Hike Mt Eisenhower and Mt Pierce via Edmands and Crawford Path Loop, NH

Hike distance: 10.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,150 ft elevation gain

Prominence: Mt Eisenhower: 350 ft, Mt Pierce: 235 ft

TrailsNH Hiking Difficulty Calculator: 261 – Challenging

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Quote for the Day

“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Dr Seuss.

The Presidential Mountain Range is situated in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It features the tallest peaks in the Whites, with most summits named after American presidents and notable public figures from the 18th and 19th centuries. The range is infamous for experiencing some of the world's harshest weather, primarily due to the unpredictable high winds and whiteout conditions on its higher summits. Photo courtesy of Granitegeeks.

Among the eleven recognized Presidential Range Mountains, Mt. Eisenhower (4,780 ft) is the 6th tallest, while Mt. Pierce (4,310 ft) is the 7th tallest. Out of the 67 New England 4000 footers, Eisenhower is the 12th tallest, and Pierce is the 30th tallest.

Starting on The Edmands Trail

We started our hike at the Edmands Trailhead with ideal weather conditions for hiking. The trail initially had a gentle incline, preparing us for what was to come.

We crossed several small streams.

After 0.75 miles, the trail grew steeper, with more rocks and roots.

Fortunately most of the rocks were well organized and not difficult to navigate around.

If you often hike in areas where the trails are well-maintained and smooth, you might find hiking in the Whites disappointing due to the need to constantly navigate over rocks and exposed roots.

As I've noted in other blog posts, the Appalachian Mountain Club suggests that the notion of New England trails being rockier and steeper than those in other parts of the country is somewhat accurate.

In addition to the ruggedness of the trails, the paths leading to the White Mountain peaks are very steep, ascending more than 1,000 feet per mile for several miles without any switchbacks to offer physical or mental respite to tired hikers. In these conditions, it's best to keep your gaze downward to maintain hope and take small steps to prevent overworking your quadriceps muscles.

After two miles, we arrived at a part of the trail that offered partial views of the mountains.

The scenery offered a chance to pause and rest from the relentless uphill climb.

A tough section of the trail to navigate holding a 35-mm camera.

Just a friendly reminder from the National Forest Service.

The path became narrower as thick trees grew densely on either side.

Through the occasional clearings, we could glimpse some of the Presidential Mountains. At the center of the view stands Mt. Washington at 6,288 feet, the highest mountain in the state, and to the left, partially obscured by the tree trunk and branch, is Mt. Jefferson at 5,712 feet.

We emerged from the wooded area, and luckily, there was no wind. This part of the trail is where weather conditions determine if it is safe to proceed hiking above the tree line. In winter, Mt. Washington typically encounters hurricane-force winds every three days and 100-mph winds weekly. This sentence sums it up: Mt. Washington's danger isn't due to its height, trail length, or terrain roughness. The danger comes from the mountain creating its own weather.

We had broad sweeping views leading to the Mt Washington summit.

Following the Eisenhower Loop

After 2.5 hours we reached the junction with Crawford Trail which leads to the Presidential Traverse and Mt. Washington. After our lunch break, we'd follow the Eisenhower Loop to the summit.

What a backdrop.

We had to climb up this rock outcropping before heading to the summit. It was larger than it appears in the picture.

A close-up of a hiker climbing the outcropping

Time to get moving again.

Dave making his way up the switchbacks of this crag. It's incredibly fortunate to have such a clear view of Mt Washington (the first peak moving from left to right).

Dave is waiting patiently up ahead. I'm not a slow climber; it just takes time to position myself for the perfect shot.

From this elevation, we could look down see our lunch spot and where the Edmands and Crawford trails intersected.

Still climbing the crag.

Although the cairns weren't needed today they are probably life savers during bad weather.

Twenty minutes after restarting, we reached the bald summit of Mt Eisenhower, standing at 4,760 feet with 360 degree views. In 1972, this mountain, originally called Mt Pleasant, was renamed by the New Hampshire state legislature to honor the former U.S. president.

Clear skies looking toward the east.

Starting to hike off the summit via switchbacks.

We were making our way to the ridgeline. Mt Pierce, the tallest peak in the foreground, is positioned slightly to the left of center in the picture below.

Walking along the mostly flat ridgeline was a welcome break.

In several parts of the trail, there were elevated platforms designed to safeguard the delicate plant life in these marshy regions.

Following the Webster Cliff Trail

The Webster Cliff Trail to Mt Pierce was marked by a small sign but I photographed the wrong side.

On the brief 0.1-mile summit trail, we looked back at the dome-shaped peak of Mt Eisenhower and the ridge line we had traversed after descending from the summit.

A close-up of the geodetic survey marker at the summit of Mount Pierce (4,310 ft). The second NH 4000-footer achieved today.

Following the Crawford Path

The 1.5-mile trek between the peaks was straightforward, but it was now time to proceed to the Crawford Path and begin the difficult descent of the loop.

Trails in the Whites ascend and descend the mountains at steep angles without using switchbacks, so they act like rivers during rainfall. The water flows down the trails, leading to erosion, which uncovers more roots and rocks, further deepening the trails and channels.

The never ending rocky road continued for 3 miles with an average grade of 20% or more.

Some individuals navigate smoothly from rock to rock without any concern, while others, like me, cautiously maneuver between rocks and around exposed roots.

Gibbs Falls provided a refreshing break from the otherwise monotonous task of navigating every rock and root.

Less than a half mile later we were back at the car and ready for the long drive home.

Hike Distance: 10.8 miles

Duration: 7.25 hours

Average Pace: 40.5 min/mile

As we were driving home on Route 302, we enjoyed a fantastic view of Mt Eisenhower.