The Huntington Ravine Trail climbs the precipitous headwall of a glacial cirque on the east face of Mt. Washington, ascending roughly 2,100 feet in under two miles. The route begins at Pinkham Notch and follows the ravine floor through boulder fields and stunted birch before reaching the Fan, a steep rock-and-debris slide that drains the upper cirque. Above the Fan, the trail commits fully to the headwall: a sustained Class 3-4 scramble over slanted slabs, exposed ledges, and a narrow chimney that demands hands and feet throughout. Multiple sections are no-fall zones. Once above the Fan, retreat becomes extremely hazardous, so hikers must be confident before committing.
The AMC White Mountain Guide describes this as the hardest maintained hiking trail in the White Mountains. Trail blazes are sparse on the headwall and it is easy to stray into unprotected technical terrain. The summit plateau is reached via the Alpine Garden Trail, which intersects near the top of the headwall.
The trail should never be attempted in wet conditions; smooth granite becomes glass when damp, and afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly on Washington's exposed upper cone. It is a one-way ascent only. Check current conditions at Pinkham Notch before starting and allow a full day with time to descend by an alternate route such as Lion Head.
