Mount Pierce, Mountain summit in White Mountains, New Hampshire, United States.
Mount Pierce is a mountain summit in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire, reaching about 4,310 feet (1,315 m) above sea level. It sits within a forested ridge and connects directly to the Appalachian Trail, making it part of a wider network of marked paths through the White Mountains.
The peak was originally called Mount Clinton, named after a New York governor, and kept that name for decades before being renamed in 1913 to honor President Franklin Pierce. Pierce was the only president born in New Hampshire, which is why the state chose to give his name to this summit.
The Crawford Path, which leads up to the summit, is considered the oldest maintained hiking trail in the United States, first opened in 1819. Walkers on this trail follow the same route that people have used for over 200 years, and that continuity is something you can feel with every step.
The trailheads are found near Route 302 and Mount Clinton Road, with parking areas close by that make the start of the hike straightforward. Weather at the top can shift quickly regardless of conditions at the base, so layering and sturdy footwear are worth planning for before you set out.
Although it sits in the same range as far higher peaks like Mount Washington, this summit is listed among the official 4,000-footer peaks of New Hampshire and is considered one of the more approachable in that group. Many hikers use it as a first step before tackling the taller and more exposed summits nearby.
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