Mt. Osceola offers fantastic views from the summit which features the remains of a former fire tower. Osceola East Peak (4,156') is a more challenging hike with no summit view but several outlooks along the ridge and cliff. Both peaks are on the official 4000-footer list.
From Tripoli Road, the approach to Mt. Osceola begins with rock hopping and ends with ledges, with switchbacks in between. Past the summit towards Osceola East Peak, the hiking becomes more difficult with steep sections and a "chimney" along the ridge. The trail from East Peak down to the Greeley Ponds Trail (or climbing Mt. Osceola from the north) is very steep with ledges and loose rocky sections. It traverses a ledgy, rocky cliff formed by avalanches in 1892, 1897 and 1950.
Please note that camping and fires are prohibited along the Greeley Ponds Trail, which is part of the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area.
Note: Snowshoeing is not recommended from the Kancamagus Scenic Byway because of the steep and avalanche-prone slope between Greeley Ponds Trail and East Osceola Peak. The southern trailhead on Tripoli Road can only be reached by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile in the winter.
Fees: There is a parking fee at the Mt. Osceola trailhead on Tripoli Road.
Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:
Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!
For more information, visit the White Mountain National Forest hiking page, or the Waterville Valley Athletic & Improvement Association website, or contact:
Osceola Peaks is accessible from two trailheads.
From the south: Parking is available at the Mt. Osceola trailhead on the Tripoli Road. From Exit 28 on I-93, head north on NH-49 for 10.2 miles then turn left on Tripoli Road toward the Waterville Valley Ski Area. Stay right at the "Y" and continue on Tripoli Road 3.3 miles to the trailhead on the right.
From the north: Parking is available at the Greeley Ponds trailhead on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH-112). The trailhead is on the right, 9.6 miles east of Exit 32 on I-93 and 25.4 miles west of Conway.
The Mt. Osceola Trailhead on Tripoli Road can also be accessed from Exit 31 on I-93. It is 6.5 miles east of the exit on the left.
Notes:
Tripoli Road is closed in winter between Exit 31 on I-93 in Woodstock and W. Branch Road in Waterville Valley.
There is a fee for parking at the Mt. Osceola parking lot.
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