The Notch from Mt Crawford
Crawford Notch - 1900'
The Crawford Hostel is closed. The AMC is building a new visitor's center and lodge, similar to Pinkham Notch, at the site of the old Crawford House. The Hostel has been removed as of Fall 2002.
Crawford Notch is the main passage through the center of the White Mountains. The Saco River flows southeast and the Wild Ammonoosuc flows northwest from the height of land. NH Rt 302 runs throught the narrow notch, as do train tracks that are now back in use. The old depot is now a shop run by the AMC. The notch was the site of the old Crawford House, a large White Mountains hotel.
The AMC's Crawford Notch Hostel has a kitchen, bunkrooms, and showers for hikers. It is also used for meetings and workshops run by the AMC. It sits at the height of land in Crawford Notch, just off NH Rt 302.
To the west of the notch is the Willey range, consisting of Mts Tom, Field, and Willey, plus Mt Avalon which is considered one of the best views for a little effort. Mt Willard offers even a shorter hike to a nearly equal spectacular view. To the east is the southern Presidentials, including Mts Webster, Jackson, and Pierce. The next hut to the north is Mizpah Springs and to the south, Zealand Falls.
- Map of Crawford Notch
- Notch in summer
- Crawford Notch Hostel
- Hostel Sign
- Hostel entrance
- Arethusa falls
- Elephant Rock
- Fishing in Saco Lake
- Mt Willard Ledges
- Notch from porch of old Crawford House, 1900
