In the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire lies the largest peaks in the Northeastern United States. This hike is a trek up to Mount Eisenhower and Mount Pierce.
Early on in the hike you’ll find stream crossings and little waterfalls not far from the trail. Take Edmands Path all the way up to the ridge. Once there, you can take the short Mt Eisenhower Loop Trail to the summit.
This is a hike that eventually gets you above alpine in New Hampshire, so be prepared for the weather. Depending on the time of year it can get windy, wet, and cold really fast. While the Presidentials are gorgeous covered in snow in the winter, I went in June on a beautiful day. From the peak of Eisenhower you can take the Crawford Path to the summit of Mount Pierce. Once you’ve enjoyed your stay atop these mountains, you can come back the way you came. Another option is to continue down the Crawford Path, almost to the base, take a connector trail to Mount Clinton Road and go back to your vehicle from there.
Back at the base of the mountain, heading back to the car I encountered a moose, fox, and brown bear. So, keep your eyes peeled! The bear saw me and headed my way. It came within a few yards, but I held my ground and was not antagonistic, so it ended up veering around me and continuing along its way. With or without the large fauna, it’s a great hike. You can take Edmands Path, along the Mt Clinton Road. The hike isn’t that far off Route 302 in Northern New Hampshire, but in the winter look into possible road closures.