Boott Spur Trail (via Tuckerman Ravine Trail)

Distance: 5.8 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Challenging
Elevation Gain: 4,654 feet

The Boott Spur Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike for experienced adventurers, offering stunning views of Tuckerman Ravine, Huntington Ravine, and Mount Washington’s summit. Starting just above Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, this trail quickly takes hikers above treeline, offering an alpine experience unlike any other. The journey includes breathtaking viewpoints, rocky scrambles, and the final push to Boott Spur summit for a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.

The Boott Spur is named after Francis Boott, a botanist who took part in expeditions up Mount Washington in the early 1800s. It is a steep, jagged, rocky “sub peak” that contributes to the drama and beauty of Mount Washington. The trail passes through rugged terrain with exposed ridges, rocky sections, and scenic vistas. At around 2 miles in, you’ll reach Harvard Rock, offering one of the best views of Tuckerman Ravine. The trail eventually connects with Davis Path, and from there, you can continue towards the summit of Mount Washington.

Expect to encounter fewer crowds compared to other popular routes, making this a great option for those seeking a more secluded experience. It offers some of the best alpine views in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

This trail is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or in extreme weather conditions. Always check trail conditions and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather. **The Mount Washington area is known for its extreme and often dangerous weather. Fatalities are a reality here, so please plan ahead, prepare properly, and always check the weather forecast before your hike.**

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.