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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.
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.
At the summit an hour is scheduled for lunch, but if the group is on time, sitting on hands for an hour leaves much to be desired. Continuing onto the Jefferson Loop trail and left on the Gulfside trail, within half a mile one comes upon Jefferson Brook, and shortly thereafter Gulfside Spring near the Edmands Cutoff.
If instead the party turned back or is short on time, then that time is better (and more safely) spent exploring part of the scenic Link trail with its several brook crossings and waterfalls.
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, 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.
Karel Domansky