The Mount Jackson and Mount Pierce via Webster Jackson Trail and Crawford Path is a 8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Bretton Woods that is rated as difficult. Dogs are also able to use this trail so hopefully we’ll meet a few. This route can be done in either direction but we’re planning on going counter clockwise. It starts out with a long scramble up to the summit of Mount Jackson. On the hike up to Jackson (depending on the group) we may also visit Elephant Head along the way. We will get awesome views at Jackson and then it’s a relatively quick climb over to Pierce. The views at Pierce are breathtaking too, however it can get very cold/windy when we reach the top so we definitely need to pack in layers. Finally a more “gentle” descent on the Crawford Path trail back to 302.

ROUTE: Webster Jackson trail, Webster Cliff trail and Crawford Path
STATS: Approx. 8 miles; Elevation gain: 2900 feet

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-jackson-and-mount-pierce-via-webster-jackson-trail-and-crawford-path

We will be hiking in winter conditions at a moderate pace with time to enjoy the scenery, thus the early start. There will likely be ice and snow. MicroSpikes or Hillsounds Crampons are mandatory and we may need snowshoes if there is a recent snowstorm (please pay attention to this but I will also send out a weather summary on Thursday). If you don’t own a pair of snowshoes, you can always rent them from your local outdoor gear shop. 

Please have the appropriate gear/clothing to hike this time of year and the appropriate amount of layers to keep your core body warm. We recommend WINTER hiking boots, MicroSpikes, poles, wool hat, gloves, hand warmers, rain/wind gear, warm layers, HEADLAMP and NO COTTON. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.

FROM THE JUNCTION OF ROUTES 3 AND 302 IN TWIN MOUNTAIN:  Turn east onto Route 302 E. Travel for 12.2 miles.  Trailhead parking will be on the right-hand/south side of the road south of Crawford Notch [AMC Highland Center].

Look for parking at the Highland Center ( map: 6HCQ+25 Bretton Woods, Carroll, NH), the Crawford Depot Railroad Station (more likely), or along the side of the highway (it should be plowed), and there’s even a small lot a little south of the Webster Jackson Trail Head which should be plowed out.

FROM THE JUNCTION OF ROUTES 16 and 302 IN GLEN:  Take Route 302 W and travel for 16.9 miles.  The trailhead parking area will be on the left-hand/south side of the road.

The trailhead is about .1 mile south of Saco lake on the same side of the road.  Depending on where you park, you will walk along 302 to the trailhead.  

Hike Departure is as close to 8:00 as possible, so arrive early to be ready to go.  

Look for a white Honda CRV, plate starts with 44