Mt. Jefferson via Caps Ridge Trail
If you want to get an incredible view from a 4,000 footer at peak foliage, this is one of the shortest hikes to the 3rd tallest mtn. in the Northeast!
Mt. Jefferson via Caps Ridge Trail
If you want to get an incredible view from a 4,000 footer at peak foliage, this is one of the shortest hikes to the 3rd tallest mtn. in the Northeast!
Details
If you want to get an incredible view from a 4,000 footer at peak foliage, this is one of the shortest hikes to the 3rd tallest mountain in the Northeast!
At 5,715 ft. Mt. Jefferson is the 3rd tallest of the NH 4,000 footers and also the third tallest in the Northeast. The sensational view south from Mount Jefferson's summit owes its fame to a vasts glacial cirque, the Great Gulf, backed by the towering crags of Mount Washington. We will using the Caps Ridge Trail from the highest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains: Jefferson Notch Road. There the Caps Ridge Trail leaves the road for the 2.5 mile climb to the summit with 2,700 feet elevation gain.
Even though this is probably the ‘easiest’ approach to Mt. Jefferson it is still difficult since it includes lots of rock scrambles that can be challenging at times. We break treeline after 1 mile and begin clamber up to three jagged ledges called the Caps. It is fully exposed to weather in the next 2 miles as it ascends to Mt. Jefferson, with interesting perspectives across the Great Gulf toward Mount Washington, its auto road, and summit buildings!
This is up and back hike on the same trail. Because the hike involves extensive hiking above treeline, attention to safety and the mountain’s notoriously fickle weather is of paramount importance. Proper gear is a must!!!
After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ! It’s BYOB and it costs $5 per person. The view of the autumn foliage from our outdoor deck is spectacular!
Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. 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!
Directions
To reach Jefferson Notch, turn off US 302 at Fabyan and follow the Base Road toward the cog railway's base station. Drive about 5 miles to an intersection. Turn left there onto Jefferson Notch Road [gravel]. Careful driving takes you about 3 miles up to 3,008 feet. Park in the parking areas right or left. We are driving a blue FJ Cruiser.
About this event
If you want to get an incredible view from a 4,000 footer at peak foliage, this is one of the shortest hikes to the 3rd tallest mountain in the Northeast!
At 5,715 ft. Mt. Jefferson is the 3rd tallest of the NH 4,000 footers and also the third tallest in the Northeast. The sensational view south from Mount Jefferson's summit owes its fame to a vasts glacial cirque, the Great Gulf, backed by the towering crags of Mount Washington. We will using the Caps Ridge Trail from the highest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains: Jefferson Notch Road. There the Caps Ridge Trail leaves the road for the 2.5 mile climb to the summit with 2,700 feet elevation gain.
Even though this is probably the ‘easiest’ approach to Mt. Jefferson it is still difficult since it includes lots of rock scrambles that can be challenging at times. We break treeline after 1 mile and begin clamber up to three jagged ledges called the Caps. It is fully exposed to weather in the next 2 miles as it ascends to Mt. Jefferson, with interesting perspectives across the Great Gulf toward Mount Washington, its auto road, and summit buildings!
This is up and back hike on the same trail. Because the hike involves extensive hiking above treeline, attention to safety and the mountain’s notoriously fickle weather is of paramount importance. Proper gear is a must!!!
After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ! It’s BYOB and it costs $5 per person. The view of the autumn foliage from our outdoor deck is spectacular!
Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. 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!
Directions to the trailhead
Get directionsTo reach Jefferson Notch, turn off US 302 at Fabyan and follow the Base Road toward the cog railway's base station. Drive about 5 miles to an intersection. Turn left there onto Jefferson Notch Road [gravel]. Careful driving takes you about 3 miles up to 3,008 feet. Park in the parking areas right or left. We are driving a blue FJ Cruiser.
Who's going (5)
SUSTAINING 
GUEST MEMBER 
SUSTAINING 
GUEST MEMBER Questions about this event?
Reach out to the host, Gandalf, for route details, carpooling, or what to bring.
Email the hostYou can also ask in the event discussion below.
Event discussion
From the top of the mountain we could see hundreds. Of inches. The snow and hail and the winds were lifting the pack off of my back. The deepest hoar frost anchored my feet to the bones of the mountain beneath us.
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