Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower

Beautiful Day on Top of Two Presidents!

Total Distance: 8 miles
Total Time: 6 hours
Total Elevation: 3050 ft gained

Jon, Dave B., Dave J., Rob, and Luciano took advantage of the nice weather to get above tree line and summit two of the Presidentials. On a crisp fall morning, we hiked up Mt. Pierce and Eisenhower. The fall foliage was also at peak or just near peak, which provided some great hiking!

The drive up was beautiful as the Presidentials were in full view. We spotted my truck at the Edmands Path Trailhead for our return back to the Crawford Connector Trailhead. The parking lots at the Crawford Connector Trailhead and Edmands Path Trailhead had a fair number of vehicles on them.

The long trip up Crawford Path has been improved with the major efforts to install rock steps to rehabilitate the 200 year old trail. The footing used to have miserable footing providing little time to actually get a good momentum going but this has been significantly improved by extensive rock cribbing!

As we ascended Crawford Path, we ran into groups of people, bunched up together. As we hiked though, the weather got cooler, with black ice on the trail, so we had to be careful with our footing. It's that time of year when water is freezing at night. Didn't need MicroSpikes, but it might not hurt to start carrying them.  

We took a break at the Mizpah Cutoff Junction where we enjoyed feeding the Gray Jays…especially Luciano!

At the junction of the Webster Cliff trail we marveled at the thick coated frost on the trees as we gazed towards Jefferson, Clay, Eisenhower, Franklin, Washington and Monroe. Standard White Mountain above treeline views. There was nice colors in the distance.  It was breezy so we put on extra layers; Jon and I even put our hand warmers in our gloves. The trip from this junction to the summit of Mt. Pierce is short and the summit is uneventful but the views are gorgeous on the hike up to it. It was a good day to summit Mt. Washington or any summit above treeline today!

The Crawford Path heading over to Mt. Eisenhower is gradual for the entire length. We found some nice sunny ledges for lunch to enjoy the fall colors. Eventually we ended up at the junction with the Mt. Eisenhower Loop Trail. The steepest climb to the summit of Mt Eisenhower is when you get on the Mt. Eisenhower Loop trail that snakes it way up with short and steep switchbacks, with a couple of ladders. The views were awesome looking back at Mt. Pierce!

At the summit we hung out a bit. It was breezy but comfortable. After taking some photos we started on descent on the other side of the summit dome.

The views were magnificent with Jefferson, Clay, Washington, Franklin and Monroe. The Edmands Path grade at the beginning is almost level at the start, affording excellent views out through a fringe of trees. Afterwards, there is short, steep, rocky pitch but after that the trail had good footing as we angled down the mountainside.  

We closed out the trip by having three of us take a ride in my truck bed out in the open on the Mt. Clinton Road back to the Crawford Connector parking lot. Rob and Dave returned back to our house to enjoy another fabulous dinner a Chez Normand: Salmon, roasted vegetables, and rice. The meal ended with my 65th birthday cake. It was a great trip and a great day on the trails/mountains!

Mike and Jon

This peak foliage adventure is bringing us to Mounts Pierce and Eisenhower, both NH 48 four thousand footers, located in the Presidential Range!
 

We will meet at the Edmands Path trailhead to drop off vehicles, then drive to the Crawford Path to start the hike. By spotting cars, we'll enjoy a one way traverse of both Mounts Pierce [4310'] and Eisenhower [4780'].   

We will start the hike on Crawford Path, one of the oldest maintained footpath in the United States. This first section is a moderate and steady ascent to Mount Pierce. Just before arriving to the summit, we will enter in the exposed alpine zone. From there, we will be enjoying great views of Mount Eisenhower and Washington if the weather will cooperate. From Pierce to Eisenhower, we’ll keep going on the ridge via Crawford Path and keep following the huge cairns. This second section of the trail has many open ledges and offers wonderful views in many directions until… we arrive to the summit of Eisenhower where we can appreciate a fantastic 360 view, with a closer look to the Mount Washington and friends. We will return down by the Edmands Path and end the hike by jumping into the vehicles we left at the trailhead. The entire loop is about 8 miles with 3050 feet elevation gain.

We will be travelling above treeline in October so winter like conditions this time of year can occur so be prepared! Travel above treeline offers unique challenges to any hiker. Please have the appropriate gear/clothing to travel above treeline this time of year and the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. We recommend hiking boots, wool hat, gloves [hand warmers if your hands get cold easily], and NO COTTON. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

After The Hike: Everyone is invited back to our house for dinner It’s BYOB and all we ask is $10 to reimburse us for food costs. You are invited to use our showers and freshen up into clean clothes.  

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday at $25 and/or Saturday night at $35 per night that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!