Dome Rock is a great option for a relatively shorter hike in the Presidential Range. Beneath Mount Madison and Mount Adams, Dome Rock's lower elevation summit affords great views of the higher peaks and beyond into New Hampshire's North Country.
From Appalachia Trailhead, the most direct route up Dome Rock begins by taking the Valley Way 0.8 miles along Snyder Brook up to Brookside. Take a left on Brookside to cross Snyder Brook, then another immediate left onto the Inlook Trail. The Inlook Trail climbs 0.5 miles to Dome Rock (2,662'). A 3.3 mile loop can be completed by continuing down the Kelton Trail to the Howker Ridge Trail, then returning to Appalachia on Sylvan Way.
From Randolph East Trailhead, head up the Howker Ridge Trail 0.6 miles to Coosauk Fall and the junction with the Kelton Trail, then follow the Kelton Trail 0.6 miles to the summit of Dome Rock (2,662'). A 3.3 mile loop can be made by continuing over the summit down the Inlook Trail 0.7 miles to Randolph Path. Turn right and follow Randolph Path 1.3 miles back to the trailhead.
Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:
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These trails are managed by the White Mountains National Forest and maintained by the Randolph Mountain Club. For more information, contact:
Appalachia Trailhead: From I-93 North, take Exit 35 for US-3 North after passing through Franconia Notch. Head north on US-3 10.5 miles to Twin Mountain, and continue north through town another 2 miles for NH-115 N. Take NH-115 N 9.5 miles to US-2, then turn right/east for Gorham. In 7.1 miles, the Appalachia Trailhead is on your right.
From Gorham, head west on US-2 for 6.7 miles, and the Appalachia Trailhead is on your left.
Randolph East Trailhead: From I-93 North, take Exit 35 for US-3 North after passing through Franconia Notch. Head north on US-3 10.5 miles to Twin Mountain, and continue north through town another 2 miles for NH-115 N. Take NH-115 N 9.5 miles to US-2, then turn right/east for Gorham. In 8.0 miles, turn right onto Dolly Copp Road / Pinkham B Road, and in 0.1 miles the Randolph East Trailhead will be on your right.
From Gorham, head west on US-2 for 6 miles, and turn left onto Dolly Copp Road / Pinkham B Road. In 0.1 miles the Randolph East Trailhead will be on your right.
Many people choose to hike this trail. For a less busy hike experience, consider visiting midweek, rather than on weekends. Use Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail. Be considerate of your fellow trail enthusiasts - pass at safe distances, and move on from viewpoints if others are waiting.
The White Mountains are beautiful, but they can also be treacherous. Weather can change quickly. Many trails are narrow, steep and rocky. Educate yourself about the challenges you will encounter on the trail you plan to hike. Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more about how to prepare for hiking in the White Mountains.
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