Which is better day trip for this time of year - Cape Cod or mountain climb in the Whites?

Submitted by kohlrabi_codex t3_zg0lj2 in massachusetts

Not from Mass so I’ve never been to either of these places. I’m planning a day trip next week and was wondering what people’s opinions are regarding these places around this time of year. I like hiking and outdoorsy stuff and I also love the ocean. Not really looking to spend money aside from gas, just a nice day trip to celebrate the end of the semester.

Edit: didn’t realize how high risk winter hiking was, as all of my hikes have been in the summer. I will be going to the beach!

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GWS2004 t1_izef7j8 wrote

Do you have proper winter hiking gear? People die hiking up there because they are not prepared for hiking in the mountains. I don't think people take it seriously enough and they put SAR groups in danger.

I say head to the Cape and walk the beach. Head down to Herring Cove or Race Point and then have lunch or dinner at local restaurant!

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jp_jellyroll t1_izele65 wrote

The White Mountains in particular are at the confluence of major continental weather patterns in North America -- cold Arctic air meets warmer ocean air basically. Those different temperature & pressure systems are constantly competing and that's why New England weather is incredibly unpredictable and changes so rapidly compared to other climates.

The effect is amplified by a million times when you're up in the mountains. It's incredibly deceptive. It could be bright & sunny in the morning with a foot of snow by the afternoon depending where you are. Mt Washington gets snow all year round. My friend has a video of snow in mid-July at the summit.

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LePoultry-geist t1_izeumi6 wrote

Mt Washington also has dangerous winds and wind chills, even held the world's highest recorded wind speed for like 60 years - 231mph. For reference, a cat 5 hurricane is 157mph or higher.

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exception-found t1_izggu8e wrote

Those are F5 tornado numbers… that’s legitimately frightening

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Icy-Conclusion-3500 t1_izid1f5 wrote

It’s the windiest place on earth outside of Antarctica. It still holds the highest wind speed record not associated with a tropical cyclone or tornado. (It was dethroned by some random meter in the pacific during a storm).

100mph sustained winds is not unexpected on any given winter day.

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[deleted] t1_izfcn99 wrote

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LePoultry-geist t1_izfcvbv wrote

Contrary to your username, what a boomer thing to say. I also love that out of all the places you could've put that in this thread, for some reason it's under my comment?

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[deleted] t1_izfgadl wrote

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amydiddler t1_izfi89n wrote

… OP is literally asking for advice on whether hiking is a good idea at this time of year.

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IFightPolarBears t1_izfvq3k wrote

People die every year in the whites. Shits no joke.

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bubalusarnee t1_izep2hu wrote

A 21 year old day hiker died there last month.

Another guy had died of hypothermia IN JUNE on the Presidential Range.

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heresdevking t1_izfvorf wrote

Agree. This is literally, "Cake, or death."

Go to Cape Cod. Get cake.

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Sonnenblumenwiese t1_izefcxv wrote

PP is right, Cape Cod is dead in the winter - but that means the walking and hiking trails are dead too, which I love. The whites get dangerous suddenly, it's more of a concern when it's not this unseasonably warm, but I think it's something to note.

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forrealz42 t1_izel4x7 wrote

I would argue it is still a very serious concern. People die up there in the summer. Someone died up there a couple of weeks ago.

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BroadStreetElite t1_izfd2of wrote

My buddies were trapped in whiteout conditions in September on Mt. Washington. They were experienced and prepared and luckily the storm passed quickly but yeah those mountains are dangerous as hell outside peak summer.

I did a few mountains on the presidential range in late March and there was still feet of snow on the trail and I was in a heavy jacket and insulated pants. It was mid 70s in Massachusetts lol.

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Sonnenblumenwiese t1_izfysxn wrote

I realize my tone was downplaying the level of threat, and that was not my intention. When I posted this, the only other comment was urging a white mountains hike seemingly (to me) with the tone of "it's been so warm and the mountains are more interesting" and that part of my comment was in relation to the previous poster.

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bonanzapineapple t1_izhiwri wrote

Multiple people have died stranded in the Whites in the past 4-6 weeks

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ggtffhhhjhg t1_iziyqjp wrote

This looks like a fit and relatively experienced man and he died from the elements.

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ghostsintherafters t1_izfdhe0 wrote

Ahem.

The White Mountains are ALWAYS dangerous. Do your research. Keep an eye on the weather and, I cannot stress this enough, always have proper gear.

December is no time to be fucking around in the White Mountains on a day trip. A young lady perished up on one of the lesser mountain ranges just last month.

It can legit snow squall on top of Mount Washington in July and August. Do not fuck with the Whites this time of year unless you're a very experienced hiker.

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Sonnenblumenwiese t1_izfyz5d wrote

>I realize my tone was downplaying the level of threat, and that was not my intention. When I posted this, the only other comment was urging a white mountains hike seemingly (to me) with the tone of "it's been so warm and the mountains are more interesting" and that part of my comment was in relation to the previous poster.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_izeger4 wrote

Empty Cape Cod is a great experience. Quiet. Less traffic.

Hiking the Whites you might not survive. Literally.

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SliceProfessional461 t1_izefvih wrote

Cape. It’s too cold and gets dark far too early for someone unfamiliar to hike the Whites.

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The_eldritch_bitch t1_izefwlw wrote

Have you winter hiked the whites before? It’s not like summer at all, and requires proper gear / fitness

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kohlrabi_codex OP t1_izegu0a wrote

Most of my hiking experience has been in the Adirondacks (in the summer lol). Didn’t realize how high risk this was. Thanks for all the input, Cape it is!

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COVID_2019 t1_izehsp0 wrote

Do not attempt the Whites if you don't have experience in the winter. I'm an avid peak bagger myself, but have no experience winter hiking and will not do it unless trained/have the right gear.

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Roszo21 t1_izflv9u wrote

OP, just jumping in to say that there are tons of less challenging/scary but still beautiful winter hikes in NH outside of the White Mountains. I do the Wapack trail every winter and you definitely need gear - quality coat; snow pants, boots; micro spikes; etc. But it's a perfectly doable hike sven for someone who is not a serious hiker and still has some cool views.

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[deleted] t1_izeqgz2 wrote

The whites are beautiful this time of year. Certainly it’s probably safe if you’re doing a couple miles in the flat areas or even something like the basin. Just don’t try to summit a mountain. Spend a day or two in both Lincoln and Conway and there’s a ton to do like B&Bs, breweries, outlets and other shopping, as well as the AMC visitor centers.

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ggtffhhhjhg t1_izizgzw wrote

There are plenty of enjoyable and relatively safe day hikes in outside of the White Mountains in New England if that’s what you’re looking for.

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FranzAndTheEagle t1_izeibfv wrote

The Whites on the wrong end of spring or autumn are already gnarly enough. I would never go in December!

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redditor420_69 t1_izegwnf wrote

That girl just died in the whites a couple weeks ago….

Cape cod in the winter has its own charm. A nice stroll on the beach in the winter is honestly energizing and a nice breath of fresh air (literally). I recommend East Sandwich Beach

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_GrilledAsparagus_ t1_izem5np wrote

*A girl just died in the whites a couple weeks ago who was an experienced climber and had already successfully climbed the majority of NH’s 48, 4000 footers.

White mountains are greatly underestimated, particularly in winter.

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Laureltess t1_izfcsc3 wrote

**she was an experienced summer climber, but not a winter climber. Without winter hiking experience, or someone to guide you that has it (and the gear you need) you are courting disaster!

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SeaworthinessLeft88 t1_izehddh wrote

A 19 year old just died hiking in the White Mountains two weeks ago. Even with the warmer weather, I really wouldn’t recommend it this time of year.

> The White Mountains are infamous for deceptive conditions that have lured scores of hikers to their death in the past century. Although they are relatively short by the standards of many mountain ranges, their location at the confluence of continental weather patterns means that conditions can change quickly, taking hikers from pleasant conditions in a parking lot to near-Arctic gales after just a few hours of uphill work.

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baddspellar t1_izehs3z wrote

I hike in the whites about every other weekend throughout the winter.

As others have said, you need to know what you're doing, even for a modest hike. Trails are typically have a mix of ice and snow. Even beginner hikes require insulated boots, microspikes, and often snowshoes, plus a pack with clothing, food, headlamp, etc. You need to know how to get yourself out of trouble, as there is rarely cell coverage. There are easier and harder hikes. The Northern Presidentials and Franconia Ridge are very dangerous, and require advanced skills. I bring crampons and and ice axe for self-arrest on these hikes, and I know how to use them. Hikes like Willard or Sugarloaf are much more welcoming, but if you think sneakers are fine you shouldn't do them.

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goPACK17 t1_izeqa7w wrote

OP be like: What's better, a gloomy, barren beach and mostly shut down for the season towns, or literal death?

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spokchewy t1_izf3gez wrote

Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were from Cape Cod beaches in the winter. Not to mention, there’s the possibility of running into some amazing bird species out there.

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goPACK17 t1_izf3sxq wrote

Well ya, I would definitely take Cape in the winter over death 😅. You can always hit up Bangkok Kitchen in Hyannis😋

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1000thusername t1_izeizcd wrote

White mountains from late October or early November onward are a death wish for someone who isn’t a very experienced hiker with appropriate survival gear and beacons. Could you drive up and enjoy the sights and do a couple “nature walks” right off the parking lots? Yes, absolutely, and it would be lovely. But serious hiking? Since it sounds like you’re not local at all, that’s a terrible idea.

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CCMacReddit t1_izeghdx wrote

Agreed. Mountain hiking in winter is a High Risk activity. Beach trails and walks on The Cape are great at this time of year.

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high_gravity t1_izehj5q wrote

The Cape may not be as challenging vertically, but is dead quiet and full of wilderness to explore – the fire roads in Truro, trails in the Province Lands in Provincetown. And way, way safer.

NH weather, especially in these warms spells we're having, is extremely unpredictable and can kill even experienced hikers due to lack of preparedness. Google "NH hiker deaths 2022" and you'll be plotting a course for the Cape in no time.

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MeEvilBob t1_izekasc wrote

As others have said, mountain climbing in the winter is dangerous, but there's plenty of ways you can safely enjoy the white mountains without climbing one of them.

The white mountains are breathtakingly beautiful in the snow whereas the cape is a summer destination, so it has very little appeal this time of year.

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jjgould165 t1_izeit8n wrote

Just keep in mind that if you are going on a hike on the Cape where you are near or going through a marsh/coast, check the tides. You don't want to get stranded.

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StrangerInPerson t1_izew4ha wrote

People fucking die climbing those mountains in winter. It happened to a young woman a few weeks ago who went hiking and got caught in a storm, got lost, and died.

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therapeutic-distance t1_izegcda wrote

My friends just went to North Conway for a 3-day getaway. Not sure what goes on out there. But they like it and return at least once a year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Conway,_New_Hampshire

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g46186-Activities-c61-North_Conway_Conway_New_Hampshire.html

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curtreply t1_izeiqcj wrote

Try to get up there a couple of times a year - plenty of trails to walk in the valley. Agreed with everyone else - White Mountains are nothing to mess with if you have no experience with them in the winter.

Plenty of restaurants and nightlife in that area and the outlets are a good way to spend a few hours if you're into shopping

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spokchewy t1_izegya1 wrote

Sandy Neck beach has some incredible hiking this time of year, just watch the tides on the inner (cove) side!

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SchatzMoney t1_izekgai wrote

Cape is beautiful in the winter but since its off season a number of things or areas will be closed for the winter.

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derdoktor t1_izfn3p0 wrote

White mountains in the winter months should only be climbed with alpine gear - you must be prepared for potentially harsh, subzero conditions and strong winds/heavy precipitation.

Even on clear days, with stellar weather forecasts, you cannot go up there without the right gear.

2 years ago went up to Monroe with my BIL, and we saw a group of 4 guys from Quebec headed up to mt. Washington, fully outfitted, alpine boots, goggles, heavy gloves, the works. They turned back because of high winds. They knew. I got frostbite.

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10forwardspring t1_izh6f6x wrote

I lived in the white mountain valley as a kid. My dad was an EMT and most of the bodies recovered from the white mountains were people from down south who didn't know there was snow on the mountains in July. Down south = Mass (mostly).

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HollDoll34 t1_izeh7cx wrote

I love taking advantage of the Cape in winter! The beaches are just as beautiful this time of year but you get them all to yourself.

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Paul-273 t1_izek0y0 wrote

The time of year is worse than the dead of winter in the White Mountains. The snow will cover the bushes and you fall through and it is difficult to get out. The Cape is quite and relaxing (dead) but the ocean is nasty now .

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riefpirate t1_izepurb wrote

The Berkshires are way better in every category but 1 and that's views,

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fireball_jones t1_izeumsq wrote

Neither, go to the North Shore, plenty of beaches and hiking like the Cape but the towns won’t be completely dead.

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kingsaget_ t1_izexfyr wrote

Please do not hike the whites this time of year unless you’re really experienced. I think people underestimate how cold it is and people lose their lives all the time — even people who hike regularly. The cape is my neck of the woods and also sort of dead this time of year. Not much to do. But if you enjoy beach walks and nature, it’s prime!

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considertheoctopus t1_izezobm wrote

It’ll be challenging for a day trip — depending on ferry schedules and your own initiative to get up early — but I love Nantucket this time of year. Awesome bike paths, beaches, whaling museum, fun town and restaurants.

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Reddit-alt-bi t1_izf2ade wrote

Do not hike in the whites during the winter unless you know exactly what you are doing.

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therapeutic-distance t1_izf2j21 wrote

Rockport. Take the train, walk around. Quiet this time of year but some shops and restaurants should be open.

Eta: beautiful ocean beaches

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chlyn t1_izfksey wrote

The view of the entire northern coast of Massachusetts and the NH coast from Halibut Point State Park.

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davdev t1_izfh1rw wrote

Climbing this time of the year is a great way to end up dead unless you are a serious winter climber

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a_bad_designer t1_izgnfiw wrote

I’m not sure why everyone is making it out like entering the White Mountains is a death sentence in winter. There are so many awesome and safe winter hikes to go on all around the white mountains

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SXTY82 t1_izeg2bp wrote

Dress warmer than you think you need to for either. The Cape is surrounded by ocean and will be 10*F cooler than anything on the mainland. Mountains are colder than higher you climb.

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MOGicantbewitty t1_izegq2h wrote

Except in the winter, when it’s actually warmer. The ocean effect keeps the temps more moderate, not just colder in the summer.

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PuddleCrank t1_izen5i0 wrote

But also windy as hell, so do bring that windbreaker. Because windchill will getcha.

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imcc1228 t1_izehrek wrote

Cape will actually be slightly warmer than the mainland in the cold seasons thanks to the ocean, unless you are at the beaches where the wind-chill will bring you back down.

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k75ct t1_izelxnq wrote

P-Town can be fun on a cold December day, dress warm.

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Borkton t1_izeoewh wrote

Neither. Winter hiking is super dangerous and the Cape gets cold and windy.

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bubalusarnee t1_izeot8r wrote

Some people have a very strong survival instinct. Others not so much.

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Lord-Eddard t1_izeq34p wrote

The whites are deadly right now unless you’re into that sort of thing. Lots of cool stuff to check out on the North Shore / Cape Ann area though. We have cool wooded areas and ocean just as good as cape cod (not that i have a chip on my choicest or anything).

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demariusk t1_izet8as wrote

Go to Wellfleet and visit the mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary. Great hiking right near the ocean!

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A_Man_Who_Writes t1_izetzh5 wrote

I love the cape during the off season. It’s very deserted, no one is checking stickers, and you can essentially have the entire coast to yourself.

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Educational-Ad-719 t1_izeuoup wrote

I adore CapeCod in the winter. I grew up around there and as a kid it was dead and I hated it but as an adult I realize it’s amazing, beautiful, and calming. Great hikes, the ocean is beautiful, no crowds. Look up winter birds to search for. Also, as everyone has noted, your risk of death is much lower than the mountains

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sydiko t1_izev5ft wrote

Cape Cod is empty this time of year and usually when us Bostonians go to get away from society.

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zerovian t1_izewh1d wrote

Skip the mountains. its too cold unless you are properly prepped...and it sounds like you might not be. Hit the cape. its windy and chilly this time of year, but you will be less likely to die of hypothermia.

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Hilarias_Glucose_Cup t1_izf2zi8 wrote

I'd say adjust plans - check out North Conway or Lincoln, NH over the cape but skip the hiking if you dont know what you are doing, you need the right gear - microspikes, snowshoes, winter hiking clothes. North conway would be a good call. Enjoy the shops and food, drive around and hit some of the outdoor views like cathedral ledge, the kanc, drive up to Gorham and pull over to sightsee. Loop back around to Bretton Woods to look at Mount Washington via the Omni. Lots of fun stuff to do without putting yourself at risk.

The Cape is boring and lame - I'm a North Shore person who prefers NH so I have a bias :)

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r2d3x9 t1_izf3wk4 wrote

Yes, if you want to walk along a beach or trail, cape has few tourists and less parking issues. And no mosquitoes but you can still have ticks. It’s still going to be cold

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TuggieBoi420 t1_izf3y40 wrote

Winter hiking fucking rules! Don't listen to the haters just don't die up there ;)

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illYlide t1_izf8f1q wrote

I highly recommend winter hiking in the whites but you have to prepare/educate. Start with north pack monadnock or something under 5 miles (Welch Dickey is awesome but has lots of exposed slab that can be slippery). Preferably first with people or groups that have experience (MITOC , AMC, etc). Make sure you have proper layers (moisture wicking bade, insulating like down, then shell), waterproof hiking boots, headlamp (I prefer two or at least an extra set of batteries), map, gators, micro spikes, balaclava or buff wrap for your face, check weather and higher summits forecast, extra water (that you can keep from freezing), hand warmers, extra food, a contact that knows your plans/trails if your solo and can call search and rescue if you’re not out by certain time. You probably won’t have cell service. I’ve only needed snowshoes once and did most of the 48 in winter. Ease into it and never hesitate to turn back. Weathers changes happen fast. Always stay on the trail. Remember to look up because it’s the most beautiful. Have fun!

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TurnsOutImAScientist t1_izf96tc wrote

Having been to most of the cape beaches I highly recommend Mayflower beach, especially at low tide it's epic in a way that the others aren't.

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Key-Gold9547 t1_izfc822 wrote

Go to the whites, but not to hike. Go drive the kanc, do some shopping, and check out cathedral ledge.. based on your post I’m assuming (could be wrong) you are not prepared to hike.. that would mean emergency gear and enough layers to survive a night or two… or do a cape day and enjoy a cozy layered up beach day.. I think the weather should be pretty nice.

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LetMeSleepNoEleven t1_izfdgtl wrote

I really enjoy the Cape off-season. It’s beautiful. But I think the physical beauty is mostly at the Provincetown end.

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markuus99 t1_izfdtvl wrote

Don’t fuck around with winter hikes in the Whites unless you REALLY know what you’re doing. People die doing that on a regular basis.

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aja09 t1_izfi94r wrote

Why go to the whites in Nh just hike Mt Monadnock in southern Nh. There are plenty of day hikes that aren’t the white mountains.

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ScarletOK t1_izfqmcv wrote

If you are a strong summer hiker and have an interest in winter hiking, the Appalachian Mountain Club chapters have some winter hiking courses from time to time. I did it many years ago and there were two different levels of activity offered, one for snowshoers and the other for people interested in 4000 footers in winter. I had a great time with fun people, enjoyed our snowshoeing trek in the snow up Mt Cardigan, and decided this was not for me! It was a safe and fun way to learn that with experienced leaders. I realized I had more fun making pancakes for 45 people at the lodge than I did breaking trail on snowshoes when it was my turn. YMMV.

Google the AMC to find out what's on offer.

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somegridplayer t1_izfqsgv wrote

Are you prepared both physically and with the proper gear to hike in conditions that can go from borderline summer to arctic in a couple hours? Are you able to navigate and/or hunker down in a bivvy in a full bore snow storm? Do you own a PLB?

If no to any of these, head to the Cape.

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nicholasflynnpolidor t1_izfsfdm wrote

This is the best time of year to head down to the cape, coming from someone who grew up on the cape. The tourists are so frustrating, with there being no traffic or swarms of visitors the hiking trails and beaches are pretty empty. It's relaxing and refreshing. Not too warm, but really nice.

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wigglybungle66 t1_izfxv19 wrote

white mountains this time of year is not a great idea...no, it's a terrible idea...effin cold, windy..and lucky if you get a view..after schlepping up the mountain. And did you see that it also can be very dangerous this time of year

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DecalMidnightRunners t1_izgptks wrote

Don’t hike the whites, but a smaller and milder but still beautiful mountain/hill would still be nice. Mt Cardigan in Canaan NH is relatively short but really fun, though it’s a good half hour/hour from most lodging. Beautiful forest though

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Ok_Entrepreneur_dbl t1_izh83o7 wrote

So we go to the Cape often during the winter. We like the National Seashore for sure - Sandwich has some really cool long stretches Sandy Neck comes to mind. But there is an area called Blue Hills west of Quincy that has tons of cool hiking potential - we hike the all the time. It is not the Cape though but good. We have done winter hikes but not the mountains up high but in the valleys like Greeley Pond Trail but used snow shoes. It gets trekked out so it generally is not necessary. There are other trails like it that might fit the bill in the White Mountains. Do not think that White Mounts means climbing a mountain. South of the White Mountains there are places like Mount Kearsage or Mount Cardigan that are cool as well and not so crazy

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BlaineTog t1_iziz6v0 wrote

The Cape can actually be quite nice this time of year. There's less to do than in the Summer, but you also don't have any crowds to compete with and plenty of wilder areas to explore.

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gpj6201 t1_izei75q wrote

You picked two pretty not so fun options for a winter activity. Not to reiterate, but the white mountains can be deadly for inexperienced and under-equipped hikers as early as October and November.

The cape is a ghost town (area?) outside of the summer months. Get ready for cold and windy days in empty beach towns if that’s what you’ve decided!

I’d recommend you visit a ski mountain if you want to do a Northeast winter activity, or stick to Boston’s winter markets. Still fun without spending

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GWS2004 t1_izeixug wrote

Ptown isn't empty. Especially in Dec. They have lots of Holiday events this month.

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gpj6201 t1_izeq18t wrote

Totally forgot about PTown! I’m lazy when I go to the cape and never make it that far out. Will have to check it out, apologies for discounting that.

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GWS2004 t1_izese0b wrote

You should check it out, it's really cute. They have a small Holiday Market. I haven't been in a few years maybe it's bigger now, but I was able to get some cute gifts!

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SLEEyawnPY t1_izg4eke wrote

>The cape is a ghost town (area?) outside of the summer months. Get ready for cold and windy days in empty beach towns if that’s what you’ve decided!

If you're of the single & ready to mingle persuasion I hear the Cape in winter is a great time to meet lonely local hotties looking to hook up. though I expect the average age will be about 40.

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Banea-Vaedr t1_izeereh wrote

Cape Cod is dead in the winter. There's nothing to do. White mountains for sure.

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EggsFish t1_izefhll wrote

Winter in the whites is serious business. It might not feel like full blown winter yet, but weather changes fast in the mountains and it will be cold enough that surviving the night if you’re stuck out without proper gear is unlikely. A hiker just died a few weeks ago.

OP - please don’t go causally hike in the whites if you don’t have winter hiking experience. If you do go, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

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Sikntrdofbeinsikntrd t1_izef350 wrote

The is where I would use that as + for cape cod. Nobody’s there but the beaches don’t go anywhere. White mountains are great too but cape inn the summer is a nightmare.

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Banea-Vaedr t1_izef8h1 wrote

Cape in early summer or late autumn is good. But in the winter, the restaurants, beaches, everything is closed. You're basically just living in the countryside

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warriorofinternets t1_izeigd2 wrote

You will probably die if you go hiking in the whites, but you only live once so unlike all those naysayers in this thread I say Go for it! Just be sure to finalize your will before you go

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