Hedgehog Mountain rises to 2,543 feet on the edge of the Sandwich Range Wilderness in Albany, New Hampshire, reached from a trailhead along the Kancamagus Highway. Despite its modest elevation, the peak delivers views that rival many taller summits, with Mt. Passaconaway looming close to the north and a broad look at Mt. Chocorua to the east. The UNH Trail takes its name from a University of New Hampshire forestry camp that once operated in the area.
The trail is a loop of about 5 miles with roughly 1,400 feet of gain. A fork near the base of the summit cone gives a choice between a direct, steep push to the top in under a mile, or a longer, more gradual arc through the lower forest. Either way, the route visits the same terrain. Impressive cliffs guard the summit's south face, but the trail wraps through the forest to emerge on open rock above. The east ledges, reached just after the summit, are often considered the finest viewpoint on the loop, looking out across the Tripyramids and the wider Sandwich Range. A short spur to Allen's Ledge offers additional open views toward Bear Mountain.
Snow and ice can persist on the steep sections and open ledges well into spring. Several fragile plant communities grow near the summit; staying on trail protects them.
