The view from the fire tower at the top of Mount Kearsarge is breathtaking. The 6.4-mile hike is challenging and begins at a small marsh off of Hurricane Mountain Road, which leads into the forest. The steady climb cuts through the forest for about a mile and a half before opening up on open rock, exposing the initial views. The trail continues through the forest until reaching the summit.
It can be windy at the top, which is why the tower is a welcome sight because not only do the glass windows provide amazing 360-views of the eastern White Mountains and western Maine, but hikers get a break from the elements and a chance to warm up before trekking back down. The tower was originally built in 1909 and then rebuilt in the 1950s. It became inactive in 1968 but is maintained by USFS. Mount Kearsarge North Trail is popular year-round, including in the colder months, but it is most popular from April through October.
If you go…
This trail is about 10 minutes from North Conway. Trailhead and parking area are on Hurricane Mountain Road in Bartlett, New Hampshire.