Mount Pierce is one of the best introductory 4,000 footers in NH. It features unreal views of Mount Washington and the Presidentials, it is located in the gorgeous Crawford Notch, and can be completed in less than a half day at 6 miles round trip.
Height: 4,310 feet (1,317 meters)
Distance: 6 miles (9.66 k m)
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet (732 meters)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Trail Map
Map Courtesy of hikenewengland.com
Trails
There are a few different common ways to summit Mount Pierce. When summiting without other peaks, Crawford Path is the most common and shortest route.
Crawford Path – 6 miles – 2,400 feet elevation gain.
This is the shortest route up Mount Pierce. There are two options for parking, at the Crawford Connector Parking lot on Mount Clinton Road, or at the Crawford Path trailhead just on the north end of Saco lake. There is little difference between the two, so the decision us usually based on the parking available. This route features a gradual ascent nearly the entire way up the mountain. This is a fantastic trail in all four seasons.
Webster Jackson Trail
This route is a little longer, and features more elevation gain. This is normally done when hikers are summiting Mount Jackson and or Webster in conjunction with Pierce.
Edmands Path
This route is a fantastic way to summit both Eisenhower and Pierce. The trailhead is further up Mount Clinton Road, and is closed during the winter months. Between the Crawford Connector parking lot, and Edmands path is 2.3 miles if you choose to hike it.
Winter Hiking
Mount Pierce is one of the best winter hikes due to the gradual gain, stunning views, and the fact that hikers are only exposed to the elements at the very summit when coming from Crawford Path. There are few steep sections, making it a safe and enjoyable winter hike for beginners.
Directions
Directions to Crawford Connector Parking Lot. Edmands path is only 2.3 miles further down Mount Clinton Road, and hikers can also park by Saco Lake at the parking areas and train station.
Weather Forecast
Bartlett, NH
Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -14. Northwest wind around 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -13. Northwest wind 20 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 16. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.
Saturday Night
Rain showers likely after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Pictures
Trail Sign at Crawford Connector Parking Lot
Crawford Connector Parking Lot
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