Also known as: Mount Cube South Peak
Mount Cube sits on the southwestern fringe of the White Mountains in Orford, at 2,916 feet, and rewards hikers with two distinct viewpoints from its open ledges. The main summit looks south and west across the Connecticut River valley into Vermont, with Killington visible on clear days, while a short extension along the North Cube Spur delivers a wider panorama east toward Mount Moosilauke and the higher peaks of the White Mountains.
Two routes are most commonly used. The Cross Rivendell Trail approaches from the west via a small unpaved trailhead on Baker Road, covering about 5 miles round-trip with 1,600 feet of gain. The trail climbs gradually through mixed hardwood and conifer forest before steepening sharply over open rock slabs in the final push to the summit. The Appalachian Trail route provides a longer alternative at roughly 6.7 miles with about 2,100 feet of gain, winding through forest with stone steps and a creek crossing. From the summit, the 0.4-mile North Cube Spur is a flat and worthwhile side trip to a second open ledge with the best views of Moosilauke.
Spring hikers should anticipate mud on lower sections and possible ice on the upper rock slabs well into April; microspikes are useful early in the season. The small trailhead off Baker Road fills quickly on weekends, so early arrival is recommended.
