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Crawfords Path

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This information is a public record of the 1994 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Crawfords Path

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    2.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

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Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.
Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.
Looking south on Crawford Path from shoulder of Mt Washington (October photo). Photo by Janie Walker.
Looking south on Crawford Path from shoulder of Mt Washington (October photo). Photo by Janie Walker.
On Crawford Path in November, heading toward Mt. Washington. Photo by Janie Walker.
On Crawford Path in November, heading toward Mt. Washington. Photo by Janie Walker.
On Crawford Path, past Pierce and heading toward Eisenhower. Photo by Janie Walker.
On Crawford Path, past Pierce and heading toward Eisenhower. Photo by Janie Walker.
Crawford Path, below treeline. Photo by Janie Walker.
Crawford Path, below treeline. Photo by Janie Walker.
View of Mount Eisenhower taken from Crawford Path. Photo by Canderson7/wiki.
View of Mount Eisenhower taken from Crawford Path. Photo by Canderson7/wiki.
Sign describing the summit of Mount Washington and the Crawford Path in Sargent's Purchase Township, Coos County, NH. Photo by Famartin/wiki.
Sign describing the summit of Mount Washington and the Crawford Path in Sargent's Purchase Township, Coos County, NH. Photo by Famartin/wiki.
  • Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.
  • Hikers on Mt. Pierce along Crawfords Path. Photo by Doug Alderson.
  • Looking south on Crawford Path from shoulder of Mt Washington (October photo). Photo by Janie Walker.
  • On Crawford Path in November, heading toward Mt. Washington. Photo by Janie Walker.
  • On Crawford Path, past Pierce and heading toward Eisenhower. Photo by Janie Walker.
  • Crawford Path, below treeline. Photo by Janie Walker.
  • View of Mount Eisenhower taken from Crawford Path. Photo by Canderson7/wiki.
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Location:

  • States: New Hampshire
  • Counties: Coos

This trail is considered to be the oldest continuously maintained footpath in America. Parts of this trail are dangerous in bad weather, use proper precautions.

Accessibility Information

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Reviews

Janie Walker
Janie Walker
Jul 21, 2021
Crawford Path

I am unsure if the National Recreation Trail portion of Crawford Path is the entire thing (ending on Mt. Washington) or to just beneath Mt. Pierce. The mileage listed suggests it is just to Mt. Pierce. The entire trail is 8.5 miles one way, to Pierce it is about 3 miles one way. Crawford Path gets 5 stars for the mindblowing, beautiful views that await you at the top, especially if you are going toward Mt. Washington and walking above treeline all day. This trail is a typical White Mountain trail, meaning it is all rocks, boulders, and roots. Once above treeline, if heading toward Washington, the footing gets easier -- but be very, very careful above treeline. People underestimate the Presidentials every year, and every year, many people have to get rescued on these peaks and there are always unfortunately a few deaths. This area is underneath a convergence of three storm systems, which means thunderstorms can form overhead with no warning, even if the forecast calls for clear skies all day. The wind speed is rarely under 30mph above treeline, dense fog often creates white-out conditions, and the temperature can and often does drop quickly. Be prepared with a map and compass, and know your bail-out routes.

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Allowed Uses:

Hiking/Walking Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

  • Camping
  • Snow, snow play general

Public Contact

Roger Collins
White Mountain National Forest
660 Trudeau Rd.
Bethlehem, NH 3574
[email protected] • (603) 869-2626

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 1892
  • Elevation (high): 4231
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): --
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 30"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 15
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 26
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 31, 1994
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