The Percy Peaks Trail earns its place on the Terrifying 25 through the final approach to North Percy Peak (3,415'), where the forest trail gives way to wide-open granite slabs that sweep steeply toward the summit. At just under 1.9 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the shorter but more demanding trails on the list, packing its vertical into a relentless climb through Nash Stream Forest in New Hampshire's North Country.
The first mile ascends steadily through spruce and fir, climbing over roots and rocks typical of the region. The terrain turns serious in the upper half, where the trail steepens considerably before breaking treeline and reaching the open slabs. The final 0.3-mile slab ascent is the crux: steep, exposed granite that requires sure footing and good grip. While the moves themselves don't demand technical climbing skills, conditions dictate whether the route is manageable or genuinely hazardous. Wet or icy granite becomes extremely slippery and the consequences of a slip are significant — dry weather is not optional here.
The summit rewards with one of the finest 360-degree panoramas in northern New Hampshire, taking in Mount Washington and the Presidentials to the south, peaks in Maine to the east, Vermont ridgelines to the west, and nearby Sugarloaf to the north. Access is via Nash Stream Road, an unpaved road that is gated seasonally and typically open from Memorial Day through November. The trailhead sees far less traffic than comparable White Mountain objectives, making it an appealing choice for those willing to venture into the North Country.
