The Oldest Hiking Trail in America

In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a single trail has quietly outlived empires, generations, and even the invention of the national park. The Crawford Path, carved through forest and granite in 1819, is the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the United States. Long before hiking became a national pastime, this rugged route led explorers to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

Rising 4,900 feet over 8.5 miles, the trail begins in deep woodland and climbs above the trees into the exposed spine of the Presidential Range. Along the way, it touches iconic summits like Mount Pierce and Mount Monroe before reaching the wind-battered crown of Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

Today, the Crawford Path is more than a scenic route; it is a thread of American history that still guides hikers across one of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in the country.

A Trail That Helped Define American Hiking

The Crawford Path begins near Crawford Notch in the White Mountain National Forest and travels 8.5 miles to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. The trail climbs a total of 4,900 feet, starting with a steady ascent through dense New England hardwood forests. After roughly 3.1 miles, hikers emerge above the treeline into the alpine tundra of the Presidential Range. Here, the trail follows the exposed ridgeline past iconic peaks like Mount Pierce, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Monroe before reaching Mount Washington.

What sets the Crawford Path apart is not just its age, but the way it threads through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast. Along the way, hikers pass the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Lakes of the Clouds hut, a welcome sight for weary legs and a reminder of the region’s long tradition of mountain hospitality.

Trail Origins: The Crawford Family Legacy

The trail was first carved out in 1819 by Ethan Allen Crawford and his father Abel Crawford. The Crawfords were early settlers in what was then known as White Mountain Notch, a remote valley in northern New Hampshire. Abel, a minister and outdoorsman, and Ethan, a trailblazer in every sense, had a vision for connecting the valley with the summit of Mount Washington.

Their original path was cut as a way to bring paying visitors to the top of the mountain. On September 9, 1819, Abel led the first recorded guided hike up the newly completed trail. That initial group included several Harvard Divinity School students and professors, laying the groundwork for recreational hiking in the United States.

Only a year later, Ethan Allen Crawford led a second expedition along the trail. This group included local dignitaries and politicians, who used the journey to name many of the mountains in what would become the Presidential Range. By 1821, Ethan had even constructed a small summit house on Mount Washington’s peak, which stood until it was destroyed by a storm five years later.

Milestones in Crawford Path History

• 1784: A geology team led by Manasseh Cutler names Mount Washington.

• 1790s: The Crawford family settles in White Mountain Notch.

• 1819: Abel and Ethan Allen Crawford cut the original trail and guide the first group to the summit.

• 1820: The Presidential Range gets its names during a second ascent.

• 1840: Thomas J. Crawford converts the trail to an equestrian route.

• Early 1900s: Hiking overtakes horseback riding as the trail’s primary use.

• 1994: The U.S. Forest Service designates Crawford Path as a National Recreation Trail.

The Modern Trail Experience

Today, the Crawford Path is part of the famed Appalachian Trail from north of Mount Pierce to the summit of Mount Washington. While you can hike the trail in a single day, many opt for overnight trips to explore its side trails and soak in the panoramic views. Several summits are accessible via short loops from the main trail, including Mount Pierce, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Monroe.

These options make it possible for hikers of varying abilities to experience a piece of the trail’s history without committing to the full 8.5-mile ascent. Those who do make it to the top of Mount Washington are rewarded with sweeping views that, on a clear day, can stretch across multiple states and even into Canada.

Trailhead and Logistics

• Primary Trailhead: Off Mt. Clinton Road, about 0.1 miles from US Route 302

• Total Distance: 8.5 miles one-way

• Elevation Gain: 4,900 feet

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Trail Type: Out-and-back

• Best Time to Hike: June through September

The Crawford Path is best tackled between late spring and early fall. Snow and ice can linger into June, and unpredictable weather is a constant factor on Mount Washington, which is notorious for some of the most extreme conditions in North America. Even summer hikers should be prepared with warm clothing, navigation tools, and plenty of water.

Highlights Along the Trail

Mount Pierce

Formerly known as Mount Clinton, this 4,310-foot peak is the first major summit along the Crawford Path. A popular turnaround point for day hikers, it offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

Mount Eisenhower

Reached via a short loop off the main trail, Mount Eisenhower stands at 4,780 feet. The summit is bald and dome-shaped, offering panoramic views of the White Mountains.

Mount Monroe

Another detour brings hikers to Mount Monroe at 5,372 feet. Its proximity to the Lakes of the Clouds hut makes it a favorite stop for those spending the night.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut

Operated by the AMC, this high-elevation shelter provides basic lodging, meals, and emergency support. Reservations are required and often booked months in advance.

Mount Washington

At 6,288 feet, this is the highest point in the Northeast and the final stop on the Crawford Path. A weather observatory, visitor center, and cog railway terminal await at the summit.

Why the Crawford Path Still Matters

In an era where many outdoor spaces are crowded and overly developed, the Crawford Path stands out for its historic authenticity and natural beauty. Walking this trail is like stepping back in time. You are literally following in the footsteps of some of America’s earliest adventurers, explorers, and conservationists.

Its designation as a National Recreation Trail in 1994 was more than symbolic. It confirmed the Crawford Path is not only the oldest hiking trail in the country, but also one of its most treasured.

Comparison with Other Historic Trails

While the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are more famous today, neither can claim the longevity of the Crawford Path. The Appalachian Trail, which now includes parts of the Crawford Path, was not completed until 1937. The Pacific Crest Trail came even later, officially designated in 1968.

Other historic trails, such as those in the Smoky Mountains or the Sierra Nevada, may be older in terms of indigenous use, but the Crawford Path holds the title for being the first continuously maintained hiking trail built for recreational purposes.

Tips for First-Time Hikers

• Start Early: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the White Mountains.

• Check Weather: Mount Washington has rapidly changing weather, even in summer.

• Pack Essentials: Bring layers, a map, food, and more water than you think you’ll need.

• Be Prepared for Crowds: Especially on weekends during peak season.

• Consider a Shuttle: If you’re not doing a round trip, local shuttle services can assist with transportation.

Crawford Path at a Glance