 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
The Jewell Trail leads from the Base Station Road to the Gulfside Trail on the side of Mount Clay. It is probably the least steep way to hike up Mount Washington and is often used as a loop with the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, or can be used for a combined ascent of Mounts Washington and Jefferson. Even so, there is a long distance above treeline subject to adverse weather, and the upper part of the footway is quite rocky.
The present trailhead is at a WMNF parking area as summer parking at the Cog Railway base station is restricted to patrons and visitors only, but if you decide to hike up and take the train down (or vice versa) the old trail from the Cog Railway lot still connects to the present trail.
Distance: To Gulfside Trail, about 3.7 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2800 feet
Maps:
USGS Mount Washington
AMC Presidential Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2004-2005 map G-8
DeLorme NHA&G 44-A5/6 - Chandlers Purchase/Thompson and Meserves Purchase
The trail is located E of I-93 exit 35
Trailhead:
Parking area on South side of Base Station Road about 1.1 miles above Jefferson Notch Road and before reaching Cog Railway complex, elevation about 2500 feet
44.267°N, 71.361°W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
From I-93 exit 35, follow US Route 3 N about 10.4 miles to Twin Mountain. Turn R on US Route 302 and follow it 4.4 miles, then turn L on Base Station Road. Follow this about 5.6 miles to USFS parking area on R.
Far End: Gulfside Trail near Mount Clay, elevation about 5300 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: White Mountain National Forest
Special regulations: No fires or camping above treeline unless there is at least 2 feet of snow
The Jewell Trail in combination with the Boundary Line Trail starts across the road from the parking area, and descends slightly to cross the Ammonoosuc River before a gentle ascent of the ridge beyond. At .3 miles, the Boundary Line Trail goes L while the Jewell Trail turns R and climbs up along the ridge. At 1.0 miles, the new trail enters the original route of the trail (the old trail can be followed R .4 miles back to the Base Station) and soon descends L to cross Clay Brook.
The trail then climbs steeply up the near side of the ridge, then moderates and crosses to the far side. The footway gets very rocky as the trees get smaller, and at 3.0 miles the trail breaks out above treeline and switchbacks to end at the Gulfside Trail/Appalachian Trail at 3.7 miles. Turn R for Mount Washington, which is 1.3 miles with 1000 feet of climb via the Gulfside Trail and Trinity Heights Connector, and L for Mount Jefferson, which is 1.8 miles with 400 feet of descent and 800 feet of climb via the Gulfside Trail and Mount Jefferson Loop.
The Cog Railway is operating ski trains during winter 2004-2005, and Base Station Road (but not Mount Clinton Road) is plowed. Although the USFS parking lot was not plowed in early 2005, the Cog Railway has allowed day hikers to park in the first (lowest) lot on the L at the Base Station. Overnight hikers should pay a $5 fee.
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show the new parking area and new route of the trail at the bottom.
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |