Mount Kearsarge North (3,268') is a classic day-hike just outside North Conway that rises above the Mount Washington Valley. The fire tower at the summit is open year-round and offers unobstructed 360 degree views of the White Mountains and Western Maine.
Kearsarge North Trail: The Kearsarge North Trail is the most popular route up the mountain. Beginning from the trailhead on Hurricane Mountain Road, the trail climbs 3 miles and 2,500 feet to the open summit, offering views from a few ledges along the way up.
NOTE: The Kearsarge North Trail is a high use trail and trailhead parking is limited to 8-10 cars. On good weather weekends, plan accordingly for alternate parking and carpooling options or nearby hiking alternatives.
Weeks Brook Trail: The Weeks Brook Trail is a 4.9 mile trail that climbs the east face of Kearsarge via Shingle Pond. Beginning from the trailhead off Green Hill Road in Chatham, the trail follows a gated logging road 1.0 miles before turning to singletrack that winds up through a recently logged area. At times, the trail can be difficult to follow through a few logged clearings, but brown trail posts and yellow blazes mark the trail well. Further up, the trail enters the sub-alpine spruce-fir forest as the trail nears Shingle Pond. Located 3.4 miles from the trailhead, Shingle Pond is a high mountain pond that sits beneath the summit of Kearsarge. The trail continues around the pond and climbs 1.5 miles to the summit above.
Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:
Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!
For more information, visit the White Mountain National Forest trail page, or contact:
Kearsarge North Trailhead: From North Conway, head north on NH-16 / US-302 for 2.0 miles, then turn right onto Hurricane Mountain Road. Head up Hurricane Mountain Road for 1.5 miles, and the trailhead is on the left.
NOTE: The Kearsarge North Trail is a high use trail, and trailhead parking is limited to 8-10 cars. On good weather weekends, plan accordingly for alternate parking and carpooling options or nearby hiking alternatives.
Weeks Brook Trailhead: From North Conway, head north on NH-16 / US-302 for 2.0 miles, then turn right onto Hurricane Mountain Road. Continue up and over Hurricane Mountain Road for 6.0 miles, then turn left onto Green Hill Road. In 0.4 miles, the Weeks Brook Trailhead is located on the left.
NOTE: Hurricane Mountain Road is a steep, winding road not suitable for larger vehicles, trailers, or RVs. The Road is closed November through May. For alternate winter access to the Weeks Brook Trailhead off Green Hill Road, take East Conway Road through East Conway and follow NH-113 north to Green Hill Road.
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