Mt Cube, Orford NH
• 5-star hike
• 5 to 8 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,590 to 2,240 feet
• Orford, NH | Sunapee Region
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Looking east from the North Peak viewpoint.
Capped by gleaming white quartzite rock, Mount Cube's summit is a spectacle in and of itself, though you'll probably be too busy admiring the many views across the New Hampshire landscape in all directions. Absolutely justifying its place on the New Hampshire 52-With-A-View list, we recommend that this mountain is best scaled on a clear day to appreciate it in all its glory. Though the summit itself has some great southerly scenes towards Smarts Mountain, be sure to hike the spur trail northward to find the best views the mountain has to offer.
So far we've explored the most popular of the two trails to the summit, with shady Cross-Rivendell Trail being our favorite so far. Not only is it the shortest route with the least elevation gain, but it offers great views beyond the Connecticut River Valley into Vermont that can't be seen from the other approaches. Expect only a moderate hill-climb on this route.
Expand ↓ Map
5★ Cross Rivendell Trail
4.7 mi out-and-back, medium, gain 1,590 ft. Shortest, least gain, additional viewpoints. AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
4★ Appalachian Trail
6.7 mi out-and-back, medium, gain 2,130 ft. Longer, more elevation, creek crossings. AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
Kodak Trail
7.5 mi out-and-back, gain 2,240 ft. Yet to review. Public Map at AllTrails · Directions |
Our map only shows part of the full 36 mile long Cross-Rivendell trail which connects the three schools of the Rivendell Interstate School with the towns of Orford in New Hampshire and Vershire in Vermont. We've included a link to their website at the bottom of this article, which features maps of the full route.
The Appalachian Trail segment that scales the northeastern flanks of Mount Cube covers more terrain, including several stream crossings, but unfortunately offers no viewpoints on its ascent. Gradients remain moderate, though on the sustained climb you might meet a through-hiker or two taking a breather. Feel free to say hello and offer them water or food that you might have to spare!
Cross-Rivendell Trail has lowest miles and elevation.
We look forward to hiking the Kodak trail in the future. This is a continuation of the Appalachian Trail as it heads south towards Smarts Mountain and includes the Hexacuba Shelter at around the half-way mark. Apparently this trail is named the Kodak trail because it passes over the Eastman Ridge and is a droll reference to the name of the old Eastman Kodak photography company.
Mount Cube is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. The link at the foot of this article takes you to Trailspotting's map of the peaks on the full list and shows all of the trails on which to reach them. Follow us as we explore all the peaks on this list and publish trail reviews featuring descriptions, photography and downloadable maps.
Cross-Rivendell offers westerly views from the trail.
Only minor rock scrambles near the summit.
Don't miss out on the views north of the main summit.
Tangents:
• Trailspotting: 52-With-A-View List, NH Challenge Lists
• Official: Cross Rivendell Trail
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Cross Rivendell,
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Mt Moosilauke (7-8 mi) ·
4★ Stinson Mt (4 mi) ·
4★ Warren Rail Trail (15 mi) ·
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NH 52 With A View
Trailspotting map and routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with the best views in the state!
Trailspotting map and routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with the best views in the state!
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