Mts Eisenhower, Jackson, and Pierce are three 4000 footers within the Southern Presidentials, west of Mt Washington. I wish to climb all of sudden when as a result of they’re in shut proximity to at least one one other, though it may be a giant day, relying on the route you are taking. Eisenhower is by far my favourite within the group, but in addition the least protected when it comes to climate as a result of its a bald dome. Whereas all three have nice views, Pierce and Jackson are simpler to climb as a result of they’re nearer to Crawford Notch and decrease in elevation.
This was a particular hike for me as a result of it might be the twelfth calendar month that I visited all three peaks. I’m mountaineering a peak listing referred to as “The Grid” which requires mountaineering every of the forty-eight White Mountain 4000 footers in every calendar month, and this was the twelfth time I “had” to climb these summits for that listing. Though I’m certain I’ll climb them sooner or later as a result of they’re such an pleasing and accessible hike for me.
Should you solely have one automobile, it is smart to hike up the Crawford Path and seize Eisenhower first, earlier than looping again to Crawford Notch on the Webster Cliff Path and catching Pierce and Jackson on the best way again. I’ve hiked that route many instances, particularly once I do it solo. However on this hike, my buddy Ken instructed we drive a shuttle, so we might shorten the hike a bit and do a traverse, fairly than a loop. I used to be down with that and seemed ahead to mountaineering with him once more, together with two different associates, Tom and Dave, who wished to hitch us.
Eisenhower Pierce Jackson Oct 22
We met at 8:30 am in Crawford Notch, drove to the Edmand’s Path trailhead on Mt Clinton Rd (which is closed in winter), and began mountaineering up the path. However I rapidly had issues maintaining with the group. I simply wasn’t feeling that scorching and felt like I used to be going to puke. It got here to a head a couple of mile in and I instructed the blokes to hike forward with out me and that I’d catch up. I believe I ate an excessive amount of meat for dinner the earlier night time which was upsetting my abdomen. I don’t eat plenty of purple meat, not out of any conviction, however as a result of it takes an excessive amount of work to make.
They took off and I used to be in a position to decelerate my tempo. I considered bailing, however I actually wished to climb these peaks, so I resolved to maintain mountaineering. I ate a granola bar and drank some water and was quickly feeling higher. Good guys that they’re, they waited for me at treeline so we might end the hike collectively. Apparently, I used to be solely 8 minutes behind them though it felt prefer it was for much longer.
Collectively once more, we climbed the final 400′ or so up the east facet of Eisenhower to the enormous rock cairn on the summit, the place a small group of different hikers had gathered. Situations had been nice with ample sunshine and solely gentle wind. However the most effective half was the autumn foliage within the surrounding valleys, which was simply beginning to peak. We couldn’t have requested for a greater day.
I led the group down the east facet of Eisenhower in direction of Pierce alongside the Crawford Path, which is certainly one of my favourite sections of path within the Whites. It’s simply an open ridge between the 2 summits interspersed with dwarf shrubs, but it surely was the primary good portion of above-treeline mountaineering I ever did once I first began part mountaineering the New Hampshire Appalachian Path some 15 years in the past. I’m slowly part mountaineering it for the third time whereas I pursue different targets: principally, I received caught in New Hampshire and southern Maine as a result of I like mountaineering right here a lot.
Once we arrived at Pierce, we bumped into an aged couple that climbed as much as the summit cairn with us. He was 88 and she or he was 84, and each had 2000 miler AT patches sewn to their packs. We chatted with them for some time: they instructed us that they’d thru-hiked the Appalachian Path thrice which was fairly wild. However we had been all impressed that they’d made it as much as Pierce which was apparently a daily vacation spot for them. I certain hope I’m match sufficient to try this hike once I’m 84 or 88!
The solar was heat and the sky was blue, so we took a brief relaxation on the Pierce cairn, I ate my sandwich, and sat within the solar for some time. The AMC Hut at Mizpah Hut, a couple of mile additional, was nonetheless open so I knew I might refill my water bottles there with out having to filter water alongside the best way. Lots of the AMC huts shut for the season on Oct 15 and after that sure above-treeline routes turn into tougher as a result of you’ll want to carry extra water, particularly since filters are susceptible to freezing when the times get colder.
The stretch of path from Pierce to Mizpah is simple to observe however was severely broken by a hurricane, which trashed the path destroying ladders and bathroom bridges in its wake. A few of that injury has been repaired, however you’ll want to watch out together with your footwork descending the part earlier than the hut. It’s way more sketchy in winter although, when full crampons are required.
We refilled our bottles at Mizpah Hut after which headed south to Jackson, which is the purpose the place this route turns into “lengthy” and you’re feeling the time and distance. Most hikers simply do Eisenhower and Pierce as a loop as a result of it’s shorter and simpler, however in the event you’ve ever climbed Jackson by itself, you’ll perceive why I don’t relish climbing as a standalone peak. It’s actually fairly a difficult climb from Crawford Notch, although it’s one of many shortest 4000-footers. Put it like this: elevation is a horrible factor to waste. Whenever you’re on the ridge, it is smart to summit as many peaks as potential earlier than descending.
There are many ups and downs between the Hut and the Jackson summit, which coincides with the Appalachian Path. This part of the path is underneath the tree cover which may be very dense with an understory of ferns. There are not any views till you attain the rocky summit of Jackson except two bridged alpine bogs. They’re bridged to guard the vegetation and since the mud within the bogs may be very deep.
The ultimate climb as much as the Jackson summit is sort of a scramble, regardless of which path you method it from. It’s not lengthy, however it’s steep and having footwear with sticky, pliable soles like path runners is an actual asset. Jackson additionally has good views of Washington and Oakes Gulf, which is the lengthy and deep river valley to the south of the Southern Presidential vary. It’s fairly distant and a Wilderness Space in its personal proper.
From Jackson, we took the path resulting in Mt Webster and its viewpoint overlooking Crawford Notch, the deep mountain go that separates the Southern Presidentials from the Willey Vary. I had hoped for a clearer view, however haze made it troublesome to see a lot foliage on the opposite facet of the go. Mt Webster, which is only a few ft shy of being a 4000-footer, and the Webster Cliff Path is a superb stroll though it takes some effort to rise up there. It’s proper throughout from Mt Willard on the opposite facet of Crawford Notch, and the views are excellent.
The day was waning, so we headed down the Webster Cliff Path and again to the highest of Crawford Notch passing a number of waterfalls en route. The paths alongside this complete route are actually nice. They’re rugged to hike and stuffed with rocks and roots, however you get plenty of private satisfaction by mountaineering them and taking within the views they supply.
Journey Stats: 11 miles w/3500′ of elevation achieve.
Really helpful Guidebooks and Maps:
SectionHiker is reader-supported. We independently analysis, take a look at, and charge the most effective merchandise. We solely generate profits if you buy a product by our affiliate hyperlinks. Assist us proceed to check and write unsponsored and unbiased gear evaluations, newbie FAQs, and free mountaineering guides.
