Mount Crawford is one of the most spectacular hikes under 4,000 feet in the White Mountains. It parallels Mount Willard (also in Crawford Notch) with one of the best reward vs. effort ratios in the state of New Hampshire. Hikers begin by crossing the beautiful Saco River over a suspension bridge, and end at the summit with incredible views of Mount Washington, Crawford Notch and the unique Stairs Mountain.
Height: 3,119 feet
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet
Hike Time: 2-4 hours
Check out this great video by Joseph Getts to see the beautiful views and history Mount Crawford has to offer.
Trail Map
Trails
The Davis Path begins just of of Route 302 (directions below) at a large parking area adjacent to the Saco river. Hikers begin hiking over a suspension bridge spanning the Saco river. The trails takes you 2.2 miles before reaching the .3 mile spur that goes to the summit of Mount Crawford. The trail is easy to follow and gains elevation quickly.
Directions
Nearby Hikes
Crawford Notch is filled with lots of incredible hikes. From 4,000 footers, to waterfall hikes, to short cliff hikes, it has great spots for just about any interest and experience level. Arethusa and Ripley Falls, Mount Willard, Mount Willey are just a few near hikes.
The Davis Path also gives you access to Mount Isolation, Stairs Mountain, Mount Resolution, and even a long trek all the way over to Mount Washington.
Camping
Crawford notch has a lot of camping options, but if you are interested in staying on the trail, there is quite a bit of exposed rock on for campers both before and near the summit. There are also designated camping sites only a couple tenths of a mile onto Davis Path.
Weather Forecast
Bartlett, NH
Overnight
Clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 0 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday
A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night
A chance of rain showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind 5 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Monday Night
A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Pictures of Hike
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about