"On a winter's day the views through Crawford's Notch from the ledges of Mount Willard are unsurpassed," writes guidebook author Marty Basch in Winter Trails of Vermont & New Hampshire. "The eagle's eye panorama takes up the whole sky. In the distance Mount Chocorua's cone rises. A snake appears to be slithering along the valley floor, but that is no reptile. It's Route 302." 

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Crawford Notch Hostel, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club which maintains the trail. The trailhead is just a hundred yards away near the old Crawford Notch Depot. 

Much of the trail is sheltered by the overhanging boughs of evergreens and birches before opening up the broad vistas near the summit. Pack a lunch for a mid-morning trek and dine on Mount Willard's ledges before returning along the same route. 

For a special adventure, plan your outing for a full moon night and hope the skies are clear. Moonlight snowshoeing on this route is awesome.

From I-93 take exit 35, Route 3, north to Twin Mountain; then Route 302 east to Crawford Notch. From Glen, take Route 302 west to Crawford Notch. Park by the Crawford Notch Hostel. 

Food and Facilities: Snowshoe rentals, rest rooms, and water are available at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Crawford Notch Hostel, Route 302, Crawford Notch. Bring food and water on the trail. After the snowshoe our try Fabyan's (603-278-2222) near Bretton Woods or the Red Parka Pub (603-383-4344) in  Glen.