Overview. This hike has all the beauty of the Whites - clifftop overlooks, mountaintop vistas, and a relaxing waterfall. While this is a strenuous hike, it rates on the easier side of things when compared to other high peaks in the region. The views from Mt. Pierce are particularly impressive with Mt. Eisenhower in the foreground and Crawford Path weaving its way up to Mt. Washington.

Route Type | Loop and Spurs
Total Distance | 8.53 miles
Elevation Gain | 2,973 feet
Overall Difficulty | Strenuous with Class 2 Scrambles

GPS Waypoints
Webster-Jackson Trailhead | 44.215147, -71.407889
Turn to Elephant Head | 44.215981, -71.406761
Elephant Head | 44.213592, -71.406289
Turn to Bugle Cliff | 44.212422, -71.401653
Bugle Cliff | 44.212186, -71.401931
Webster-Jackson Split | 44.205614, -71.392933
Mt. Jackson Summit | 44.203169, -71.375489
Mizpah Cutoff Split (high) | 44.219426, -71.370104
Mizpah Spring AMC Hut | 44.219419, -71.369633
Mt. Pierce Summit | 44.226819, -71.365756
Crawford Path Split | 44.227414, -71.364992
Mizpah Cutoff Split (low) | 44.225917, -71.371739
Turn to Gibbs Falls | 44.221167, -71.403606
Gibbs Falls | 44.221372, -71.403558
Crawford Connector Split | 44.220844, -71.406486
Crawford Path Trailhead | 44.219861, -71.409969

Parking. Expansive parking is available at the AMC Highland Center or along US-302. We opted to park at the rail platform across the street.

Trail Navigation. This hike is on extremely well marked and well signed trails. In a nutshell:

Webster-Jackson Trailhead on US-302
Elephant Head Spur Out and Back
Bugle Cliff Spur Out and Back
Left at Webster-Jackson Trail Split (left for Jackson, right for Webster)
Summit Mt. Jackson
Left at Webster Cliff Trail
Mizpah Hut Spur Down
Depart Mizpah Hut and Ascend Steeply
Summit Mt. Pierce
Left to Descend Crawford Path
Gibbs Falls Spur Out and Back
Crawford Path Trailhead on US-302

HIKER NOTE - Counterclockwise. This hike is much easier counterclockwise thanks to the amount of Class 2 scrambling on the upper portion of Webster-Jackson Trail. This trail tip was given to us by Steve Smith at Mountain Wanderer Book and Maps in Lincoln, NH. Steve is one of the editors of the AMC White Mountain Guide that every hiker visiting this area should own. And, you should visit this store to pick-up guidebooks, maps, and route beta from Steve.

CAUTION - Be Bear Aware. Black bear are plentiful in the region. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips

CAUTION - Moose. Be aware and never approach moose. Leave a wide berth and turn back if needed.