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More Mt. Pierce Trail Reports
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Mount Pierce and Mizpah Hut
Destination:
Mt. Pierce (4312')
Trails:
Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail, Mizpah Cutoff, Appalachian Trail
Region:
NH - Central East
White Mountain National Forest, Presidentials
Location:
Carroll (Twin Mountain), NH
Rating:
Moderate
Features:
Summit, views, hut, 4000-footer, loop hike
Distance:
6.6 miles
Elevation Gain:
2410 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:
Typical:
4:30
Outing Duration:
Typical:
6:30
Hike Date:
Saturday, 9/29/2007
Last Updated:
1/20/2008
Author:
Deb Hann
Companion:
Thirteen SDHers
Route Summary
We will hike Mt. Pierce (Clinton) which is at 4312 feet. On the descent, we will loop around to Mizpah Spring Hut. Crawford Path is a gradual climb, so I would consider this a moderate hike. The summit offers great views on a clear day!
Start on Crawford Connector, following it for 0.4 mile, and then turn left onto Crawford Path.
Follow Crawford Path for 2.7 miles until the junction with Webster Cliff Trail (go straight when reaching Mizpah Cutoff to the right at 1.9 miles from the trailhead).
Turn right onto Webster Cliff Trail and ascend 0.1 mile to the summit of Mt. Pierce.
Continue along Webster Cliff Trail, descending Mt. Pierce on the other side, and arriving at Mizpah Spring Hut in 0.8 mile.
Turn right and follow Mizpah Cutoff for 0.7 until it runs into Crawford Path.
Turn left and follow Crawford Path and Crawford Connector for 1.9 miles back to the parking lot.
Place
Split
Miles
Total
Miles
Crawford Path parking lot (1920')
0.0
0.0
Jct. Crawford Path/Mizpah Cutoff (3380')
1.9
1.9
Jct. Crawford Path/Webster Cliff Trail (4250')
1.2
3.1
Mt. Pierce Summit
(4312')
0.1
3.2
Mizpah Spring Hut (3800')
0.8
4.0
Jct. Crawford Path/Mizpah Cutoff (3380')
0.7
4.7
Crawford Path parking lot (1920')
1.9
6.6
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Trail Guide
The Tale of Mount Pierce: The Hares and the Tortoises.
It was the best of times, with a few unfortunate "incidents". On Saturday, Sept 29th thirteen dayhikers and two dogs were optimistic about the weather forecast. We left the parking area on Mt. Clinton Road at 10ish for the gradual climb. There were a few breaks to shed layers (then add as we neared the summit). The Mizpah Spring Hut caretaker later told me wind gusts were recorded at 60 mph! (On Mount Washington?!) Anyhoo, it was windy.
The "Hares" of our group were full of goose bumps by the time the "Tortoises" reached the summit (4312 feet) for the first lunch. Alex, our "Hare" on Red Bull, decided to continue on to the hut to wait for the group and duck out of the wind. Near the Mount Pierce summit was where Tessa was pegged as a "lost dog" and tied to the sign post by well meaning hikers. I guess all of that whining and howling into the wind can be interpreted any number of ways! Here is where Jack was dining at the summit, heard Tessa was tied, and he dropped down to the trail junction to free her. He also followed her down the trail a bit to be sure we met up. This was Jack's first opportunity to be the hero. He jogs around those trails with such agility and ease! Thanks Jack! After that, Tessa never got out of my sight.
After a brief stop at the summit (for the tortoises, longer for the hares), we climbed on to Mizpah Spring Hut to meet up with Alex. By the time we reached the hut, the sun was bright and the sky blue. Several hikers warmed up with hot soup, the sun streaming in the windows warmed all. After a brief jaunt (2.9 miles) down from the hut, most made it to parking area uneventfully.
Here's where Jack appears again. A few hikers missed the last turn to the cut off to Mt. Clinton Road. Jack realized they were on a different trail before too long and they only added a mile to their hike. Once again, hikers were happy Jack was along! Sorry I did not wait at that turn for you guys! They were all smiles and looked very buff after that extra mileage! The Willey House was open for our Ice Cream stop, with limited flavors. No maple walnut...
Oh yeah, the foliage was nice as well! All in all, a nice hike and beautiful day.
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Driving Directions
From Crawford Notch Depot and the AMC Highland Center, head West on Rt. 302 for about 0.1 mile.
Turn right onto Mt. Clinton Road.
Almost immediately, turn left into a parking lot.
The trailhead is at the far end of the parking area, just to the right of the toilets.
Facilities
Toilets at the parking area for Crawford Path.
Other Notes
A parking permit is required to park at White Mountain National Forest trailheads and parking areas. You can purchase a WMNF permit from the forest service and other vendors and can also pay-by-the-day using self-service kiosks located in many parking areas.
Rates:
$3 per day
$5 for a week-long pass
$20 for a year-long pass
$25 for two year-long passes (one household/two cars)
More Mt. Pierce Trail Reports
Mt. Eisenhower and Mt. Pierce on 7/8/2000
Mt. Eisenhower and Mt. Pierce on 9/26/1999
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