Mt Morgan & Mt Percival, Squam Lakes NH
• 4-star hike
• 4.0 to 5.2 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,400 to 1,550 feet
• Holderness NH | Lakes Region
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
Admiring the views of Squam Lakes from Mount Percival.
Trailspotting's NH Summits
Are you a peak bagger or looking for the best views? Trailspotting has a growing list of summit hikes.
Are you a peak bagger or looking for the best views? Trailspotting has a growing list of summit hikes.
The best views are always earned, and the views of New Hampshire's lakes region from Mount Morgan and Mount Percival are no exception. This hike begins close to the shores of Squam Lakes and climbs steadily towards the mountain peaks and past occasional creek crossings on only moderately rocky trails.
Reaching the summit of Mount Morgan should be fairly easy for anyone who can manage the 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Approaching the summit, the ladders and short talus cave combines with some rock ledges for a fun route to the summit. If you'd prefer the alternative and less precipitous final ascent there's an easier adjacent trail, but remember to checkout the lookout area marked on the map for the best views, as the summit of Morgan itself offers no views.
Mt Morgan,
Mts Morgan & Percival. Mt Morgan 4★4.0 mi, Out & Back, Medium, Gain 1400 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
The out-and-back route to Mount Morgan is the easiest hike mapped here, and the route features a sure and steady gradual incline up the mountain. Although there are no views on the way up, at the top the lake views are superb, as are the views of the Southern White Mountains from Mount Percival, including the peak of Sandwich Mountain (which is fourteen feet shy of being a 4,000 footer).
Mts Morgan & Percival 4★5.2 mi, Loop, Medium, Gain 1550 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
A looping trail including the summit of Mount Percival includes some occasional and small rock scrambles. The ridgeline trail between peaks offers no views, but the Mount Percival summit has more lake vistas, and the best Southern White Mountain views.
Similar to the neighboring peak, there are two trail options near the summit of Mount Percival - an easier route with a rock scramble, or a talus cave route with an entrance small enough for this hiker to give it a miss. If you want to try this route, then be sure to take the yellow painted arrows literally to find the way through the rocks, as without these markings you probably wouldn't spot the gap in the boulders through which you'll have to squeeze. We're very thankful for the option of two trails here!
The trail up and down from Mount Percival is steeper than Mount Morgan's counterpart, but coming down it wasn't difficult for us. If we were hiking with ice present however, we'd probably go up Percival and down Morgan rather than the other way around.
Note that trails in this area are closed during spring mud season. Check out the 'official' link below to find any notifications of these closures, or see if there have been any recent trail reviews at AllTrails.
Three ladders and a short talus cave on Mount Morgan.
Panorama from the top of Mount Morgan.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Nearby Trails:
• 4 miles: Rattlesnake Mt (4★, 2-4mi)
• 4 miles: Mt Morgan-Percival Loop (4★, 4-5mi)
• Show on map: All nearby trails
The Squam Lakes Association
Trail maintained by the Squam Lakes Association. Conserving the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed.
Trail maintained by the Squam Lakes Association. Conserving the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed.
