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.
Hiking the
Mount Hedgehog Trail:
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.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Mount Hedgehog Trail
Location of the Mount Hedgehog Trail: North of Mt. Passaconaway in the Swift River Valley
Length of Trail: 2 - 5 miles
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Intermediate:Difficult
Length of time needed to hike the trail: 3 hours
This is only an estimate- and it may vary depending
your abilities as well as local conditionsTravel Information
For more information on this hike
National Forest: White Mountain National Forest
Local Office: White Mountain National Forest
Address:
33 Kancamagus Highway
Conway, NH, *03822
603-447-5448
603-447-1989
www.fs.fed.us/r9/white
