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The Avalon Trail leads from the AMC Crawford Notch Visitor Center (railroad depot) to the Willey Range Trail near the summit of Mount Field, passing the excellent viewpoint known as Mount Avalon about 2/3 of the way up. Unfortunately the section above the A-Z Trail is becoming overgrown.
Distance: About 2.6 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2400 feet
Maps:
USGS Crawford Notch
AMC Franconia-Pemigewasset or Crawford Notch-Sandwich Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map G/H-7
DeLorme NHA&G 44-C/D3 - Carroll/Bethlehem
The trail is located SW of US Route 302 at Crawford Notch, between Twin Mountain and Conway
Trailhead: AMC Crawford Notch Visitor Center (railroad depot), elevation about 1900 feet
44.2178°N, 71.4111°W (WGS84)
From I-93 exit 35 near Franconia Notch, follow US Route 3 about 11 miles N to the junction of US Route 302 in Twin Mountain, turn R on US Route 302 and go E about 8.7 miles
Parking adjacent to the depot is signed for short term use only, check inside for parking or use the Webster-Jackson Trail parking lot .2 miles toward the notch.
Far End: Willey Range Trail near Mount Field, elevation about 4240 feet
Owner: AMC and WMNF
Maintainer: Appalachian Mountain Club
Special regulations: NA
The Avalon Trail crosses the tracks behind the depot/visitor center, and immediately enters the woods. At .1 mi. the dead-end Mount Willard Trail branches L. The Avalon Trail soon crosses a brook, and the Cascade Loop leads L past Beecher and Pearl Cascades to rejoin the trail further up. The loop is only .1 mi. longer, but may be rougher and harder to find as there are unofficial paths in the area. The brook is recrossed at .7 mi. and the junction with the A-Z Trail is reached at 1.4 mi.
The Avalon Trail turns L and climbs more steeply. At 1.8 mi. from the depot, a spur trail leads L 200 yds. to the summit of Mount Avalon, elevation 3442. The upper part of this spur requires ledge scrambling, but there is a fine view of the notch and the Presidential Range if you make it up. The main trail continues to climb to the Willey Range Trail. The summit of Mount Field is .1 mi. to the L, with another fine viewpoint.
The depot parking lot may not be plowed in winter. Use the Webster-Jackson Trail parking lot or check with AMC staff about parking at the Highland Center.
Map Notes: Called "Mt Avalon Trail" on USGS map. Spur trail to Mount Avalon and Cascade Loop not shown.
Trailhead correct but upper trail incorrect in DeLorme Atlas.
Brook crossing Avalon Trail [9/03]
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