Mt. Crosby

Length: 4.1 miles out-and-back with loop

Difficulty (click for info): Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1400 feet

Rating (click for info): 6/10

Elevation: 2238'

Prominence: 522'

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on North Groton Road in Groton, NH. Take North Shore Road from Rt. 3A, 8.7 miles north of the center of Bristol. Drive 2.4 miles to the center of Hebron, where North Shore Road becomes Groton Road. Continue another 1.6 miles and turn right onto North Groton Road. The entrance is about 2 miles down this road on the right, marked with a Forest Society sign. Drive a short distance down the rough dirt road by the sign and park on the left, by the bridge.

Trail Map

About the Hike:
The summit ledges on Mt. Crosby provide a marvelous distant look at the White Mountains. On the way, the trail leads over sub-peak Bald Knob, which has additional views to the north and south. The mountain is within the Cockermouth Forest, owned by the Forest Society. The forest has an extensive trail network which makes use of many old roads. Some are very overgrown, and therefore can be a home to many ticks and other insects. The hike begins on Romley-Remick Road. Cross the bridge and hike down this path for 0.4 miles, then turn right onto Old North Groton Road. Pass Eliza Remick Road in 0.3 miles, then in another 0.3 miles, at a sharp turn in the road, turn left onto Bald Knob Trail. In 0.1 miles, bear right as High Pasture Loop goes left. Now a forest trail, the path starts to climb much more steeply. Soon, it becomes rocky and emerges from the trees on Bald Knob in 0.8 miles from the old road. From here, there is a limited view to the north, but it is mostly blocked by nearby Mt. Crosby and a wind farm. Just past this, walk down to another ledge, and you will find a more open view to the south, looking toward Mt. Cardigan. You can also see Newfound Lake if you explore enough.

The trail descends quickly off Bald Knob to begin the ascent of Mt. Crosby. In the low point between the two, cross an unnamed trail. The climb is steep, but brief, and after walking below a tall cliff, you will reach the summit ledges in 0.3 miles from Bald Knob. Here, you will find a much more impressive view of the southern White Mountains. The wind farm still blocks the directional vista partially, but Mt. Crosby is high enough for you to see over it. Furthest to the west is Mt. Moosilauke, and directly north is closer Stinson Mountain. Just to the east is the Twin Range; further east is distant Mt. Washington, behind Mt. Tecumseh and the Osceolas. Furthest to the east is the Sandwich Range. When you've finished enjoying the view, continue onto Beeline Trail and hike 0.3 miles steeply down to High Pasture Loop, where you rejoin the old roads. Turn right and walk 0.5 miles to a T-junction at Eliza Remick Road. Turn left and continue 0.4 miles back to Old North Groton Road, where you can retrace your steps. You can also turn right and continue 0.1 miles back to Romley-Remick Road.

Printable directions page