Mount Clough is a long north-south ridgecrest just west of Mount Moosilauke, deep within the White Mountain National Forest near Benton. At 3,553 feet, it appears on the NH 100 Highest list and has no maintained trail to its summit; reaching the high point requires off-trail navigation with map and compass.
Two main approaches are used. The classic route departs the Tunnel Brook Trail at the height of land between Clough and Moosilauke, but involves several brook crossings that become hazardous during high water or shoulder-season ice. An alternate line ascends the southwestern ridge from Long Pond Road (Forest Road 19), starting through open hardwood forest of beech and birch. Faint old skidder roads ease navigation on the lower slopes; birch glades extend partway up the ridge before the forest gives way to dense spruce and balsam fir above roughly 2,900 feet.
The upper mountain's fir-wave zones are the crux: stands of tight balsam fir demand persistent route-finding and can be disorienting. A summit register in a PVC canister marks the high point, tucked among the conifers. Views are limited, though open windows offer glimpses south toward Piermont Mountain and east to Moosilauke's broad ridge. Moose frequent the area. Winter and shoulder-season visits add complexity, especially on the brook crossings of the Tunnel Brook approach.
