Don't let the haters get you down, although the exact height of this mountain is contentious (a recent survey has it at 3,997 feet), according to the ATMC, this is still a 4K. And it's shorter stature and length make it an excellent beginner/intro 4K. So grab your hiking shoes and summit this thing!
Trail Info
Know before you go
There are multiple routes to summit this 4K. In addition to the standard route covered in this post, you can also summit this via Tripoli road.
This hike requires a few river crossings. None are particularly wide or challenging, but there's a chance you might have to get your shoes wet.
This is a great winter 4K. Because it is a short and straightforward, it makes a great candidate for a winter summit. Just make sure you have spikes or snowshoes!
Other trails nearby
Mount Osceola and East Osceola are a popular pair of 4Ks nearby that offer stunning views.
The Tripyramids are another pair of 4Ks in the area, but is considerably more difficult with steep inclines and descents.
The Trail
After parking in the Waterville ski area lot, head to the far side of the parking lot to find the trailhead.
The ascent starts right away on this one. Gaining over 2K feet in a little over 2 miles is sure to be a leg burner.
Here's one of those river crossings. Nothing too tricky, but best to have that change of socks just in case!
There is a short spur trail to a viewpoint early on in the trail. There aren't a ton of views along this trail, so it's probably best to savor the ones you encounter along the way.
The viewpoint is of a Waterville Valley ski run. Looks like they could use a few more inches!
Onwards and upwards! I'd say a lot of the trail has this a similar feel--a wooded ascent with stair-like rocks. I loved doing this hike with a little snow on the ground.
There are a few trail junctions as you near the summit. This first one starts the summit loop. It doesn't really matter which way you go on the summit loop, as they will both take you to the Tecumseh summit.
The second junction along the summit loop is more important. After you have summited, make sure you either follow Tecumseh Trail to the Ski Area Parking or Sosman Trail (not to Tripoli Road) to ensure you link back up with the original path. Otherwise, you will hike down the other side of the mountain.
Mount Tecumseh summited! These views may not be a full 360 degrees, but they are still beautiful. 6 down, 42 to go!
SS Reflections
Mount Tecumseh is an interesting mountain. Because it is technically a 4K according to the AMC, I made the journey to bag this peak. However, if Tecumseh's recent survey height had been used, it wouldn't be considered a 4K, and it's possible I would never have heard of it. This was a reminder of how arbitrary these lists can be and how much difference a few feet can make. Still, finding a reason to get outside and hike a mountain makes for a good day in my book, regardless of the height.
Other helpful resources
Restless meanderer, Stav is Lost, and Two People One Adventure's writeups of this hike
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