Caps and Castles Loop

Michael H. Baym

Presidentials bus
landmarkelevdisttime
Caps Ridge Trailhead3008011:00am
The Link38001.1mi12:00
lowest Cap44221.5mi12:30
highest Cap48301.9mi1:00
the Cornice50252.1mi1:15
Mt. Jefferson57162.5mi1:45
lunch  2:15
the Cornice51003.0mi2:45
first Castle44503.7mi3:30
The Link40254.0mi4:00
Caps Ridge Tr.38005.6mi5:00
Caps Ridge Trailhead30086.7mi6:00pm


The Caps and Castles loop starts scenic and not too difficult along the bottom of the Caps Ridge Trail, then turns into steep ascents and rock scrambling over rounded "Cap" ridge outcrops to a high, exposed peak, then down again over the jutting "Castle" ridges to the safety of the treeline and down. The path then along the Link beautiful itself, and provides many scenic views before meeting the Caps Ridge trail again for the final descent.

The trailhead is well marked on Jefferson Notch Road, and despite appearances there is a parking lot where the bus can turn around. The trail starts off level and wet, then begins a steeper ascent until another long level stretch that winds up at a beautiful overlook. There are several potholes in this outcrop; such potholes are normally formed only by torrential streams, and such streams occur on high ridges like the Ridge of the Caps only during the melting of a clacier, so these potholes indicate to geologists that the continental ice sheet once covered this area. The link trail fork is just a hundred yards off to the left, and is hand-marked "very dangerous"; reserve your scorn 'til you meet the dragon.

Continue up the trail another long moderate stretch, ascend out of the scrub, and behold the mountain ahead. There are several large "Caps", rounded rock outcroppings, marking the ridge. From here it's rock climbing and scrambling up to the Cornice and the peak. This upper part is very exposed to weather and can be more strenuous than expected from the distance and elevation gain.

After a breather at the summit, turn North onto the Castle trail. This crosses the invisible Cornice and descends down over the craggy Ridge of Castles. There are slippery parts and long scrambles toward the bottom as you approach and head into the trees, but shortly thereafter you find the other end of the Link trail.

Turn left and enjoy more scenic views, a number of brook crossings, and the occasional bright white slab of quartz as you round Jefferson's northwestside on your way back to the Caps Ridge Trail. A more leisurely pace is planned here so you can enjoy the surrounding fauna.

Caution: The peaks and higher ridges of [the Northern Peaks] are nearly as exposed to the elements as Mt. Washington, and should be treated with the same degree of respect and caution. Severe winterlike storms can occur at any time of the year, and many lives have been lost in this area from failure to observe the basic principles of safety. In addition, all of the major peaks are strenuous climbs by even the easiest routes. The distances quoted may not seem long to a novice, but [this is the only] route to a major peak that involves less than 3000 ft. of climbing, and this trail is not an easy one. Although the Caps Ridge Trail is relatively short, it is also quite steep with numerous scrambles on ledges that a person unfamiliar with mountain trails might find daunting. ...The substantial effort required to climb these peaks, together with the threat of sudden and violent storms, should make the need to avoid overextending oneself quite apparent.

Above timberline

Please use special care above timberline. Extreme weather and a short growing season make the vegetation in these areas especially fragile. Mere footsteps can destroy the toughest natural cover, so please try to stay on the trail or walk on rocks.

Above timberline, the trail is marked sometimes by paint, but sometimes only by piles of rocks. In the event of a storm, take cover, and especially stay low in the event of electrical activity. For this trail, if the weather is bad, turn back. Even in relatively good weather, it is often very windy, rainy, and cold above the timberline. A windbreaker or jacket is indispensible, and a hat useful. Consider wearing (or at least carrying) wool or synthetic clothing, as cotton dries slowly and can drain a lot of body heat.

I have stolen heavily from the White Mountain Guide for this summary.