How to Hike Mount Waumbek NH 4000 Footer
Welcome to the New Hampshire White Mountains! Among these beautiful mountains, stands Mount Waumbek, offering a rewarding and challenging hiking experience. With an elevation of 4,006 feet, this peak is the highest mountain in the Pliny Range and one of the smaller 48 peaks on the New Hampshire 4,000-footer list. The trail to the summit passes through the dense forest and opens up to stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Mount Waumbek is a must-do hike for an unforgettable adventure!
My boyfriend and I conquered Waumbek mid May- The weather was in our favor…It was absolutely beautiful out. I took note of everything we noticed, saw and experienced on the hike. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information and tips to help you plan your trip and make the most out of your hike to the summit of Mount Waumbek!
How to Hike Mount Waumbek NH 4000 Footer
How to get to the Mount Waumbek trailhead
You want to enter: Star King Road Jefferson, New Hampshire into your GPS, the trailhead is at the end of this road. The drive took us two and a half hours from Seacoast NH. We like to use Alltrails to find the parking lots and track our hikes!
Here are the directions to get there from the nearest major city, Boston:
- Take I-93 North towards Franconia Notch State Park.
- Take Exit 35 towards Route 3 North.
- Follow Route 3 North for about 10 miles until you reach Route 115 North in Twin Mountain.
- Turn left onto Route 115 North and continue for about 5 miles until you reach Jefferson.
- In Jefferson, turn left onto Route 2 East and follow it for about 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Starr King Road, where you will find the trailhead parking lot.
The trailhead is well-marked, and there are signs indicating the parking area. Note that parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot!
Mount Waumbek stats
The hiking stats for Mount Waumbek are as follows:
- Elevation: 4,006 feet (1,221 meters)
- Trailhead: Starr King Trailhead
- Round Trip Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers)
- Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,550 feet (777 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Estimated Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
The Starr King Trail is the most popular route to the summit of Mount Waumbek. The trail starts at the parking lot and follows a gradual ascent through the forest. The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and steep in places, especially towards the summit.
The majority of the hike is in the woods. You will be rewarded with amazing views at Mount Starr King and again at the summit of Waumbek!
The descent follows the same trail back to the parking lot. Overall, the hike to Mount Waumbek is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers spectacular views and a true sense of accomplishment.
Beginning of the hike
The first part of the trail is relatively flat and follows a well-marked path through a mixed forest of hardwoods and evergreens. The trail is relatively easy to navigate, and there are no major obstacles or challenging sections at this point. You’ll cross a few small streams and encounter some rocky areas, but the terrain is generally gentle and forgiving.
The beginning of the hike on Mount Waumbek is relatively easy and straightforward, but it gradually becomes more challenging as you ascend towards the summit.
Starr King Mountain
As we climbed closer and closer to the top, we noticed some stretches of snow and ice. This is when my boyfriend and I decided to put on our microspikes which made this part of the hike very fun/doble!
You will find an opening with an amazing view of Mt. Starr King! (not the summit) Where an old fireplace stands and you are rewarded with beautiful views of the Presidential Range on a clear day. This is a great viewpoint and awesome photo-op! When you arrive here just know you are not far from the summit of Waumbek now!
Arrive at the summit of Mount Waumbek
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted with a large rock pile (a cairn) fully in the woods with no views. As well as a very friendly gray jay that hangs out in the area. If you have any bits of food, put some in your hand and he will most likely stop by for a visit!
Be sure to keep on hiking just about a hundred feet past the cairn, this is where the views are!! Most people don’t think there are any views on the actual summit of Waumbek but if you just hike a little past the summit point you will find there are stunning views up there! On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Presidential Range and Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. To the north, you’ll see the Percy Peaks, and to the west, you’ll see the Kilkenny Ridge and the Connecticut River Valley.
Hiking down Mount Waumbek
After you’ve had your fill of the views, you’ll retrace your steps back down the trail to the Starr King Trailhead.
The descent is generally easier than the ascent, but be sure to watch your footing on the rocky sections of the trail.
Microspikes were necessary for a little ways down during our hike (early May) on the steep sections that still have ice and snow.
Post-hike beer stop
On your way home, about 25 minutes away from the trailhead stop by Big Day Brewing in Gorham, NH for a nice and refreshing post-4000 footer beer and app!
You’ve earned it!
Overall experience on Mount Waumbek
Overall, hiking Mount Waumbek is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that offers stunning views of the White Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the ascent to the summit is steep and rocky, making it a moderate/challenging hike. Here are some highlights of the overall experience:
- Stunning Views: The views from the summit of Mount Waumbek are truly breathtaking, and they are well worth the effort it takes to reach the top. From the summit, you can see for miles in every direction and take in the beauty of the White Mountains.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching the summit of Mount Waumbek is no easy feat, and hikers are sure to feel a great sense of accomplishment once they get there. The hike is challenging but doable.
- Well-Marked Trail: The Starr King Trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. There are several viewpoints along the way that offer great photo opportunities and a chance to catch your breath.
- Remote Setting: Mount Waumbek is located in a relatively remote part of the White Mountains, giving hikers a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy some solitude on the trail.
- Time Commitment: The hike to Mount Waumbek can be a full-day commitment, taking most hikers between 5-7 hours to complete. If you are an avid hiker you can most likely hike Waumbek in about 4 hours. It’s important to plan accordingly and pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day!
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiking Mount Waumbek is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the best views in the White Mountains. If you’re up for a challenge and want to experience the beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness, or looking to check another 4000 footer off your list, this hike is not to be missed!
With a well-marked trail, stunning views, and a remote setting, Mount Waumbek is a must-do hike for any avid hiker looking for an unforgettable experience in the New Hampshire wilderness. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and hit the trail to discover the beauty and majesty of Mount Waumbek!
Have a blast and be safe! Please ask below if you have any questions or comments about hiking Mt. Waumbek.
Follow along with me on Instagram for more hiking content!
Up next: Hike Mt. Moosilauke!
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! 🌞⛰️🌼🫶🏼🦋🌲📸🥾💛
You May Also Like
Everything You Need to go Car Camping
Everything You Need for a 5 Day Ski Trip (Colorado)
