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The Israel Ridge Path runs from the Castle Trail in Castle Ravine to Lowes Path near the summit of Mount Adams. This path was once well graded, but a century of hikers have caused considerable erosion and the second quarter of this trail is very rough and steep. Because of the steep ravines they drain, the brooks that must be crossed can rise alarmingly after rains. The last quarter of the trail is above treeline and susceptible to weather-related hazards, but the footing in dry weather is among the best on the trail and in wet weather at least there are no wet branches to rub on.
That portion of Israel Ridge Path which runs in conjunction with the Gulfside Trail is part of the Appalachian Trail.
Distance: From Castle Trail to Lowes Path, about 3.8 miles one-way
From US Route 2 to Mount Adams, about 5.3 miles one-way
Elevation gain: From Castle Trail to Lowes Path, about 3800 feet, nominal on return
From US Route 2 to Mount Adams, about 4300 feet, nominal on return
Maps:
USGS Mount Washington
AMC Presidential Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map G-8
DeLorme NHA&G 48-J5/K6 - Low and Burbanks Grant/Thompson and Meserves Purchase
The trail is on the Northern Presidentials which is NE of I-93 Exit 35
Lower End: Castle Trail about 1.3 miles from trailhead on US Route 2 at Bowman (trailhead 44.3575°N, 71.3446°W WGS84), elevation about 1800 feet
Upper End: Lowes Path about .2 miles below the summit of Mount Adams, elevation about 5600 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: Randolph Mountain Club
Special regulations: No camping within 1/4 mile of The Perch, or above treeline unless there is two feet of snow or more
The Israel Ridge Path leaves the Castle Trail about 1.3 miles from the trailhead on US Route 2, and angles gradually downhill to cross the Israel River. It follows up the E bank with one scramble up a ledge that extends into the river, to a junction at .4 miles where the Castle Ravine Trail continues up the river while the Israel Ridge Path angles L uphill away from it. The next section of trail is a steady moderate upgrade on an overgrown path climbing far away from the river. At 1.3 miles, there are three junctions in quick succession which are barely out of sight of each other and can lead to confusion:
The Israel Ridge Path continues uphill parallel to Cascade Brook, climbing two log ladders. A short path R leads to a steep slippery ledge with a view of the Cascades. At 1.4 miles, the trail dips to cross Cascade Brook; while this crossing is not especially difficult at low water, during medium or high water a slip may result in washing over The Cascades with serious results. The trail now begins a steep muddy ascent to near Israel Ridge, climbing another log ladder, before turning L to run on narrow sidehill along the ridge. It uses yet another log ladder to climb to a rock atop a boulder cave, then passes a boulder cave to the R of the trail. After passing through a thicket which hides rocks in the footway, the trail reaches a junction with the Emerald Trail at 2.1 miles.
Above this the Israel Ridge Path is better cleared, and the footing is less muddy although still rocky. At 2.4 miles the Perch Path leads L to The Perch, a leanto and campsite where a fee is collected by the RMC. Shortly beyond, the trail breaks above treeline and at 2.8 miles reaches the first junction with the Randolph Path, a generally easier route up from the valley. Above treeline the Israel Ridge Path has been graded by placing rocks flat for a sidewalk effect, but a hundred years of weather and hikers has allowed some to loosen or slide away. At 3.0 miles, the Randolph Path leaves R for Edmands Col while the Israel Ridge Path angles more steeply uphill along the side of the ridge. It passes through an area of low scrub before reaching the Gulfside Trail at 3.3 miles opposite the point labelled as Adams 5 on the USGS map.
The Israel Ridge Path and the Gulfside Trail now run together to the L, descending slightly before angling up to the col between Adams and Sam Adams. Near the col, the Israel Ridge Path turns R and climbs the ridge toward the summit of Mount Adams. A line of cairns marking Lowes Path converges from the L, and at 3.8 miles the Israel Ridge Path ends at the junction. Follow Lowes Path .2 miles to the right for the summit of Mount Adams.
The brook crossings and steep terrain can be even more difficult with snow or ice
Map Notes: The USGS 1:25,000 metric map incorrectly labels Adams 5
Ladder Israel Ridge Trail [7/04]
Adams 5 from Israel Ridge Trail jct [7/04]
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