New Hampshire
Crawfords Path
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: USDA Forest Service
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No Allowed Uses:
Camping
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Snowshoeing
Description
This trail is considered to be the oldest continuously maintained footpath in America. Parts of this trail are dangerous in bad weather.; use proper precautions.
Additional Details
Width: 30 inches.
Primary Surface: Not Available
Secondary Surface: None
Average Grade: 15%
Maximum Grade: 26%
Elevation Low Point: 1,892
Elevation High Point: 4,231
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available
Year Designated: 1994
Supporting Webpages and Documents
Website: USFS Trail DetailsContact Information
For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.
Trail management:
Roger Collins
White Mountain National Forest
660 Trudeau Rd.
Bethlehem, NH
3574
(603) 869-2626
[email protected]
Photos
Reviews





Crawford Path
I am unsure if the National Recreation Trail portion of Crawford Path is the entire thing (ending on Mt. Washington) or to just beneath Mt. Pierce. The mileage listed suggests it is just to Mt. Pierce. The entire trail is 8.5 miles one way, to Pierce it is about 3 miles one way.
Crawford Path gets 5 stars for the mindblowing, beautiful views that await you at the top, especially if you are going toward Mt. Washington and walking above treeline all day. This trail is a typical White Mountain trail, meaning it is all rocks, boulders, and roots. Once above treeline, if heading toward Washington, the footing gets easier -- but be very, very careful above treeline. People underestimate the Presidentials every year, and every year, many people have to get rescued on these peaks and there are always unfortunately a few deaths. This area is underneath a convergence of three storm systems, which means thunderstorms can form overhead with no warning, even if the forecast calls for clear skies all day. The wind speed is rarely under 30mph above treeline, dense fog often creates white-out conditions, and the temperature can and often does drop quickly. Be prepared with a map and compass, and know your bail-out routes.
July 21, 2021
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