Kearsarge North

based on 559 tracks & routes #502 hike out of 703 in
5.8 mi
Distance
2 hrs 29 min
Time
terrain
2,524 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate out and back trail to Kearsarge North in White Mountain National Forest.

This trail goes by Merriman State Forest.

Getting Started

There is a parking area at the trailhead on Hurricane Mountain Rd that accommodates 8-10 cars. in the winter bring a shovel in case it has not been plowed out yet. The trail starts gradually, passing some houses, and then takes a turn to the right to begin the climb. There are several ledgy areas that tend to be wet and can be very icy in winter. The trail traverses the north side of the mountain, where boilerplate ice may be encountered in the winter, then turns to the right to climb more steeply. It gradually climbs to the final uphill left turn on the west side of the summit. The top is quite ledgy and boasts a beautiful fire tower which is on the National Historic Register. Camping in the tower is permitted, first come first serve. There is no water source at the summit. There are beautiful views in all directions from the tower. In the winter, traction devices must be removed before climbing up to the tower. One way mileage is 3.1 miles, for a RT of 6.2.

Taking Children

This would be a challenging hike for younger children who are not experienced climbers, due to the distance and the elevation gain.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    7 years ago
    One of the best 360 views I. The Whites
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    7 years, 1 month ago
    Great trail to classic New England summit with historic fire tower.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    7 years, 6 months ago
    The trail Sunday 1/5/19 was packed snow with occasional icy spots suitable for micro spikes most of the trail. Snow shoes could have been helpful only in the last 1/4 mile but were not necessary.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    7 years, 6 months ago
    A few days ago the trail was soft and slushy. It has since frozen solid and is now mostly iced up and uneven. No problem hiking with micro spikes.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    1 year, 3 months ago
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    2 years, 2 months ago
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Public Tracks

user_profile
Kwi-Hui Skene 5 years, 1 month ago
Track (Kearsarge North)
PRH reunion- Susan Harlow, me temp 70F and sunny weather views was spectacular After hike black cap mountain and cranmoore We decided to hike up to the kearsarge North. Susan turned around I went for top and finished. Meet Andrew, Joshua and John on trail young men, ascent together and descended. Great to hike up together. Shared my water and snacks. They were just hike up with friends, 7 friends turned around this 3 made to the top. They were from RI. John and Andrew follow Terri bird photos I asked him to do that for Terri on Instagram
user_profile stars
Karen Barker 2 months ago
Kearsarge North 5/17/26
Tom Mixed conditions dry, mud, standing water, running water but no snow or ice! Yay! Slippery on slabs where water was seeping and/or flowing. Lots of erosion since we were last here. Flooded trail near start of trail. Beautiful say and only a couple of bug bites.
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Chase H 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Merriman State Forest/Kearsage North Trail Run
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/22045834590
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Chase H 8 months, 1 week ago
Merriman State Forest/Kearsage North Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/20989727498
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Nancy Annis 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Merriman State Forest/Kearsage North Walk
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/20208796248
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Leslie 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Kearsarge North
Beautiful fall day Coolish. No wind Big WHG turnout
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ZanyBike4635 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Kearsarge North
Kearsarge North Trail <--> Solo Winter Ascent
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breezyoutside 1 year, 1 month ago
Kearsarge Mountain Hiking
Fire lookout camping, first come first served
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Jaclou Hoovig 8 years, 3 months ago
Kearsarge
GPS not working well on way up.
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Linda Decelle 1 year, 6 months ago
North Kearsarge
On the 52 with a view list
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LightBeach1649 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Kearsarge N with Dad
20# bag, spikes, icy
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