There’s no doubt that taking a hike with others, with the socializing, encouragement, and safety it provides, is usually the way to go. Sometimes, though, the solo trek beckons. The prospect of a mountain peak to yourself is too tempting. And when that peak turns out to be Mount Chocorua, the experience is utterly transcendent.

Mount Chocorua is often cited, though it’s hard to prove, as one of the most frequently photographed mountain peaks in the world. It’s easy to see why: with a classic A-shape and bald top that serves as one of the first welcomes to those visiting the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) via Route 16, and a natural reflecting pool in Chocorua Lake, it is virtually impossible to miss.

As one of the most visible and dramatic peaks in the Whites, it is also one of the most frequently hiked. A relatively vast network of trails approach the mountain from every direction, each sporting its own challenges on the way to the unobstructed views up top. Perhaps the most popular of these is the Piper Trail, which was my choice for a little boss-approved Tuesday morning office hooky.

The Piper Trail starts behind Davies Campground and General Store just off Route 16, adjacent to a large new parking area. The trail itself has been in existence since at least the late 1870s, when, according to a trailhead sign, it was “originally blazed by Joshua Piper, [and] passes through the former Piper Farm.” Despite its long history, only recently has access to the trail been protected. In 2001, thanks to the efforts of the Trust for Public Land and the leadership of Senator Judd Gregg and then-Congressman Charlie Bass, 60 acres at the trailhead were acquired and added to the WMNF. This addition ensures that one of the most popular trails in the Whites, with 14,000 annual users, will remain so for years to come.

With so many users, the trail, at least in its lower portions, is built like the woods walk equivalent of a super-highway. Nearly all water crossings are bridged, avoiding tricky rock hops, and the path is often wide and well graded. This is a trail built for crowds. It was quite surprising, then, to find myself alone the entire journey to the top. Though blue skies quickly became overcast, it was otherwise another remarkably beautiful day in what has been an outstanding spring hiking season. I felt lucky to be out enjoying it.

The trail ascends gradually at first, but at a little less than half way, a series of far steeper climbs begins. Stone steps make up many of these uphill trudges, causing one to marvel at the abilities of the folks who not only climb up the trail, but follow that up with some heavy stone work. The trail was in great shape, especially in light of the tremendous tree damage seen on many other trails this year. The exception to this was just above the junction with the Champney Falls Trail, where a failure in Leave No Trace ethics resulted in a campsite, complete with fire pit, in the middle of the path.

The last half mile, up open rock to the summit cone, is tough, and occasionally treacherous when wet or icy. I had been turned back at this point before, when rime ice coated the mountain in a beautiful but potentially deadly glisten. Not the case on this day. I bounded to the top and took in the whole of Central New Hampshire laid out before me. Mount Washington still glimmered with patches of snow to the north, while the lakes sparkled filtered sunshine to the south. An unparalleled sight.

For half an hour I sat on the top, peak to myself save the awakening insects. I could have spent hours, but just because I took the morning off didn’t mean the work I neglected had done itself. A few more spins and leaps to ledges to take in the varying views, and then back off  down the mountain to return to Concord and the realities of the workaday world

By this time, I met a few other hikers making their way up, perhaps a few of them also playing office hooky.

“What time did you start?” one asked as I passed and all required comments on the weather were made.

To my 7:30 she replied, “Oh, I had planned on starting that early too, but I slept in.” I grinned, happy to see someone else on the trail, but a little happier still that they had managed a little extra sleep.