Mt. Cube Hike + Post-Hike Social & Lodging Option

Mt. Cube Trip Report

Most hikers think the White Mountain National Forest ends somewhere around Moosilauke, like the map just falls off the edge and you tumble into Vermont. Not so! Out west lurks a secret society of peaks—Smarts, Moose, and the mighty Mt. Cube. It may not be a 4,000-footer, but it sure hikes like one…with a better personality.

Sunshine, Smiles & 13 Brave Souls

The forecast promised sunshine, 80° temps, and enough sweat to qualify as cardio. Thirteen of us assembled at the trailhead—our Borg Collective, ready to be assimilated and enter…the Cube. Resistance was futile.

The Student-Made Stairmaster

We ascended via the Cross Rivendell Trail, a masterpiece maintained by local students. Charming and creative. It starts all friendly, then suddenly turns into a Stairmaster designed by kids who clearly hate recess. At least the spruce forest and rocky scrambles gave us the illusion of being mountaineers—even if Cube barely breaks 3,000 feet.

Summit Rocks & Sneaky Peaks

Cube’s granite crown looks like it was built to shout, “Climb me!” So we did. Blue blazes guided us upward until—boom—summit! Sweaty, grinning, and with just enough energy to say: “North Peak next?” Naturally, we answered yes.

Lunch with a View

The spur to North Peak ends just before the ledges, like a GPS saying “You’ve arrived!” while you’re still in a Dunkin’ drive-thru. But no matter—North Cube delivered: a massive rock slab, sweeping views, and space for our whole crew to sprawl out like cats in the sun. Verdict: North Peak rules, South Peak drools.

Après-Hike: The Eddy Spa

Five miles of sweat later, we found salvation: The Eddy, a swimming hole in the Mad River. We plunged in and emerged refreshed and baptized.

Jon’s Kitchen & The Smug Glow of Survival

Back at our place, Jon worked his magic: appetizers and cold drinks on the deck, hearty garden lasagna, and dessert wars between Bailey’s Brownie Trifle and peaches-blueberries à la ice cream. (Spoiler: everyone won.) We capped it off with hot tub soaks, fireworks, and the smug glow of “we survived Mt. Cube.” Some might argue the post-hike feast was harder to leave than the summit itself.

Final Verdict

Mt. Cube may not be a 4,000-footer, but it’s got the views, the sass, and all the personality. With a stellar crew, effortless conversation, and just the right amount of mischief—it’s a keeper.

Same time, same trailhead, next year?

Time:
Saturday — Meet at 10:00 AM

Location:
Mt. Cube via Cross Rivendell Trail, Orford, NH
(Parking at the end of Baker Road – see directions below)

Hike Description:
Join us for a scenic adventure to Mt. Cube (2,909 ft), one of New Hampshire's 52-With-a-View and Fifty Finest peaks! We’ll hike the Cross Rivendell Trail, a 5-mile round-trip with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views from North Cube and two great vista points. Expect mostly moderate terrain with a few short, steep pitches.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
• Layers 
• Rain gear (just in case)
• Water, snacks, and lunch
• Your sense of adventure!

Post-Hike Social in Waterville Valley
Everyone is welcome to join us afterwards for a fun and relaxing time back at our house in Waterville Valley!

• Swim in the swimming hole, chill on the deck, and enjoy a BBQ ($10 per person for food).
• Later in the evening, we’ll light a campfire!
• Showers available — bring a change of clothes.

Lodging Option:
Stay overnight at our place in Waterville Valley (includes linens, towels, coffee & bagels):

• Friday night: $25
• Saturday night (includes dinner): $35
• Full weekend: $60
• Limited space, so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

RSVP for BBQ & lodging in advance so we can plan for food and space!