Summary

This is one of the easiest trails to still provide a good sample of the alpine experience in the White Mountains. It begins at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and proceeds along a fairly easy grade in a pretty woodland. There are some steeper sections, but all are moderate, and the steepest sections are eased with stone stairs. The path crosses several streams, the first of which leads back into a grotto beside the trail. Later the trail rises into a pine wood, which is like a small cathedral. Beyond that, the trail rises to a pair of exposed boulders. The trail then descends slightly and crosses the Auto Road, skirting the west side of Lowe's Bald Spot. Then it ascends to the summit. The summit offers superb views of the east flank of the Presidentials and of Imp Face. Despite the low altitude (about half that of Mount Washington), it can have weather and cold just as serious. On a late July day, we experienced temperatures (with wind chill) near freezing.

Above Treeline Warning

People have died above treeline every time of the year. On the summits, the air is thinner (approximately equivalent to Denver, Colorado) and at any exposed altitude weather conditions can vary from sun to rain, sleet or even snow in moments. Winds frequently exceed 30 mph and can generate severe wind chill, even in summer. Check weather reports, but prepare for the worst.

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White Mountains, NH

Two To Four Hours

Two To Four Miles

Moderate

By Name

Straight Out, Straight Back

White Mountains, NH - July 2003