Huntington South is a trailless 3,669-foot peak in the White Mountain National Forest, part of the compact Huntington Range that rises above the north side of the Kancamagus Highway. The range's southeast-facing cliffs, visible to drivers on Route 112, frame the western end of the group; South Huntington sits as a rounded forest knob about 0.4 miles southeast of the main (North) summit at roughly the same elevation. No maintained trails, signed routes, or herd paths lead here; reaching this summit requires off-trail navigation for the entire approach.
The standard starting point is the Hancock Notch Trailhead near the highway's hairpin curve. Most parties follow the Hancock Notch Trail into the drainage, then bushwhack up toward North Huntington before traversing the 0.4-mile ridge to South Huntington. The forest alternates between open sections of mature balsam fir, spruce, and birch and dense bands of scrubby young conifers that require sustained pushing through. Spruce traps, hidden depressions under the canopy, are a particular hazard in winter and early spring when the snowpack can collapse underfoot without warning. The summit area opens up somewhat and holds a register canister. Round trip runs roughly 3 miles with about 1,400 feet of elevation gain, typically taking around six hours.
Navigation competency with map, compass, and GPS is essential. Winter travel on consolidated snow can ease passage through the understory, though the terrain remains demanding in any season.
