Mount Parker NH via Mount Parker Trail
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Mount Parker NH via Mount Parker Trail Overview
Mount Parker (3,004’) is near Bartlett, just south of Crawford Notch, and it is one of those mountains that most people will not hike unless they are working towards the 52 With a View List. Although it is not as popular as other nearby mountains, it does not lack beautiful views! The summit offers stunning views looking north to Mount Washington and east into the White Mountains.
Trail Details
Trail: Mount Langdon Trail > Mount Parker Trail Trail
Length: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,730 feet
My Trail Time: 4 hours hiking; 4.5 hours total
Hike Overview
The most popular route to Mount Parker is via Mount Parker Trail, which begins in Bartlett. Although it is not among the tallest mountains, the trail still gains over 2,700 feet of elevation. However, most of the trail is gradual, with few steep sections, and is not technical like most other trails in the White Mountains.
Something else to know is the parking lot is small. It can fit maybe two cars, so if it is full, you can park across the street in either lot. Also, this trail is not well-marked, so having a map is helpful.
Mount Parker NH via Mount Parker Trail Guide
October 20, 2024
**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and throw away your trash properly.
Mount Parker is one of those mountains I did not know existed until I began hiking the 52 With a View List. I have been putting it off because I originally wanted to hike it as a traverse with Mount Crawford but because it was peak foliage season, I decided to avoid all popular trailheads, like Mount Crawford, and hike Mount Parker as an out-and-back.
We decided to hike Mount Parker on a stunning Sunday in late October. It was 70 degrees, so how could we pass up a day like that?!
When I arrived at the trailhead, I noticed how small the parking lot was. It could maybe fit two cars, but luckily, there were two more lots across the street with more parking available. Both lots were pretty empty, which was perfect!
We began our hike to Mount Parker around 9 AM on the Mount Langdon Trail, and despite it being peak foliage, it was incredibly peaceful. It was why I always hike a lesser-known trail this time of year!
After only 0.3 miles on the Mount Langdon Trail, we arrived at the Cave Mountain junction. We continued straight and skipped it, but if you wanted to add it to your hike, you turn left to head to the summit. I have heard it is pretty steep!
The Mount Langdon Trail was relatively gradual for the first 1.5 miles. The trail had a ton of leaves on it, which made it a bit more slippery than usual, but the trail was not technical. I was actually surprised by how not technical it was! The fallen leaves also made it harder to follow the trail since it was not well-marked, and there were some paths leading off the trail that could have been easy to turn onto.
The first section of the trail was pretty uneventful, but it was stunning because it was surrounded by bright yellow foliage. I love yellow foliage, so I was in heaven, haha. It was also quiet, which was nice for this time of year.
Once we passed the sign telling us we were entering the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness, we came to what would normally be a brook crossing. It was completely dry, but my friend I was hiking with says it is usually more difficult to cross when it has running water.
After 1.5 miles, the trail became steeper for the next half-mile before descending to the Mount Parker Trail junction. At the trail junction, we continued straight to follow Mount Parker Trail to the summit.
The final mile to Mount Parker alternated from steep to flat and even had a few switchbacks, which I did not mind. I always appreciate when trails give our legs a break, haha! But because the trail was not technical, it was a calf burner. I prefer having rocks to step up onto so it takes some pressure off the backs of my legs.
As we approached the summit, the trail became rockier, but it was not super technical. It also had fewer fallen leaves since it was surrounded by pines.
Before we knew it, we arrived at the summit of Mount Parker! And the views were stunning! They were not completely unobstructed because the pine trees were growing into the view, but we could still look north to Mount Washington and east towards the surrounding mountains.
We shared the summit with only two other people, which was so peaceful. We picked a spot to sit for a half hour and enjoyed our snacks. There was barely any wind, so in the sun, it felt so warm for a late October day. It was perfect!
After a half hour, we began our descent to the parking lot. The descent would normally be relatively easy since the trail is not technical, but the fallen leaves made it incredibly slippery. We slipped a few times but luckily did not fall. Fallen leaves are my least favorite thing about hiking this time of year.
On our descent, we only passed a handful of other hikers, making it peaceful. We saw less than ten people on our hike during peak foliage, so that was how you know it was a lesser-known hike.
Despite having to be cautious on our descent, it went by fairly quickly! I will say the trail was one of those that felt longer than it was, especially on the descent. But good conversation and beautiful foliage helped pass the time! And before we knew it, we were back at the parking lot.
I would love to hike Mount Parker again but on a traverse from Mount Crawford. And I would hike it in the summer to avoid trekking through fallen leaves. But it was a fun hike with beautiful views nonetheless!
Have you hiked Mount Parker?
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!