The Edmands Path begins on a level grade as it crosses small brooks and then the more significant Abenaki Brook on a bridge, and proceeds through a wet area. The climb then begins up the west ridge of Mt. Eisenhower, with rougher footing. After 2 miles the trail reaches a section supported by extensive rock cribbing and through a small stone gateway. The trail then climbs over a ledge and up a steep rocky pitch, before leveling out along the north slope of Mt. Eisenhower with views through the sparse trees. The trail emerges from the trees entirely and crosses a talus slope to meet up with the Mt. Eisenhower Loop, with the Crawford Path/Appalachian Trail a few yards farther ahead on the Edmunds Path.
From its junction with the Edmands Path, the Mount Eisenhower Loop passes through a grassy area then climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks to a ledge overlooking the boggy Red Pond. From this ledge the trail ascends more moderately to the summit of Mount Eisenhower (elevation 4,760 feet). There is a large cairn at the summit, and a defined round viewing area, created to protect the summit's surrounding fragile alpine vegetation. From the Edmands Path trailhead on Mt. Clinton Road to the Mount Eisenhower summit on the Loop trail is a distance of 3.3 miles.
HISTORY
The trail is named after pioneer trail builder J. Rayner Edmands, who relocated and reconstructed this trail in 1909. The rock cribbing and paving in the middle and upper sections of the trail help to make it one of the most moderate grades of any comparable trail in the Presidential Range, due to Edmand's efforts.
HIKE SAFE
Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:
Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!
The Mount Eisenhower trails are managed by the White Mountains National Forest and maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. For more information about the trails visit the Forest Service trails page, or contact:
From US-302 head northeast on Mt. Clinton Road, which is 0.2 miles north of the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch on US-302. Go 2.3 miles up Mt. Clinton Road to a parking lot at the trailhead on the right.
Please note: Mt. Clinton Road is closed in the winter.
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