Hike New England - Black Mountain

Black Mountain

Mountain:		Black Mtn. (2757')
Trails:		Black Mountain Ski Trail, East Pasture X-C Ski Trail, Black Mountain Cutoff
Region:		NH - Central East White Mountain National Forest, Carter-Baldface Region
Location:		Jackson, NH
Rating:		Moderate/Difficult
Features:		Summit, views
Distance:		3.5 miles
Elevation Gain:		1500 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:		Actual: 2:25 Typical: 2:30
Outing Duration:		Typical: 4:00
Season:		Summer
Hike Date:		08/28/2008 (Thursday)
Weather:		Clear, dry, 60’s
Author:		James Horner

Route Summary

This hike goes up to the White Mountain National Forest's Black Mountain Cabin and to a knob of Black Mountain; there are views of the nearby mountains from both destinations. The cabin is locked and must be reserved ahead of time with the Saco Ranger District office (603.447.5448).

Start on the Black Mountain Ski Trail and follow it for 1.3 miles to the cabin.
From the cabin, take the left-hand trail which is still Black Mountain Ski Trail. After 0.3 mile, you will arrive at the summit of the Black Mountain knob.
Or, instead of taking the left-hand branch from the cabin, bear right onto Black Mountain Cutoff (a cross-country ski trail). At the next trail junction, turn left onto East Pasture Trail (another cross-country ski trail), and that will turn again to the left, bringing you to the summit after a 0.6-mile walk from the cabin.
Descend to the cabin either by retracing your steps or by taking the opposite route that you hiked up; then from the cabin retrace your steps down Black Mountain Ski Trail for 1.3 miles which will return you to the parking area.

Place	Split Miles	Total Miles	Split Time	Total Time
Black Mountain Ski Trail (1300')	0.0	0.0	0:00	0:00
Black Mountain Cabin (2450')	1.3	1.3
Black Mtn. summit (2757')	0.3	1.6	1:30	1:30
Black Mountain Cabin (2450')	0.6	2.2
Black Mountain Ski Trail (1300')	1.3	3.5	0:55	2:25

Trail map of hike route to Black Mountain (map by Webmaster)

Trail Guide

The first part of this report is a description of a hike up Black Mountain Ski Trail which leads to Black Mountain Cabin and as well as a knob of Black Mountain. The second section describes winter plans incorporating this trail as well as others into an invigorating daylong journey involving both cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.

The Summer Hike | Think Snow: Winter Skiing Plans

The Summer Hike

On August 28, 2008 we hiked up Black Mountain Ski Trail to explore its potential for telemark skiing. The trail goes through an open field and turns right, away from two farmhouses into a 20-foot wide ski trail that gradually steepens. Some of the pitches are off-camber, a quality that would make for a fun descent.

A softwood forest of beech and birch yields to pine as the trail steepens to the cabin maintained by the WMNF. We enjoyed a fine view of the summit of Mount Washington and Huntington Ravine on a perfectly clear day. Continuing on the left behind the cabin is a very narrow trail leading to a spur with an even more impressive view of Mount Hight, Carter Notch and Carter Dome.

Returning to the trail, we continued left to make a loop back to the cabin. A massive blowdown completely blocked the trail, but it is possible to take the trail to the right of the cabin to the Bald Land cross-country ski trail.

View (photo by James Horner)

Think Snow: Winter Skiing Plans

Although we thought the hiking on Black Mountain Ski Trail was easy/moderate we would rate it differently for skiing. The upper half would be most difficult, most of the lower half would be more difficult, and finally the end through the field would be easy.

Our winter plan is to skin up the Bald Land and East Pasture cross-country ski trails to the summit, ski the narrow snowshoe trail to Black Mountain Cabin, descend the wonderful Black Mountain Ski Trail, then ski the nearby Wildcat Valley Ski Trail through the woods to the Black Mountain connector trail . After descending an alpine ski trail at Black Mountain ski area, I can purchase a one-trip lift ticket that will deposit me near another cross-country connector. A final descent of the Bald Land Trail will lead us to the parking lot near the beautiful Windy Hill Bed and Breakfast.

Near Black Mountain Cabin and East Pasture Trail during the winter (photo by James Horner)

Welcome

Welcome hikers, walkers, and snowshoers!

This site is geared towards those that love to be outside. Whether you're looking for outdoor fitness and recreation or wishing to find peace and serenity through nature - we have suggestions for you.

Our free hiking trail guide resource offers everything from short, easy, nature walks to challenging mountain climbs above timberline in the alpine zone. The detailed trail reports with hike descriptions, trail maps, photos, and driving directions serve as a great planning tool. Many of the trail guides are based on hikes in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.

We offer ideas for all seasons so take those boots or snowshoes out of the closet and go for a hike! Get revitalized and melt away stress; there's always a special peace or joy in being surrounded by nature whether you're all alone on a remote path or on a busy trail exchanging cheerful greetings with like-minded people.

HikeNewEngland.com covers hikes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

NH - Central East

Driving Directions

The Black Mountain Ski Trailhead is located in Jackson, New Hampshire, off of Carter Notch Road.

From Rt. 16:

Take Rt. 16 into Jackson.
Once inside the Jackson town limits, take the northern most turn for Rt. 16A. Traveling north, this will be the second turn; going south, it will be the first.
Follow Rt. 16A for only about 0.4 mile and then at Wentworth Hall turn left onto Carter Notch Road which is also Rt. 16B; there is another option for getting onto Rt. 16B a bit farther down the road but things will be simpler if you take this first turn onto the combined Carter Notch Road/Rt. 16B.
Follow Carter Notch Road for 3.7 miles.
Turn right onto Melloon Road.
Follow Melloon Road for 0.3 mile, bearing left uphill, which will bring you to the good-sized trailhead parking area at the end of the road.

Other Notes

Although not all of Carter Notch Road is open during the winter, this section from Jackson to the Black Mountain Ski Trail is open year round.

WMNF Recreational Pass

A parking permit is required to park at White Mountain National Forest trailheads and parking areas. You can purchase a WMNF permit from the forest service and other vendors and can also pay-by-the-day using self-service kiosks located in many parking areas.

For more information on parking passes please refer to the White Mountain National Forest website.

Rates:

$5 per day
$30 for a year-long pass
$40 for a year for a household

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Jump to Section
	Hike Summary
	Route Summary
	Mileage/Time Splits
	Trail Map
	Trail Guide
		The Summer Hike
		Think Snow: Winter Skiing Plans
	Driving Directions
	Other Notes