Overview. Mt. Percival is in the Squam Mountains with sweeping views above the lakes region and is a great way to stretch the legs! Our wives paddle boarded while we hiked. The views were fantastic and the clouds were lively. Even on a busy weekend after the 4th of July, there was only one other car at the trailhead - likely because the heat index was in the 90s.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.82 miles
Elevation Gain | 1,463 feet
Physical Demand | Strenuous
Navigational Skill | Beginner

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 43.792244, -71.544681
Mt. Percival/Morse Trail Junction | 43.793131, -71.548314
Summit | 43.809503, -71.556958

Parking. Ample parking is available at the trailhead on the north side of Squam Lake Road. If summitting both Percival and Morgan, an additional trailhead with parking is available a short drive southwest from the Percival Trailhead.

Trail Navigation. The trail is wide, well maintained, and well marked. Depart the trailhead by the infoboard and walk a slight incline. Continue past the junction with Morse Trail and begin ascending more steeply as you go. There is one very rocky section that is relatively easy to cross. Near the summit, you can choose the cliffs or the cave route. We did the cliffs route both out and back because we were on a strict time limit. When you top out on the cliffs route, continue up to the summit that has a large cairn. After you’ve had your fill of the commanding views, retrace your steps to return to the trailhead or take the cave route option from the top and rejoin the main trail below. There is a very minor scramble on the cliff route, and a trail friend reported a narrow passage (pack-off-zone) on the cave route.

HIKER NOTE - Private Trails. Squam Lake Association (SLA) is a non-profit organization established in 1904 by private citizens for the improvement and conservation of the Squam Lake Region. The organization maintains these trails that are extremely well kept. We also used the SLA launch a short drive around the lake for a small fee ($5 if memory serves correctly).

HIKER NOTE - Weather Patterns. The weather is quite a bit different here than around the high peaks in White Mountain National Forest. If things aren’t looking good up there, check the forecast here at these lower elevations that are only 30 minutes south of Lincoln.

HIKER NOTE - Add Mt. Morgan. Most folks will hike both peaks since they’re next to one another on a loop that adds 1.6 miles and a few hundred feet of elevation gain. Locals say the Mt. Percival parking lot is generally less crowded;-)

HIKER NOTE - Hike and Paddle. We were coming in from Burlington, Vermont, so we didn’t have a full day, but ideally, I would hike the Morgan/Percival Loop and spend the rest of the day paddling around the lake.

HIKER NOTE - Sunrise. I would L-O-V-E to catch sunrise here in the Fall as it rises over the lakes and the very colorful hardwood forests in the area.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Long falls from high places can happen here. Be smart and stay safe on the clifftops.

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.