White Mountains Hiking | Mount Crescent Trail Guide: Quiet White Mountains Hike with Presidential Views

Tucked away in Randolph, New Hampshire, Mount Crescent is one of the White Mountains’ best-kept secrets. At 3,251 feet, this moderate hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Presidential Range — Mount Adams, Madison, and Jefferson — without the crowds of more popular peaks. Perfect for a peaceful loop, a colorful fall foliage trek, or a winter snowshoe adventure, Mount Crescent proves that big views don’t always require a big audience.

Unlike the bustling trails of Mount Washington or Franconia Notch, Mount Crescent offers a quieter, more contemplative hike. Here, the forests feel untouched, the ledges open up to spectacular panoramas, and the sounds of nature are all you hear. Whether you’re chasing autumn color, winter snow, or a calm summer morning, this hike delivers.

The Mount Crescent Route

We tackled the Mount Crescent Trail – Crescent Ridge Trail Loop, roughly 3.1 miles with about 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The trail weaves through serene forested paths, pops out onto open ledges, and offers multiple vantage points of the Northern Presidentials.

Mount Crescent Trail Description

Start at the Mount Crescent Trailhead in the Randolph Community Forest. Parking is easy, and the Peek Path enters the woods near the back, upper corner of the lot. Hike about 0.3 miles to the first junction, where the Peek Path, Cook Path, and Mount Crescent Trail meet.

From here, follow the Mount Crescent Trail to the next junction with the Castleview Loop. A short detour to Castle View is worth it — from atop a large boulder, Mount Adams stretches across the valley on clear days.

Back on the Mount Crescent Trail, continue climbing to the base of Mount Crescent. Take a right onto the Crescent Ridge Trail, which initially climbs gently before steepening toward the summit. Once at the top, you can follow the trail slightly downhill to the North Viewpoint — arguably the hike’s most spectacular scene, complete with a log bench to pause and take it all in.

Descend via the Mount Crescent Trail to the South View, where open rocks frame an incredible panorama of Madison, Adams, and Jefferson. Even under cloudy skies, the view impresses. A short rock scramble leads you down to the junction with the Crescent Ridge Trail, then back past the Castleview Loop, and finally to the original trail junction.

We finished the loop by continuing down the Mount Crescent Trail to Community Forest Road, then a short walk back to the trailhead.

Why We Liked Hiking Mount Crescent

Mount Crescent delivers all the rewards of a White Mountains hike without the crowds. Quiet trails, multiple scenic viewpoints, and year-round appeal make it ideal for anyone seeking solitude or a refreshing escape into nature.

Mount Crescent Trail Details

• Trailhead: Mount Crescent Trailhead, Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, NH (Google Maps)

• Route: Peek Path → Mount Crescent Trail → Crescent Ridge Trail → Mount Crescent Trail → Randolph Community Forest Road

• Distance: 3.1 miles round-trip

• Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet

• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

• GPS Info: Trail Route in GPX Format

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful day in the White Mountains, Mount Crescent is a trail worth exploring. Its quiet charm and Presidential views are the kind of experiences that stick with you long after you leave the forest.

For More Information About the Mount Crescent Hike, you can find this hike:

• Described in the AMC’s White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• On the AllTrails App

More Hikes near Mount Crescent

• Ice Gulch
• Welch-Dickey Loop
• Moats Traverse

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Gear we used on this hike:

• REI Flash 22 Backpack
• Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets
• Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes
• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt
• Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• DJI Action 2 Camera
• Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

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Important Hiking Considerations:

1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear. 
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans. 
3. Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.

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