wear, pack, expect on the hike and more.

Let’s get into it! –

How to Hike NH’s Mt. Tecumseh in the Fall

Getting there

You want to enter:

Waterville Valley Ski Resort

into your GPS. The trailhead actually starts out in the back of their parking lot #1.

You can park right at Waterville Valley’s parking lot and get started from there. The parking lot is huge and free!

Early morning drive to Mt. Tecumseh on the highway.

Pick your route

Mt. Tecumseh is an out and back hike. There are no loop options or different routes to go unless you ski down in the winter. This makes the chances of getting lost very low! The out and back hike is 4.7 miles overall.

The hike follows alongside Waterville Valley ski mountain trails. Halfway up the trail opens up offering beautiful views and you can get an idea as to where you are on the mountain.

The hike up

The hike up Mt. Tecumseh is pretty easy for the first 1.5 miles, steady incline on a rocky trail.

The last mile to the summit is where you really get your workout in! The trail gets much steeper but you are aided with a stone staircase to hike up.

If there was any rain a day or so before your hike expect the trail to be muddy, wet and slippery.

Selfie hiking up Mt. Tecumseh! Halfway up.

The summit

At the summit you are greeted by evergreens and a 180 degree beautiful view. It makes all of your hard work so worth it!

There is a small loop you can do at the top, we did it and it was fun. Check it out while you are up there!

Relax at the top

If it’s not too cold and windy, hangout at the top and take in the awesome views you earned!

We found our own little area to relax at, had some snacks, hot cocoa, took in the views then started to make our way back down.

Hanging out at the summit of Tecumseh having hot cocoa and snacks.

The descent

The descent back to the parking lot is fairly easy as long as you are sure footed.

Like I mentioned above, it’s an out and back hike so you will hike down the same trail you hiked up!

It feels really good to hike down those stone steps in the easier direction.

Before you know it, you are back at your car!

What to pack in your backpack

When you hike Tecumseh, especially in October, you want to pack: layers layers layers!

Have a couple extra base top layers, another layer to add over your leggings or pants, extra mittens, and warm hat.

Backpack list

Snacks: apple, banana, beef jerky, granola bars, fruit snacks, pb&j, trail mix, nuts, etc. (bring extra)
Thermos full of hot cocoa
Water: 2 large reusable water bottles per person (more if you can fit it)
Map
Compass
Extra layers: sweater or fleece, long pants, hat & mittens
Flashlight or Headlamp
Matches/Fire starters
First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
Whistle
Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
Pocket Knife
Cameras
Sunglasses
Toilet paper

Hiking down Tecumseh with bright fall foliage.

What to wear

We hiked Tecumseh on a cool fall day and started off in the morning when it was extra chilly.

I wore athletic leggings, ski socks, sports bra, dri-fit long sleeve shirt, athletic fleece, and a Patagonia fleece. I also wore gloves and a beanie.

As we hiked up I shedded layers. At the top, I was so happy to have them all to put back on, and more if needed.

It gets really cold at the summit of the 4,000 footers in the fall. Just be prepared!

Sunny day at the summit of Mt. Tecumseh.

Tips to know before you hike

Start early= quieter trail. I’ve heard it can get very busy.
Buy the Hike Safe NH Card before you go.
As with all hikes in the White Mountains you NEED to know the weather forecast before and during the hike to avoid unsafe trail conditions (weather can change rapidly).
Safe and easy trail for beginners.
If you are hiking in the fall/winter- bring a thermos full of hot coffee or hot cocoa. You will be SO happy you did once you are at the summit.
Be sure to use your favorite GPS trail app to track your hike! We like All Trails. Don’t forget to start tracking right when you start off!

Starting our GPS tracking app before we hike Tecumseh at the trailhead.

Tecumseh is an awesome mountain…if you are thinking about hiking it, do it!

A smaller mountain that is easily accessible, offers a great workout, fun trails and amazing views!

Have you already hiked Tecumseh? If so what time of year did you do it?

Let me know in the comments below and follow along with me on all our hikes on Instagram!

Happy trails! (:

How to Hike NH’s Mt. Tecumseh in the Fall