Squam Range – Webster to Livermore

It looked like it was going to be a perfect hiking day so my friend Jen and set out to hike up Mt. Webster along the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail above Squam Lake.

This trail traverses the entire Squam Range. I only have a small section left to do and this hike was going to cover most of it.

I arrived at the trail on Mountain Road in Holderness first. Temps were in the high 60’s at this point with them expected to rise into the mid 80’s.

I was surprised to see the parking lot could hold 10-15 cars. Parking is located at the end of Mountain Road.

We set out up Mountain Trail Road. Much of this trail is very washed out and I’m not sure an ATV could even make it up. We continued to climb almost a half mile till we met the junction of the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail.

From here we went left heading over to Mt. Webster. Once we were on the ridge line, the trail became very moderate with only a few sections that felt like we were gaining elevation.

After some walking we came to a viewpoint with a little bench that overlooked Squam Lake and the surrounding mountains. We took a break here and enjoyed the view for a while.

Continuing on we came upon another view off a short spur path. This view was pretty much overgrown and eclipsed by all the leaves. A quick stop before marching on.

The trail starts to go up and down a bit when we got near Webster. Since the actual summit is not on the trail, we had to bushwack up to it.

When we finally found it there was a Jar for the NE 500 highest and a stone cairn that was covered by a fallen tree.

Mission accomplished. Now had to manage the bushwack back to the trail and start our trip back. The walk back always goes a little faster for me. I think it’s because I don’t take as many breaks.

We were back at the lookout and the bench before we knew it and shortly after we made it back to the sign at Mountain Trail Road. Jen wanted to go up to Mt. Livermore so agreed since she was such a good sport during the bushwack.

The trail up to the summit was only another .4 and was pretty easy most of the way. Once we were at the top we both were amazed at the panoramic view that was in front of us.

One of the best views I’ve ever seen of Squam Lake and surrounding area. Lots of pictures were taken.

Now the walk back down was fast and easy. Once we were back on Mountain Trail Road it seemed to go even quicker and before long the light of the parking lot and the cars were visible.

This was a great hike. Not to hard, good views and great company. Now I only have about a mile left of the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail to do from the Mt. Morgan Trail to Mt. Webster.