Mt Jefferson Caps Ridge, NH

• 5-star hike
• 5 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 2,670 feet
• Bowman, NH | White Mountains
. NH4K T25

The image depicts a vibrant landscape view from an elevated vantage point. In the foreground, there are large, smooth rocks with a small, round depression filled with water. Beyond the rocks is a dense forest of coniferous trees stretching into the distance. The forest covers rolling hills and leads up to a prominent mountain peak under a clear blue sky. The scene is interesting for its natural beauty and the contrast between the rocky outcrop and the lush greenery.

Stunning views of Mount Jefferson from the Caps.

Take a short hike up a tall mountain on this epic trail to the summit of Mount Jefferson, which is an excellent sampler for New Hampshire White Mountain hiking, particularly if you’re visiting or if you’re dipping your toes into tackling the famed four thousand footers.

Located at the top of the highest public road in the state, the trailhead on Jefferson Notch Road sets you well on the way to reach the 5,712 foot summit, but there’s still a vertical half-mile of work yet to be done. Only the first third of the route is under tree cover, so we’d choose sunscreen over bug repellant. Also take note that the Presidential Range is notorious for strong winds and sudden temperature drops so pay attention to the forecast and consider packing extra layers.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Caps Ridge Trail 4.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2670 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

The hike begins at a moderate incline on partly rocky ground, but as the vegetation recedes the terrain becomes rockier. Once you reach the ‘caps’ – the smooth outcroppings of granite which afford excellent views all around – your trail is now pretty much all rocks. The pitch of the climb increases from here with increasingly large rocky steps rising out of the mountain. Most of the terrain is navigable without scrambling though an occasional stabilizing hand will come in handy.

Continue straight up when the trail route intersects with the Cornice Trail, then after a little more rocky terrain you’ll finally be at the summit. The peak rewards with crowning views of the White Mountains, made even more spectacular by the accompanying adjacent peaks of Mount Washington to the South and Adams to the Northeast.

Though the trailhead parking lot can accommodate a number of vehicles it can fill up early and cars start parking on the road (parking rules unclear here). Arrive early if possible, or if arriving in the afternoon you're likely to find some spaces opening up. Note that Jefferson Notch Road is usually seasonally closed from November to June, so confirm before setting out during shoulder months.

The image depicts a group of hikers ascending a mountain trail. The terrain is rocky with green vegetation on the sides. The sky is clear with few clouds, suggesting good weather conditions for hiking. In the foreground, an individual is seen using trekking poles for support. The expansive view of rolling hills and distant mountains under the vast sky creates a sense of adventure and natural beauty.

Steady going on the rocky and popular Caps Ridge Trail.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two different scenes from a hiking trail. The left side of the image shows a rocky, forested trail with tall trees and a path covered in rocks and roots. The trail appears to be ascending through a dense forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The right side of the image shows a trail signpost on a rocky, mountainous terrain. The signpost has two signs: the top sign reads 'USFS Caps Ridge Trail 0.4 -> Mt. Jefferson <- Jefferson Notch Rd. 2.1' and the bottom sign reads 'The Cornice -> To Gulfside Trail for Mt. Washington'

Contrast of trails from trailhead to Cornice Junction near summit.

The image shows a panoramic view of a lush, green mountainous landscape under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The foreground features large rocks with small indentations, while the background reveals a vast expanse of forested hills and valleys.

Views towards Mount Washington from Caps Ridge.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Caps Ridge Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Mount Washington (8-9 mi) · 4★ Mount Hayes (6-7 mi) · 5★ Presidential Rail Trail (19 mi) · Show Map

New Hampshire 4,000 Footers
Forty eight peaks all above 4,000 feet, including the massive Mt Washington.

New Hampshire Terrifying 25
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.