The 52 With A View

In 1979 a group of friends start a hiking group to be known as The Over the Hill Hikers. You can read about the formation and history of the group on their blog page here. In the 90’s, some of the members tired of hiking the New Hampshire 48s. The groups “Den Mother” Lib Bates, came up with a new list of peaks. Thus the “52 With A View” were born. While the hikes feature less miles, many are difficult, and as stated in the name, the summit views rival or surpass many of the 48 4000 Footers.

I happened upon this list by accident. In working to accomplish the 48, I would invariably have to cross over or by one of the 52. At other times, a hike leader would make one a “Sunday Hike” on a weekend trip after the 4000 footer had been hiked the day prior. the fantastic views sold me on pursuing the hike list while I worked my 48s. I would finish the 4000 footers long before the 52 list. Some were quite far north in remote areas that necessitated a road trip.

You can’t beat the “bang you get for your buck” hiking the 52s. The views are outstanding, and the list has been modified over the years, as some summits have “grown in” with trees since the 1990s. Several mountains I hiked were no linger on the list when I finished, but I hiked the new ones just for the views despite my previous hikes being grandfathered in. Although the hikes are generally shorter, don’t be fooled- arriving at the trail head, there will be no slow and gradual gain in elevation. You’ll be going up fast, and in for a workout.

The open summits can have slippery ledges to navigate and little wind or weather protection. If you’re a 52 hiker, please share your favorite in comments. I’m unable to choose a favorite myself!