Mount Cube, Orford NH

• 5-star hike
• 5 to 8 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,590 to 2,240 feet
• Orford, NH | Sunapee Region
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The image shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop, looking out over a large forested area with hills and mountains in the distance. The sky is mostly clear with a few clouds. The person is wearing hiking gear, including a cap, long-sleeve shirt, pants, and a backpack.

Looking east from the North Peak viewpoint.

Capped by gleaming white quartzite rock, Mount Cube's summit is a spectacle in and of itself, though you'll probably be too busy admiring the many views across the New Hampshire landscape in all directions. Absolutely justifying its place on the New Hampshire 52-With-A-View list, we recommend that this mountain is best scaled on a clear day to appreciate it in all its glory. Though the summit itself has some great southerly scenes towards Smarts Mountain, be sure to hike the spur trail northward to find the best views the mountain has to offer.

So far we've explored the most popular of the two trails to the summit, with shady Cross-Rivendell Trail being our favorite so far. Not only is it the shortest route with the least elevation gain, but it offers great views beyond the Connecticut River Valley into Vermont that can't be seen from the other approaches. Expect only a moderate hill-climb on this route.
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5★ Cross Rivendell Trail 4.7 mi out-and-back, medium, gain 1,590 ft.
Shortest, least gain, additional viewpoints.
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

4★ Appalachian Trail 6.7 mi out-and-back, medium, gain 2,130 ft.
Longer, more elevation, creek crossings.
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Kodak Trail 7.5 mi out-and-back, gain 2,240 ft.
Yet to review.
Public Map at AllTrails · Directions

Our map only shows part of the full 36 mile long Cross-Rivendell trail which connects the three schools of the Rivendell Interstate School with the towns of Orford in New Hampshire and Vershire in Vermont. We've included a link to their website at the bottom of this article, which features maps of the full route.

The Appalachian Trail segment that scales the northeastern flanks of Mount Cube covers more terrain, including several stream crossings, but unfortunately offers no viewpoints on its ascent. Gradients remain moderate, though on the sustained climb you might meet a through-hiker or two taking a breather. Feel free to say hello and offer them water or food that you might have to spare!

The image shows a person walking towards a trailhead. The trailhead has a wooden signpost on the left that reads “CROSS-RIVENDELL TRAIL” with an arrow pointing right and “MT. CUBE SUMMIT 2.0”. There is also a wooden information board with various papers and notices pinned to it.

Cross-Rivendell Trail has lowest miles and elevation.

We look forward to hiking the Kodak trail in the future. This is a continuation of the Appalachian Trail as it heads south towards Smarts Mountain and includes the Hexacuba Shelter at around the half-way mark. Apparently this trail is named the Kodak trail because it passes over the Eastman Ridge and is a droll reference to the name of the old Eastman Kodak photography company.

Mount Cube is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, 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.

A scenic landscape from a high vantage point. In the foreground, tree branches and coniferous trees frame the view. The middle ground features a prominent rounded hill or small mountain covered in greenery. The background extends into the distance with layers of green-covered hills or mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A layer of white clouds or fog sits in the valleys between the hills.

Cross-Rivendell offers westerly views from the trail.

The image is a split view with two parts. On the left, a person is hiking up a rocky trail surrounded by green foliage and trees, wearing a red top, grey pants, and carrying a backpack. On the right, there is a close-up of a wooden signpost attached to a tree. The signpost reads: APPALACHIAN TRAIL NORTH, NH RT 25A 3.3, ATWELL HILL RD 4.1, WATCHAUPAUKA POND 10.1, JEFFERS BROOK SHELTER 13.2. The arrows point to the right, indicating the direction and distances to these locations on the Appalachian Trail.

Only minor rock scrambles near the summit.

The image shows a panoramic view of a vast natural landscape from a high vantage point. An individual stands on the edge of a rocky outcrop, looking out over dense forests, open fields, and a body of water, possibly a lake. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and distant mountain ranges fade into the horizon.

Don't miss out on the views north of the main summit.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting: 52-With-A-View List, NH Challenge Lists
• Official: Cross Rivendell Trail
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Cross Rivendell, Appalachian Trail, Kodak
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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