Mount Pierce at 4,313 feet marks the southern end of the Presidential Range above Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Renamed in 1913 to honor Franklin Pierce, the only U.S. president born in New Hampshire, the peak was previously called Mount Clinton. It is considered one of the more approachable NH 4000-footers, with a steadily graded ascent and rewarding open-summit views.
The standard route follows Crawford Path, the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the Northeast, first cut in 1819. The round trip from the Crawford Notch trailhead covers roughly 6.6 miles with 2,450 feet of gain and takes 5 to 6 hours. The lower trail passes through the Gibbs Brook Scenic Area, where old-growth red spruce and large yellow birch line the path, and a short spur leads to Gibbs Falls. At 3,800 feet, Mizpah Spring Hut offers a rest stop before a steeper push on Webster Cliff Trail to the summit.
The summit sits above treeline and delivers near-360-degree views, with the Southern Presidential Range spread to the northeast and Mount Washington dominating the horizon. Low-growing alpine plants, including diapensia, alpine azalea, and Labrador tea, cover the rocky ground and bloom in early June. The uncommon Bicknell's thrush can sometimes be heard singing in the krummholz just below the top. Above-treeline exposure makes conditions here volatile; the hike is unsafe in storms or heavy icing.
David Andre
