Contact Info
33 Kancamagus Highway
Conway, NH 03818
- Phone 1:
- 603-447-5448
- Phone 2:
- 603-447-1989
Basics
- Length:
- 5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate,
Difficult
- Time:
- 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Description
The trail leaves from the parking area just east of Passaconaway Campground 13.5 miles west of Conway on the Kancamagus Highway.
Beginner hikers or those short on time should find this an appropriate hike. The trail takes you to the summit of Mt. Hedgehog (2520 ft.) The grade is moderate and only the final sections require a little extra effort. The advantage in taking the loop in a clockwise direction is to view the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington as you reach the summit from the south. The grade remains fairly constant for the first two miles, passing through birch and hemlock, and then soon dropping in and out of a ravine with a small brook nestled along the bottom.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Difficult
Time:
Additional Details:
Take a minute here to stop and listen for water, wind, and the cheeping of nuthatches and chickadees, the most common forest birds in the area. Continue climbing until the trail narrows and emerges out on the East Ledges. From here it is one mile to the exposed rock of the main summit to enjoy the views. Be careful near the ledges once you reach the top, especially if the conditions are wet or icy.Mt. Hedgehog is located just north of Mt. Passaconaway in the Swift River Valley. Hedgehog separates the valley of Oliverian Brook on its east, from that of Downes Brook on the west. Mt. Hedgehog, Mt. Potash and Mt. Whiteface surround Mt. Passaconaway, one of the area’s peaks above 4,000 feet.
Hedgehog is strikingly shaped with Allen’s Ledge on the north, and the huge East ledges on Little Hedgehog. The vantage point from Allen’s Ledge, located 1.1 miles up the west fork of the trail, affords a remarkable view of Mt. Passaconaway, Mt. Chocorua, the Moats, the Presidential Range, the Carrigain Range, and many other eastern peaks. On clear days even the observatory on top of Mt. Washington is visible.
SAFETY: Remember to bring water, food, warm clothes, headlamp, map, and wear good hiking footwear. Weather in the White Mountains can change quickly, always be prepared for rain or other inclement weather.
