While hiking in New Hampshire, it has become common to run into lines on popular trails.

But this is a rarity, and you usually only see traffic on trails during peak leaf peeping times on the most popular trails...not in the winter.

For the most part, hiking in the White Mountains is peaceful. The harder the trail, the less crowded the trail.

Most difficult hikes in New Hampshire:

New England's tallest peak, Mount Washington, attracts thousands of people every year. The most popular time of the year to hike Mount Washington is the summer, as spring can be covered in snow still, fall can be freezing at the peak, and winter treks can lead to avalanches.

So I was confused when I saw such a huge line on a trail headed up Mount Washington in New Hampshire in the winter:

What is Lion Head, New Hampshire:

According to a Summit Post article, Lion Head is a specific peak on the eastern flank (side) of Mount Washington.

Lion Head is a landmark between Tuckerman's and Huntington's Ravine - and it offers incredible views only achievable by the most confident hikers...in winter anyway.

And waking up at 1 am to begin this 4.1-mile trek to the summit does not avoid the lines and congestion of this popular winter trail.