State: New Hampshire
Location: White Mountains National Forest
Length, One-Way: 3.7 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5300 feet
Elevation Change: 2800 feet
Best Season: May to October
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: White Mountains National Forest Fee Site.
New Hampshire Mountains
Trail Information
The Jewell Trail heads away from the Base Station Road to the Gulfside Trail on the side of Mount Clay. This is part of the most level route to the top of Mount Washington. The trail is frequently used as a loop with the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and can also be used for a combined ascent of Mounts Washington and Jefferson. There is a long distance above treeline subject to adverse weather and the upper part of the trail is quite rocky.
The present trailhead is at a forest parking area because summer parking at the Cog Railway base station is restricted to patrons and visitors only. If you decide to hike up and take the train down (or vice versa), the old trail from the Cog Railway lot still connects to the present trail.
The Jewell Trail leaves the north side of the Base Road the road from the parking area and descends slightly to cross the Ammonoosuc River before a gentle ascent of the ridge beyond. After 0.3 miles, the Boundary Line Trail branches left while the Jewell Trail turns right and climbs up along the ridge. At 1.0 miles, the new trail enters the original route of the trail. From here, the old trail can be followed right 0.4 miles back to the Base Station. The trail soon descends to the left to cross Clay Brook.
After crossing Clay Brook, the Jewell Trail climbs steeply up the ridge, then levels off somewhat and crosses to the far side. The trail begins to get very rocky as the trees get smaller. At 3.0 miles the trail breaks out above treeline and begins switchbacking to end at the Gulfside Trail/Appalachian Trail at 3.7 miles. Turn right for Mount Washington, which is 1.3 miles away and 1000 feet up via the Gulfside Trail and Trinity Heights Connector or turn left for Mount Jefferson, which is 1.8 miles away descending 400 feet and then climbing 800 feet via the Gulfside Trail and Mount Jefferson Loop.
Directions
From Interstate 93:
Take exit 35 off of Interstate 93. Drive north on US Route 3 for about 10.4 miles to Twin Mountain. Turn right on US Route 302 and take for 4.4 miles. Turn left on Base Station Road. Follow Base Station Road about 5.6 miles to USFS parking area on the right.
