If you’re looking for a fun hike that offers a big mountain feel for a modest effort, this is your opportunity brotha! An ‘up and back’ trek with an elevation gain of 2100’, the 3,119-foot summit of Mount Crawford provides one of the most stunning vistas in the White Mountains, sort of like being up in a balloon enjoying an aerial view of the Presidentials, Frankenstein Cliff, Willey Range, and Mounts Carrigain and Tripyramid and is a relatively low peak just to the south of Crawford Notch. It is the first peak reached by hikers using the Davis Path, which makes a 15.0-mile ascent of Mount Washington through the Presidential Range–Dry River Wilderness Area. The hike up Mount Crawford begins along the banks of the Saco River, and climbs steadily to the summit, which has excellent 360-degree views. It is one of the oldest hiking trails in the White Mountains and provides a moderate to mildly strenuous ascent. The trail was completed by Nathaniel Davis in 1845 as a bridle path to the summit of Mount Washington. Davis was a son-in-law of Abel Crawford, the “Old Patriarch” of the Crawford family, who brought his family to the area in the 1790s. Abel built the Mount Crawford House near the current trailhead. The trail fell into disuse in the 1850s and was brought back as a footpath in 1910 by the AMC. The total distance for the hike is 5 miles, alotting 5 hours to complete. This will give members ample time for viewing on the summit as well as casual breaks along the way. This is a dog friendly hike, as Scott & I will have 3 of our own. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks & a lunch. As we will be deep into the late summer, it may be wise to bring light layers in case of cooler temperatures and a waterproof shell in case of unexpected rain or showers. After the hike, we can gather for Pub & Grub at a local establishment, barring group consensus.

From the east take NH Rt 16N to Rt 302W and drive approx 12.7 miles. The Davis Path parking lot will be on your right. From the south or west, take I93N to exit 35 onto US Rt 3N toward Twin Mountain. Drive 10.3 miles to Rt 302E, then drive approx 16.4 miles. The Davis Path parking lot will be on your left.