Chris Hikes

Trip reports and information, mostly about hiking in the Northeast United States.

Green and blue rolling mountains

Southern Presidential Range New Hampshire (NH48)

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On this hike I traversed the Southern Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire from south to north, then hiked back south to the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. Check out my post from the previous day’s hike for details about my trip from Crawford Notch to the Mizpah Spring Hut, including an out and back to Mt. Jackson.

View my Disclaimer and General Information about Hiking.

Mizpah Spring Hut to Mt. Monroe:

Mt. Monroe to Highland Center:

Getting Started on the Southern Presidential Range

My day began at 3800 feet above sea level at the Mizpah Spring Hut. I had a wonderful rest and filling dinner and breakfast at the hut (thank you Croo!). For information about my hike to the hut and an out and back hike of Mt. Jackson, see my previous blog post. I was thankful for how the hut stay gave me energy for this Southern Presidential Range hike.

long, low building with light colored walls and windows, mountains and sky in background

I departed the hut on the Webster Cliff Trail heading north towards Mt. Pierce. This is also a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Three weather worn signs on a post, evergreen trees and hiking trail in background

Mt. Pierce

The trail started climbing immediately, with small boulders and minor scrambles to navigate.

Medium sized rocks covering a hiking trail=

After 200 feet of ascent, I reached the south summit of Mt. Pierce. From this rocky knob I had a glimpse over the trees of the Mt. Pierce summit nearby and Mt. Washington looming in the distance.

Smooth rock hiking trail, evergreens in foreground, mountain tops in background

The short descent from the south summit and the final ascent to the main summit were relatively easy going. I followed a right turn in the trail and came upon the rock cairn marking the summit of Mt. Pierce.

Woman standing in front of a pile of rocks, evergreen trees in background

Although the summit is enclosed in trees, there is a wonderful viewpoint looking north just past the summit. From here I viewed the path I would travel across the Southern Presidential Range from Mt. Eisenhower to the summit of Mt. Monroe. This was the start of a day full of amazing mountain views.

Green and blue rolling mountains

After a short and somewhat steep descent down the north side of Pierce, the Webster Cliff trail terminates at the Crawford Path.

White sign with black letters mounted on a pole standing in a pile of rocks

Mt. Eisenhower

The trail continues to descend into the col between Pierce and Eisenhower, then begins the climb up Eisenhower. Out to my left I had views of the Mt. Washington Hotel and Highway 302 in the valley below.

Evergreen trees in foreground, blue-green valley in background with road and white buildings

On the way up Eisenhower I looked back along the trail at Mt. Pierce.

Hiking trail stretching across a treeless summit, green round mountains in background

I turned off the Crawford Path and took the Eisenhower Loop trail over the summit of Mt. Eisenhower. In less than a mile this trail ascends then descends 400 feet over the summit.

White sign with black letters mounted on a worn tree branch set in a pile of rocks; short evergreen trees in background

Mt. Eisenhower has a large, open summit with 360-degree views. Because the morning was warm and sunny with low winds, I was able to stay on this summit for a while to enjoy the views along with a snack and conversation with fellow hikers.

Woman standing with hands on hips, blue-green rolling mountains in background

There were some minor steep sections on the descent from Eisenhower before I joined back with the Crawford Path. Overall, this was an easy trail to traverse. After reaching the col on the north side of Eisenhower, the trail begins a long, steady ascent to Mt. Monroe. There are minor ups and downs along this part of the trail, including an ascent over the shoulder of Mt. Franklin. I skipped the side path to the summit of Mt. Franklin because it is not on the New Hampshire 4000 footer list and I wanted to preserve my energy.

Tan trail stretching through green rolling mountain tops

Mt. Monroe

The summit of Mt. Monroe is also on a side path off the Crawford Path. The Mt. Monroe Loop trail first goes over South Monroe before ascending Mt. Monroe. Both South Monroe and Mt. Monroe are small, open summits with short sections of large boulders to traverse along the path.

White sign with black letters mounted on a worn tree branch in a pile of rocks, green mountain tops in background

On the summit of Mt. Monroe I stood atop the tallest boulder and took in the 360-degree view. Mt. Washington loomed large to the north.

Selfie of woman with grey rocky mountains in background

To the south I looked back along the trail I traveled along this Southern Presidential Range: South Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, and Pierce.

Selfie of woman with rocky and green mountain tops in background

The Return Journey on the Southern Presidential Range

I decided to turn around at Mt. Monroe and go back the way I came on the Crawford Path to the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. There are other options for the descent. One option is to continue north over Mt. Monroe and descend the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the Cog Railway base. But this would require arranging a shuttle between the two trail heads. Another option is to hike south to the base of Mt. Eisenhower then take the Edmands Path down to Mt. Clinton Rd. and walk the road back to Highway 302. I didn’t consider this option because Mt. Clinton Rd. was closed for paving at this time.

I had beautiful weather and plenty of energy to enjoy the hike south on the Crawford Path. Along the way I paused to enjoy the alpine wildflowers and mountain views.

Cluster of yellow flowers with rocky mountains in background

I stayed on the Crawford Path and went around Mt. Eisenhower instead of going back over the summit. This saved 400 feet of ascent and descent as the trail stays at a steady elevation around the mountain. There were some small scrambles and rocky areas on this part of the trail. Before long I was past Mt. Eisenhower and heading back toward Mt. Pierce.

Rocky and gravel hiking trail through short evergreen trees with green rolling mountains in background

Finally, just to the north of the summit of Pierce, I reached the junction with the Webster Cliff Trail. This was the point where I continued on the Crawford Path to depart from the ridge and start the descent to Crawford Notch.

White sign with black letters mounted on weathered tree branch, short evergren trees in foreground, blue mounains and blue sky with puffy white clouds in background

Hiking on the Crawford Path I steadily descended around 2000 feet over nearly 3 miles. This trail was a bit rocky, but it was on the easier side of northeast mountain trails. As I descended the heat and humidity increased. I found the historical marker for this trail mounted on a rock alongside the trail near the road.

Bronze plaque mounted on a boulder, tree root growing across boulder above sign

After this full day of hiking the Southern Presidential Range I was happy to simply cross Highway 302 and get a good night’s rest at the room I had reserved at the Highland Center.

Pink blue sky after sunset over long building

This Southern Presidential Range hike let me check off three more mountains for the New Hampshire 4000 footer list (https://www.amc4000footer.org/the-lists-we-recognize.html), and the Northeast 111 list (https://www.amc4000footer.org/the-lists-we-recognize.html):

  • Pierce was 39 for NH, and 100 for the Northeast
  • Eisenhower was 40 for NH, and 101 for the Northeast
  • Monroe was 41 for NH, and 102 for the Northeast