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.   

Depending on the conditions in early February, appropriate gear should include: insulated winter boots [NOT your regular hiking 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.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to me in advance.

Dinner afterward: You are welcome to join us for dinner at our house afterwards. We ask $10 to cover our food costs. Bring your own wine/beer and warm up next to our fireplace! You are welcome to use our showers [towels provided] so bring a change of clothing.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

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 may not be plowed in winter so park in the plowed lot across US 2 and just west of Starr King Road.  We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.