Welch-Dickey Loop, Thornton NH

• 5-star hike
• 4 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 1,770 feet
• Thornton, NH | White Mountains
. 52-With-A-View

The image shows a scenic view from a mountaintop, looking out over a forested landscape with rolling hills and mountains in the distance. The foreground features a rocky outcrop with evergreen trees, while the background includes a mix of green hills and blue mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Spotting the trail down Welch Mountain, from the slightly taller Dickey Mtn.

One of the best New Hampshire trails is also on the shorter side, as long as you don't mind a some uphill trails and a couple of minor rock scrambles. Located in the Southern end of the White Mountain National Forest, the twin peaks of Welch Mountain (2,605 feet) and Dickey Mountain (2,734 feet) are the goal on this very popular loop trail that delivers unparalleled views throughout.

Choosing to go with the flow and taking the preferred counter-clockwise circuit, the first mile of the trail ascends gradually through woodland and briefly along a stream, before reaching the first of the granite slabs. After admiring the Southerly views towards Sandwich Mountain and Mount Weetamoo, the next mile involves a steeper incline to the Welch's summit and the scenic views get even better.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Welch-Dickey Loop 4.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,770 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

More granite slabs and gnarled greenery lead you through a short saddle to the highest point of the hike - Dickey Mountain. A consistent downhill grade returns you back to the trailhead, with the first half rewarding you with still more great views. Also, both mountain tops provide great 360 degree vistas.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow. We identify this hike as medium difficulty, although there are some occasional rock scrambling and some modestly steep inclines on the granite slabs. Be aware that this trail becomes much more difficult in wet and icy weather due to the granite slab surfaces. Be sure to know the weather forecast and be prepared with good footwear, and traction devices in the winter.

The Welsch-Dickey Loop is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. The link at the foot of this article takes you to Trailspotting's map of the peaks on the full list and shows all of the trails on which to reach them. Follow us as we explore all the peaks on this list and publish trail reviews featuring descriptions, photography and downloadable maps.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape covered with dense green forests under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there are trees with green leaves and a branch with vibrant red leaves, adding a striking contrast to the scene.

So many great views throughout the trail.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape. In the foreground, there is a rocky outcrop with some green shrubs and trees. The middle ground features a dense forest covering the slopes of the mountains. In the background, multiple mountain peaks are visible under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

Mounts Dickey and Welch ledges on the return descent.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting: Welch-Dickey on YouTube
• Public Map at AllTrails: Welch-Dickey Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Fisher Mountain (4 mi) · 4★ Mount Osceola (6-8 mi) · 5★ Flume Gorge (2 mi) · Show Map

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