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The Caps Ridge Trail runs from a parking lot near the height of land on the Jefferson Notch Road up the Ridge of the Caps to the summit of Mount Jefferson, providing the shortest summer approach to the Northern Presidentials. There is some scrambling probably involving use of hands, particularly over the ledge outcrops known as the Caps, so hikers with a fear of heights should avoid this trail. Mount Jefferson is at the NW corner of the Presidentials and receives more wind, snow, and ice than most White Mountain summits.
Distance: About 2.5 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2700 feet, nominal on return
Maps:
USGS Mt Washington
AMC Presidential Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map G-8
DeLorme NHA&G 48-K5/6 - Thompson and Meserves Purchase
Thompson and Meserves Purchase is an unincorporated place which contains much of the N side of Mount Washington including the cog railway and the Great Gulf. The trail is located off the Jefferson Notch Road, a seasonal gravel road between US Route 302 near Bretton Woods and US Route 2 near Randolph.
Trailhead: Parking area on E side of Jefferson Notch Road near height of land, about 5.4 miles S of Valley Road and 3.4 miles N of Base Station Road, elevation about 3008 feet
From Exit 35 off I-93, take US Route 3 N about 13 miles to NH Route 115. Go E on NH Route 115 about 8.5 miles and turn R on Valley Road just beyond the abandoned RR tracks. Follow Valley Road about 3.0 miles, then turn R on Jefferson Notch Road and follow it about 5.4 miles to parking lot on L.
N 44.2964, -71.3534 W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
Far End: Summit of Mount Jefferson, elevation about 5712 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: Appalachian Mountain Club
Special regulations: No camping within 1/4 mile of trailhead, or above treeline with less than 2 feet of snow
The Caps Ridge Trail leaves the parking area and crosses some wet areas on log bridges before beginning a steady but moderate ascent. After about a mile, the trail reaches some large boulders with potholes, with views of Mount Washington and some unnamed ravines. The trail soon reaches the junction with The Link, then climbs more steeply along the ridge. Just before reaching the rock outcrops of the first Cap, the trail climbs some steep ledges in the scrub.
The trail ascends steeply up the rock of the first Cap, then dips briefly to cross another outcrop. After a section of low scrub, the trail climbs over the second Cap followed by a brief descent. The trail ascends slightly to the junction at 2.1 miles with The Cornice, which circles the N and W sides of Mount Jefferson with some shelter from wind and lightning but rougher footing than the main trails over the summit. Above this point the Caps Ridge Trail is all in the open, climbing over a spur to reach the summit pinnacle at 2.5 miles. A short descent leads to a signpost for the Mount Jefferson Loop, which connects to the Castle Trail and the Six Husbands Trail.
The Jefferson Notch Road is not plowed or otherwise maintained in winter. Do not expect to drive it from November to May in ordinary cars although 4wd vehicles can be used if there is only a little snow. In mid-winter it is closed to wheeled vehicles and used by snowmobiles.
Map Notes: The USGS map shows the junction with The Link too far down at its former location, and does not show The Cornice going straight across (which it nearly does).
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