Summary

Fun, exercise and great views from THREE summits!

At 3,119 ft., Mt. Crawford is not even a four thousand footer, but its location makes it a wonderful vantage point from which to view the White Mountains, if it's a clear day. Mount Crawford has magnificent views of Mount Washington and of the ridges that extend south of it, of Crawford Notch, and of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The hike to its summit is short, but steep. Many will be satisfied with the trip to Mt. Crawford with 5.0 miles roundtrip and 2100 feet elevation gain. You have the option to turn back at this point on your own. 

We'll continue another 2.5 miles [each way] to the Giant Stairs, with its excellent views to the south. The grade is much easier, with no really steep sections. On the return we'll check out Mount Resolution that has a wide ledge providing a 180-degree panorama with a real wilderness feel.

The round trip to the summit of Mt. Crawford is 5.0 miles with 2,100 feet elevation gain and a book time 3:30. The whole trip is quite longer with 10.8 miles with 3,400 feet elevation gain and a book time of 7 hours. [Please note that we always exceed book time being a group trip.]  

This is a strenuous trip. Even if you are in good shape, expect to be seriously challenged. Hiking will be on hilly, rugged terrain with several steep sections.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Mt. Crawford is reached by the Davis Path, one of the oldest hiking trails in the White Mountains. The trail was completed by Nathaniel Davis in 1845 as a bridle a path to the summit of Mt. Washington. The trail fell to disuse in the 1850's and was brought back as a footpath in 1910 by the AMC.

To make this historic and rewarding hike, drive about 6 miles west from Bartlett on US 302. Watch for a stone house known as Notchland Inn on the left above a railroad crossing for old US 302, now bypassed. A short distance beyond this, you'll see the Davis Path sign on the right. Turn right into the large parking area.