White Mountains Hiking | Mount Crescent Trail Guide: Quiet White Mountains Hike with Presidential Views

Start at the Mount Crescent Trailhead in the Randolph Community Forest. Parking is easy, and the Peek Path enters the woods near the back, upper corner of the lot. Hike about 0.3 miles to the first junction, where the Peek Path, Cook Path, and Mount Crescent Trail meet.

From here, follow the Mount Crescent Trail to the next junction with the Castleview Loop. A short detour to Castle View is worth it — from atop a large boulder, Mount Adams stretches across the valley on clear days.

Back on the Mount Crescent Trail, continue climbing to the base of Mount Crescent. Take a right onto the Crescent Ridge Trail, which initially climbs gently before steepening toward the summit. Once at the top, you can follow the trail slightly downhill to the North Viewpoint — arguably the hike’s most spectacular scene, complete with a log bench to pause and take it all in.

Descend via the Mount Crescent Trail to the South View, where open rocks frame an incredible panorama of Madison, Adams, and Jefferson. Even under cloudy skies, the view impresses. A short rock scramble leads you down to the junction with the Crescent Ridge Trail, then back past the Castleview Loop, and finally to the original trail junction.

We finished the loop by continuing down the Mount Crescent Trail to Community Forest Road, then a short walk back to the trailhead.

Why We Liked Hiking Mount Crescent

Mount Crescent delivers all the rewards of a White Mountains hike without the crowds. Quiet trails, multiple scenic viewpoints, and year-round appeal make it ideal for anyone seeking solitude or a refreshing escape into nature.

Mount Crescent Trail Details

• Trailhead: Mount Crescent Trailhead, Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH (Google Maps)

• Route: Peek Path → Mount Crescent Trail → Crescent Ridge Trail → Mount Crescent Trail → Randolph Community Forest Road

• Distance: 3.1 miles round-trip

• Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet

• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

• GPS Info: Trail Route in GPX Format

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful day in the White Mountains, Mount Crescent is a trail worth exploring. Its quiet charm and Presidential views are the kind of experiences that stick with you long after you leave the forest.

For More Information About the Mount Crescent Hike, you can find this hike:

• Described in the AMC’s White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• On the AllTrails App