Pierce from the Eisenhower loop

    Mt Pierce - 4310'

    In 1913 the NH state legislature renamed Mt Clinton after the only US president born in the NH. The old name is still used for the used for the Mt Clinton Rd and the Mt Clinton trail which runs towards the peak from the Dry River Wilderness. The AMC's Mizpah Spring Hut is located on the southern flanks of the mountain. The summit is mostly clear, but there are excellent views on the ledges just north of there.

    The Crawford Path, the affords the quickest ascent of the mountain, heading straight up from Crawford Notch. From the parking area on the Mt Clinton Road, take the Crawford Connector to the main trail. This reaches the ridge and then turn south on the Webster Cliff trail for a short distance to the summit, for a total distance of 3.2 miles. You can also loop past the hut by using the Mizpah Cut-Off then the Webster Cliff trail, returning along the Crawford Path for a loop of 6.6 miles.

    The Webster Cliff trail is part of the Appalachian Trail. Continuing north brings you to Mt Eisenhower and then Mt Monroe just before the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Going south brings you to Mt Jackson.

    Trailheads

    • Mt Clinton Road - The Mt Clinton Road runs north from the high point of Crawford Notch just off Rt 302 near the new Highland Center. The parking area serves the Crawford Path via the Crawford Connector. There is no long term parking for hikers in the notch proper. A WMNF parking pass is required, there are restrooms at the trailhead.
    • Crawford Notch - In the center of Crawford Notch is short term parking next to the depot. There are restrooms and a store in the depot, but hiker parking is available at the lot on the Mt Clinton Road. There is parking for the Webster-Jackson trail along the highway slightly further south on Rt 302.

    Additional Photos

    • Relaxing on the ledges
    • Looking north from the summit
    • Crawford Path junction with the Webster Cliff trail
    • Looking back at Pierce from the Crawford Path
    • From the Crawford Path
    • Jackson and Pierce from Eisenhower
    • Winter dayhike trip report

    Trip Reports

    • Summer hike over Pierce and Eisenhower
    • Winter dayhike trip report
    • Presidential Traverse

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