Hike Mount Osceola via Greeley Ponds Trail White Mountain National Forest, NH

Jul 07, 2023 — Mount Osceola and Mount Osceola East Peak are two peaks on the NH White Mountain 4000fters list, and they are most commonly accessed from Tripoli Road since that's an easier approach. I was more interested in coming from the north by taking the Greeley Ponds Trail since I learned the ascent had some nice scrambling and I could also check out Greeley Ponds on the way back. This direction also provided easier access since it's right off the highway. The hike described here is more difficult than the other approach, but even if coming from the easier Tripoli Road approach, hikers who want to reach both Osceola peaks must scramble a short Class 3 move at the saddle separating the two peaks.

I started south through typically beautiful White Mountains forest, slowly gaining elevation on the rocky Greeley Ponds Trail. There were a few little creek crossings along the way, but otherwise it was an initially uneventful walk. I reached a junction with the Mount Osceola Trail, which led west and almost immediately became choked with boulders. My legs were laughably tired after pushing myself, but suddenly realizing the nature of the trail to come, I grew a bit more excited. After a short and tamer portion, the Mount Osceola Trail began climbing more steeply, boulders a natural part of the hike and requiring an occasional hand to navigate the obstacles. A low-angled headwall provided a fun Class 2 scramble with Greeley Ponds below as a backdrop. More boulder-hopping persisted until the slope mellowed out and led to the viewless summit of Mount Osceola - East Peak.

I continued down more steep bouldery terrain along the trail to the saddle with Mount Osceola, great views toward the taller peak visible along the way. Mount Osceola's rocky south face was impressive. I reached what's known as the "chimney" at the saddle, a short Class 3 scramble to overcome a small headwall. I noticed a slightly easier option to the right, possibly still Class 3. Both scramble options lead to the same spot higher up, where the trail continues gradually up to the summit of Mount Osceola. Here there were some fantastic views from the top of the cliff band that wraps around the mountain's face. The panoramic, treeless view allowed for visibility into the valley below as well as toward many of the White Mountains summits surrounding me.

On my way back I decided to check out Greeley Ponds, but I only made it to the upper pond since mosquitos swarmed me with vigor. There's a nice trail leading to the lower pond and beyond when conditions are less conducive to the breeding of these little flying devils.