Summary

A moderate climb through fine woods reaches Mt. Starr King and Mt. Waumbek with fine views of the Presidential Range!

The trail is generally fairly easy all the way up, with moderate grades. At 2.6 miles we’ll reach the Mt. Starr King [3907’] summit with a partly cleared view near a former shelter of the Presidential Range. We follow the ridge crest for another mile to reach the summit of Mt. Waumbek. Mt. Waumbek wooded summit [4,006 feet] doesn't offer views, but just past it there are fine views of the Presidential Range from a blowdown patch.

Stats: 7.2 miles, 2800' gain.   

Gear should include: insulated winter boots, MicroSpikes, wind/rain proof outer layers, wicking layers [no cotton], wool hat, gloves, handwamers, water, lunch, etc. We may need snowshoes, but that will depend if we’ve had a snowstorm the week prior to the hike.  

Our house is about a 10-15 minute drive from the trailhead. You are welcome to meet at our house afterwards for hot chocolate and cookies.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Parking and the trailhead are in the village of Jefferson, north of US 2.

If you approach from the west, opposite the Waumbec Golf Club, .07 miles east of NH 116, you’ll see a hiker sign and a Starr King Trail sign.

If you approach from the east on US 2, it is 3.6 miles from NH 115.

The trail begins on Starr Lake Road, a gravel road to several houses that leaves the north side of US 2 [trail sign], 0.2 east of its junction with NH 115A. However the access road is in "rough shape" and not good for low-riding cars, Also the road may not be plowed in winter so park in the plowed lot across US 2 and just west of Starr King Road if necessary.