Mt Morgan & Mt Percival, Squam Lakes NH
• 4-star hike
• 4 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,400 to 1,550 feet
• Holderness NH | Lakes Region
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Admiring the views of Squam Lakes from Mount Percival.
The best views are always earned, and the views of New Hampshire's lakes region from Mount Morgan and Mount Percival are no exception. This hike begins close to the shores of Squam Lakes and climbs steadily towards the mountain peaks and past occasional creek crossings on only moderately rocky trails.
Reaching the summit of Mount Morgan should be fairly easy for anyone who can manage the 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Approaching the summit, the ladders and short boulder cave combines with some rock ledges for a fun route to the summit. If you'd prefer the alternative and less precipitous final ascent there's an easier adjacent trail, but remember to check out the lookout area marked on the map for the best views, as the summit of Morgan itself offers no views.
| ⬤ 4★ Mount Morgan Out & Back
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
| ⬤ 4★ Mounts Morgan & Percival Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
⬤ Mount Morgan Out & Back
The out-and-back route to Mount Morgan is the easiest hike mapped here, and the route features a sure and steady gradual incline up the mountain. Although there are no views on the way up, at the top the lake views are superb, as are the views of the Southern White Mountains from Mount Percival including the peak of Sandwich Mountain (which is fourteen feet shy of being a 4,000 footer).
⬤ Mounts Morgan & Percival Loop
A looping trail including the summit of Mount Percival includes some occasional and small rock scrambles. The ridgeline trail between peaks offers no views, but the Mount Percival summit has more lake vistas, and the best Southern White Mountain views.
Similar to the neighboring peak, there are two trail options near the summit of Mount Percival - an easier route with a rock scramble, or a boulder cave route with a remarkably small entrance. If you want to try this route, then be sure to take the yellow painted arrows literally to find the way through the rocks, as without these markings you probably wouldn't spot the gap in the boulders through which you'll have to squeeze. We're very thankful for the option of two trails here!
Three ladders and a short talus cave on Mount Morgan.
The trail up and down from Mount Percival is steeper than Mount Morgan's counterpart, but coming down it wasn't difficult for us. If we were hiking with ice present however, we'd probably go up Percival and down Morgan rather than the other way around. Note that trails in this area are closed during spring mud season. Check out the 'official' link below to find any notifications of these closures, or see if there have been any recent trail reviews at AllTrails.
Mounts Morgan and Percival are listed on the New Hampshire 52 With A View challenge, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. The link at the foot of this article takes you to Trailspotting's map of the peaks on the full list and shows all of the trails on which to reach them. Follow us as we explore all the peaks on this list and publish trail reviews featuring descriptions, photography and downloadable maps.
Both the ladder route on Mount Morgan and the boulder cave diversion on Mount Percival are listed on the New Hampshire Terrifying 25 challenge. However, we regard both of these supposedly challenging routes as moderate, unless you've eaten too many pies before tackling the Mount Percival boulder cave.
Panorama from the top of Mount Morgan.
Tangents:
• Official Link: Squam Lakes Association
• Trail Links: Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
NH 52 With A View
Routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with supreme views.
Routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with supreme views.
New Hampshire Terrifying 25
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.
