Edmands Trail to Eisenhower

landmarkelevdisttime
Mt. Clinton Rd.2000011:00am
stone gateway40002.2mi1:05
Mt. Eisenhower Loop44502.9mi1:40
Mt. Eisenhower47603.3mi2:00
lunch  3:00
Crawford Path44253.7mi3:25
N. end of Mt. E. Loop44754.2mi3:40
back to gate40004.9mi4:05
Mt. Clinton Rd.20007.1mi6:00


A comfortable grade throughout leads to Mt. Eisenhower peak, with beautiful Northwest views, ledgy brook crossings, and a small stone gateway.

J. Rayner Edmands, the pioneer trail maker, relocated and reconstructed this trail in 1909. The rock cribbing and paving in the middle and upper sections of the trail testify to the diligent labor that Edmands devoted to constructing a trail with constant comfortable grades in rather difficult terrain. Most of his work has survived the weather and foot traffic of many decades well, and though erosion has made the footing noticeably rougher in recent years, the trail retains what is probably the easiest grade and footing of any comparable trail in the White Mountains. It is nearly always comfortable, and almost never challenging.

The last 0.2 mile segment before it joins the Mount Eisenhower Loop and Crawford Path is very exposed to the northwest winds and, although short, can create a serious problem in bad weather.



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.