Mt Starr King & Mt Waumbek, NH
• 4-star hike
• 4.9 to 6.8 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 2,500 to 2,750 feet
• Jefferson, NH | White Mountains
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
Approaching Jefferson NH with mountain peaks looming large.
If you’re here for the White Mountain views of the Presidential Range then hike the 2.5 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain to the summit of Mount Starr King (3,907 ft). However, if you’re a peak bagger then you’re likely to be just as interested in continuing for a further 0.9 miles and 250 feet to reach the wooded summit of Mount Waumbek (4,006ft).
Mount Starr King 4★4.9 mi, Out & back, Medium, Gain 2300 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
From the trailhead North of the Presidential Range and just next to the small town of Jefferson, your climb of Mt. Starr King begins with your first footfall and continues at an even pitch until you reach the summit. Beginning near the sounds of a rushing creek from which the trail gradually diverges, pass by a stone well and continue under a canopy of maple and occasional birch trees which gradually yield to populations of pine as you ascend. You’ll also pass a signpost for a natural spring, from which the most adventurous iron-stomached hiker have filled their water bottles, though we wouldn’t touch it ourselves.
Just past the true summit of Mt. Starr King is an overlooks that provides the best views from this trail – spectacular vistas of the Presidential Range. This location is marked by a chimney, the remains of a shelter that was removed some decades ago.
Mt Starr King,
Mt Waumbek Mount Waumbek 4★6.8 mi, Out & Back, Medium, Gain 2750 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Should you decide to continue on to Mount Waumbek then know that most of your elevation gain is behind you, as the rest of the trail is a gently undulating forest covered route. Where the summit is marked with a sign there are no further views, but continue just a little further to reach a partial view of the Presidentials through a sparsely wooded area.
One of the easier of the 4,000 footers, the path to Waumbek is pleasant and not overly rocky except for a minor rock scramble approaching the summit of Starr King. We encountered files and mosquitos mostly at the bottom of the trail, which abate somewhat after a mile and a half. No ticks to speak of, for us at least.
There is also a short length of occasionally bumpy dirt road between highway and trailhead, though unless you’re arriving by Lamborghini you should easily be able to traverse this with slow and steady driving.
Typical trail conditions to the summit of both peaks.
Stunning panoramic views from Mount Starr King.
Partial Presidential views just beyond Waumbek summit.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Nearby Trails:
• Show on map: All nearby trails
The White Mountain National Forest
This trail is part of the 800,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest managed by the National Forest Service.
This trail is part of the 800,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest managed by the National Forest Service.