It’s exciting to discover all the White Mountains’ rock formations. Some can be seen right from the road, while others require longer hikes. These natural rock structures make the Whites quite a special place. Here are five rock structures you can explore this season.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire may not be as high in elevation as the mountain ranges you find out west, but their rocky terrain makes them a challenge and quite captivating for most hikers. These rugged peaks formed millions of years ago when this area was pushed over the hot spot, and magna intrusions created what we know today as the White Mountains.
Every trail and summit offers a unique set of rocks to triumph—many of which are pretty cool to look at, and well worth the battle to get there. It’s exciting to discover all the rock formations that the White Mountains offer. Some can be seen right from the road, while others require a 10-mile hike to reach. These natural rock structures make these mountains quite a special place.
I remember the first time I hiked a 4,000-footer in the White Mountains. I couldn’t believe that such beauty existed in such a small state. Standing on top of Cannon Mountain, I admired the rocks surrounding me that formed Franconia Notch. That is when I fully understood why they call New Hampshire “The Granite State.”
Now it’s your turn—here are five rock structures you can adventure into this summer.
1. Glen Boulder – Difficult
Hikers who are climbing the 11.9-mile loop to Mount Isolation via Glen Boulder Trail will pass by the iconic Glen Boulder. This gigantic glacial rock is located 1.6 miles from the Glen Boulder Trailhead and is unique for the way it rests on the east side of Slide Peak. This rock hovers over a cliff as if it’s about to tumble down into the Mt. Washington Valley at any second.
At 16 feet high and 12 feet long, this erratic rock sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s rare for hikers to hike by without stopping and snapping a photo or two—many make it look like they’re holding up the rock with their body weight in photos.
The trailhead to Glen Boulder Trail starts from Pinkham Notch. Once you climb up above treeline and onto the Gulf of Slides, you’ll get views of the Carter Range and Glen Boulder in the distance. It’s fascinating to view a rock that was deposited by glaciers millions of years ago up close. It can also be seen from Route 16, although getting up close and personal to it is well worth the climb. After viewing this popular rock structure, continue to Mount Isolation via Davis Path, which provides incredible views of peaks in the southern Presidential Range.
2. The Watcher – Difficult
Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Old Man of the Mountain,” also known as the “Great Stone Face,” a famous rock formation in Franconia Notch shaped like an old man’s face. Unfortunately, it fell in 2003 due to extreme White Mountain weather. Well, there’s another famous rock structure that you may not have heard about. It’s also located in the notch, off the shoulder of Mount Lafayette, and across from where the Old Man of the Mountain was, and is known as “The Watcher,” or “the Old Women of the Notch.” This off-the-beaten-path rock profile sticks out from Eagle Cliff, and is quite a sight to see.
She isn’t easy to get to—hikers must scramble over a steep slide to be within her presence. This means that only hikers with experience climbing loose gravel and steep slides should attempt this 1.69-mile bushwhack, which starts 10 to 15 minutes into Greenleaf Trailhead.
You’ll need to look for a cairn to the east, where you’ll find a pathway leading to The Watcher and views of the Eaglet. For those who don’t want to attempt such a challenge, she can also be seen through a small opening on the south end of Profile Lake.
3. Elephant Head – Easy
Right at the northern end of Crawford Notch is Elephant Head, which is a rock structure that sticks out and looks like, well, an elephant’s head. If you’re looking for an easier, family-friendly hike that only takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, then explore this cool rock formation the next time you’re in the White Mountains.
You can view Elephant Head from Route 302, where you’ll get a clear view of the elephant shape, so hiking to it isn’t necessary.
For the quick hike, you’ll climb Webster-Jackson Trail, where you can also go to Mount Jackson and Webster if you’re looking for a longer day on the trails. You’ll trek for 0.1 miles until you reach the junction with Elephant Head Spur Trail. You’ll follow this trail for 0.2 miles to the top of the rock. At 150 feet high, you’ll get a great glimpse of Saco Lake and the AMC Highland Center.
4. Mount Liberty – Difficult
There’s something about climbing Mount Liberty that makes you feel like a true warrior—the way its sharp peak hovers over the land is powerful, and anyone who has hiked to this 4,000-footer’s summit would agree. When you climb to the top of this majestic rock, you’ll get 360-degree views of surroundings peaks, such as Mount Lincoln and Lafayette. Even though the summit is only 4,459 feet, you’ll still feel like you’re standing on top of the world.
To see this rock structure, you’ll need to hike up Liberty Springs Trail, which is a challenging hike that is roughly 8 miles round trip. The trailhead is 0.2 miles north of the Flume Visitor Center.
For an even more challenging climb, approach Mount Liberty from Mount Flume via Flume Slide Trail, which hikers will come across 0.6 miles into the hike up Liberty Springs Trail. This slide should only be attempted by experienced hikers. By going this way, you’ll also be able to see the cool structure of Mount Flume, which towers over the landscape with strong and jagged rocks.
At the beginning of Liberty Springs Trail, the rugged, rocky summit can be seen in the distance and through the trees on a clear day. For a few miles, you’ll cross Spring Brook and climb some rocky stairs before getting your first view of Mount Liberty on the Franconia Notch’s east side. Many hikers say this is their favorite summit, and it’s easy to understand why.
5. Bondcliff – Very Difficult
When you walk deep into the remote Pemigewasset Wilderness, you’ll understand the true value of being in solitude. Bondcliff is at the southern end of Mount Bond and is iconic for its cliffs and diverse rock formations. While standing on Bondcliff’s summit, you’ll get a wide-open view of the vast wilderness without a car in sight. In fact, it’s one of the only areas in the White Mountains where you can’t see a road from the summit. The cliff drops down hundreds of feet into the valley, making it a daring but exciting cliff to stand on. Its edge sticks out to the point where you’ll feel like you’re flying. If you want to stand on it, you should cautiously proceed to its edge.
To experience Bondcliff, you’ll need to prepare for a 20-mile day, no matter which way you approach it—from either Lincoln Woods or Zealand Trailhead.
Most hikers will agree that a Zealand-Bonds Traverse is one of the best hikes in the White Mountains. On your way up, you’ll pass by several brooks, streams, and rivers, as well as cross many other 4,000-foot peaks, such as Mount Zealand, Guyot, West Bond, and Bond. Most hikers will tackle this hike from Zealand Trailhead first, meaning they’ll end with a walk on the awing alpine ridge that leads to Bondcliff.
The White Mountains is a place that draws in hikers from all over New England and beyond. To think that these rocks have been here for millions of years and yet are able to hold their shape and resist every weather pattern that’s come their way makes being in their presence quite special. Summer is a great time to admire the rock formations in the White Mountains. During this time of year, you’ll also get to observe unique alpine flowers and butterflies, and witness more of these resilient rocks.
