New Hampshire

Crawfords Path

photo: Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.

Length: 2.90 miles
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: USDA Forest Service
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No

Allowed Uses:

Camping
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Snowshoeing

See more details.

 

Location:
State(s): New Hampshire
Counties: Coos
Longitude: -71.41011
Latitude: 44.21981

Driving Directions

8.5 miles east on Route 302 from its intersection with Route 3 in Twin Mountain; 50 car parking lot located just off Mt. Clinton Road.

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 Details

Contact 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

Sign describing the summit of Mount Washington and the Crawford Path in Sargent's Purchase Township, Coos County, NH. Photo by Famartin/wiki.

Sign describing the summit of Mount Washington and the Crawford Path in Sargent's Purchase Township, Coos County, NH. Photo by Famartin/wiki.

View of Mount Eisenhower taken from Crawford Path. Photo by Canderson7/wiki.

View of Mount Eisenhower taken from Crawford Path. Photo by Canderson7/wiki.

 

Crawford Path, below treeline. Photo by Janie Walker.

Crawford Path, below treeline. Photo by Janie Walker.

On Crawford Path, past Pierce and heading toward Eisenhower. Photo by Janie Walker.

On Crawford Path, past Pierce and heading toward Eisenhower. Photo by Janie Walker.

 

On Crawford Path in November, heading toward Mt. Washington. Photo by Janie Walker.

On Crawford Path in November, heading toward Mt. Washington. Photo by Janie Walker.

Looking south on Crawford Path from shoulder of Mt Washington (October photo). Photo by Janie Walker.

Looking south on Crawford Path from shoulder of Mt Washington (October photo). Photo by Janie Walker.

 

Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.

Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.

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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