Mount Jefferson is one of the best mountains that New Hampshire has to offer. It has gorgeous 360-degree views of the White Mountains and one of the shortest trails to the peak. It is the most beautiful place that we have visited in the Eastern United States. We loved hiking to the top of Mount Jefferson and were so surprised with the views. If you like hiking, this is definitely a hike to add to your bucket list.
Where is Mount Jefferson?
Mount Jefferson is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA. It has an elevation of 5,712 feet and a prominence of 742 feet (**prominence is essentially the height of the mountain from the base ground around it). Mount Jefferson is the third highest mountain in New Hampshire. From the summit of Mount Jefferson, you can see for many miles, including views of Mount Washington (the tallest mountain in New Hampshire), Mount Clay, and Mount Adams. Mount Jefferson is named after President Thomas Jefferson, just as other mountains in the Presidential Range are named after past Presidents of the United States. Mount Jefferson is 6.5 hours from New York City and 3 hours from Boston, MA.
How to Hike Mount Jefferson?
Mount Jefferson has the shortest trail (distance-wise) to the summit of a mountain in the Presidential Range. The most direct way to the summit is via the Caps Ridge Trail. The Caps Ridge Trail is around 2.7 miles to the summit of Mount Jefferson. Roundtrip, the hike is around 5.7 miles. However, even though this trail is one of the shorter summit trails, it should not be underestimated. It can be absolutely difficult at times and has many scrambles (**scrambling is somewhere in between hiking and climbing, essentially using your hands to help you “hike” up steep rocks).
There are a few options of the exact trail to take. The first option is to hike straight up Caps Ridge Trail and return in the exact same way. The second option is to take the Caps Ridge Trail to the top of Mount Jefferson and return back via the Jefferson Loop Trail. The third option is the hike up the Caps Ridge Trail to Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams and Mount Monroe and back to the trailhead.
Quick Overview of the Caps Ridge Trail and Jefferson Loop Trail
There is very little flat area on this trail and most of the time you will be constantly ascending. The first mile-ish of the trail is through a beautiful pine forest. When starting the hike in the morning, it was very foggy and eerie in the forest. We saw many cool mushrooms along the forest floor. Continue up. When you first break above the tree line, there will be the first of many beautiful views along the trail. If it is still foggy for you at this point, you may not be able to see it and hopefully the fog will clear for you when you return. There will be a short flat bit before you reach the first scrambles, still partially surrounded by trees. Once the scrambles start, they will not really stop until you reach the top. There are a few rock “caps” you will scramble up, and the first one is definitely the hardest. It looks very intimidating as you approach it. Honestly, I was super scared while standing at the bottom and looking straight up. Take your time and you can do it. If the rocks are wet, they are slicker, so go as slow as you need to. If it is clear weather, the view from the top of the first cap is beautiful. Continue hiking up and up. As you get closer to the top, the trail is a little harder to follow, so make sure you follow the signs for the Caps Ridge Trail and look for rock cairns (**manmade stacks of rocks) and follow the trail from the top.
When you reach the top, soak in all of the beautiful views! If it is too windy when you are there, hunch behind some of the bigger rocks that will block the wind for you and make a stark difference in temperature. From the top you can see Mount Adams and Mount Washington. Watch the clouds blow past at high speeds. When you are ready to go down (if you aren’t continuing to Mount Adams), you can either return the way you came or take the Jefferson Loop down. The Jefferson Loop is a small addition to the trail that takes you down through the Monticello Lawn (an area covered in alpine grass) before connecting with the Caps Ridge Trail farther down the mountain. The Jefferson Loop allows you the opportunity to see some different terrain and get more mountain views with a little less wind. The way down is much easier than the way up. Whichever way you choose, the way down is almost prettier since you are facing the pretty views the entire way. Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy the view!
What should I wear?
Wearing the right clothes is super important to enjoying any hike. If you don’t have the correct gear, it could be very uncomfortable or even dangerous. Check the weather before your trip. It is likely you will not have service in the area around the trailhead, so check before your trip. The weather in the White Mountains changes constantly, so definitely prepare for a wide variety of weather situations.
Regardless of the season, definitely wear closed-toed shoes (such as hiking boots or trail runners) due to the rocky nature of the trail. Wear layers that can be easily removed or added if the weather changes on you. The weather at the trailhead may be warm and 80 degrees, but the summit may be foggy and feel like 40 degrees, so prepare accordingly. Try to wear synthetic materials and avoid wearing cotton that can soak up your sweat and leave you feeling cold and wet all day.
We hiked to the top of Mount Jefferson on a sunny day at the beginning of September, and we were wearing toboggans, fleece jackets, puffy coats, and windbreakers for most of the hike. It was a beautiful day, but the wind is very fast. The wind can get up to 200mph sometimes throughout the year on top some of the Presidential Mountains. Keep this in mind as you prepare your outfit and what you will pack.
What should I pack?
wind-breaker jacket. In addition to packing the right clothes, bring a wind-breaker jacket if possible.
water. There are no water sources on the trail, so bring more water than you think you will need.
hiking poles. While these are not 100% necessary, they can really save your knees and prevent you from slipping on slick rocks.
snacks. There’s not a better place to eat a granola bar than on the summit of a mountain (but any snack will do).
navigation device(s). Be prepared to navigate the trail on the hike, and if you plan on using any digital device, be sure to have a back-up way of navigation.
first-aid kit. It doesn’t hurt to have a small first aid kit with band-aids, medical tape, gauze, and alcohol pads. Also, if you have an epi-pen or inhaler, you should bring it just in case.
emergency preparedness. Have a plan in case you become lost, are stuck out after dark, or become majorly hurt. We like to keep a headlamp, emergency blanket, compass, and whistle with us.
This is a very minimal list, so there are other things you will likely bring with you, but I hope this helps in terms of what to bring.
Tips for Hiking Mount Jefferson
Don’t give up
This hike can be really hard and at times feel impossible. Even with hiking all the time, this hike was more difficult than I expected it to be. Especially after the first “cap” that is particularly hard, I felt like giving up, but am so glad that I didn’t. The views are 100% worth the struggle. (That being said, if you are hurt, unable, or the weather is bad, please turn around to avoid being seriously injured or worse!)
Be patient
As stated, the weather changes so quickly here. When we arrived at the trailhead, it was still dark and foggy. We hiked 2/3 of the way to the top and had been scrambling on wet rocks through the fog. We were in the clouds and couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of us. We had no clue what it looked like around us or how far up we had hiked. After a few hours on the trail, the clouds slowly began to clear and we were able to see all the beauty around us. We appreciated the beautiful views so much more after spending so long in the same area with absolutely no views. Be patient with the weather and don’t let some morning fog discourage you from completing the hike!
Get to the trailhead early
Mount Jefferson is a super popular hike. The trailhead fills up very fast. We arrived at 7 am and the parking lot was almost full. Be prepared to start the hike early. It is also safer to start this hike earlier in the day because 1. There are less people on the trail trying to scramble on the rocks, and 2. Starting early will help you avoid the mid-afternoon waterfalls that are common, especially in the summer.
**fun fact: The Mount Jefferson trailhead has the highest elevation of any trail in New Hampshire.
Don’t underestimate the elevation gain
This trail is steep! At some points it is 65% grade! Even though this trail is technically only 5.7 miles, it will take you much longer than 5.7 miles on flat ground. Prepare to be out on the mountain for much of the day.
Have fun!
I’ve included a bunch of tips in this guide, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Most of all it’s important to have fun and stay safe. Enjoy the beautiful views of the White Mountains and soak in all the colors, sights, and sounds of nature.
I hope you are able to hike Mount Jefferson and explore this beautiful peak that the White Mountains has to offer. Happy Hiking!
Is there anything that I missed about hiking Mount Jefferson? Do you have any questions about Mount Jefferson or the White Mountains? Let me know in the comments down below!
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Thanks for reading!
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