Davis Path. AMC May 13, ft. Notes. 2007, Appalachian Mountain Club. All rights reserved.

Distance Time Elev Change Trail / Waypoint Latitude Longitude starting at The Direttissima Trailhead (PNVC) 44 15' 18" 71 15' 12" The trail begins about 0.2 mi. south of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, just south of the highway bridge over the Cutler River, indicated by a sign at the edge of the woods. 1.00 mi 42 min +263 ft on The Direttissima 1.00 mi 42 min +263 ft For hikers desiring access to Glen Boulder Trail from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, this trail eliminates a road walk on NH 16. Although in general it is almost level, it is somewhat rough in places, and there are several significant ups and downs. The trail begins about 0.2 mi. south of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, at a parking area just south of the highway bridge over the Cutler River, indicated by a sign at the north end of the parking area. Marked by paint blazes, the trail turns sharply left about 30 yd. into the woods and winds generally south, crossing a small brook. It skirts through the upper (west) end of a gorge and then crosses the gorge on a bridge. The trail continues past a viewpoint looking down Pinkham Notch, passes along the top of a cliff and then the bottom of another cliff, and ends at Glen Boulder Trail. to the junction of Glen Boulder Trail 44 14' 38" 71 15' 34" entering alpine zone 1.20 mi 1 hr 19 min +1427 ft on Glen Boulder Trail 2.20 mi 2 hr 1 min +1690 ft This trail ascends past the famous Glen Boulder to Davis Path below Boott Spur. Parts of it are rather rough, but it reaches the treeline and views relatively quickly. At this junction the trail turns sharply left (south) and soon passes a short branch trail that leads left to an outlook on the brink of a cliff, which commands a fine view of Wildcat Mountain and Pinkham Notch. The main trail swings west, rises gradually, then becomes steeper. It crosses Avalanche Brook Ski Trail, which is marked with blue plastic markers (but not maintained for hiking). Glen Boulder Trail soon reaches the north bank of a brook draining the minor ravine south of the Gulf of Slides. After following the brook, which soon divides, the trail then turns southwest and crosses both branches. It is level for 200 yd., then rapidly climbs the northeast side of the spur through conifers, giving views of the minor ravine and spur south of the Gulf of Slides. Leaving the trees, it climbs over open rocks with one fairly difficult scramble and reaches Glen Boulder, an immense rock perched on the end of the spur that is a familiar landmark for travelers through Pinkham Notch. The view is wide, from Chocorua around to Mt. Washington, and offers a particularly fine view of Wildcat Mountain. to Glen Boulder 44 14' 17" 71 16' 26" 1.60 mi 1 hr 32 min +1453 ft on Glen Boulder Trail 3.80 mi 3 hr 33 min +3143 ft From the boulder, the trail climbs steeply up the open ridge crest to its top, then reenters high scrub and ascends moderately. A side trail descends right about 60 yd. to a fine spring. The main trail continues to Slide Peak (also called Gulf Peak). This rather insignificant peak at the head of the Gulf of Slides offers fine views. It then turns north and descends slightly, leaving the scrub, and runs entirely above treeline greatly exposed to the weather to Davis Path just below a minor crag. to the junction of Davis Path 44 14' 51" 71 17' 46" The Resolution Shelter (located off Davis Path nearly 4 miles from the trailhead) has been removed by the WMNF due to safety concerns associated with the deteriorating condition of the shelter. No camping is allowed within the 1/4 mile Forest Protections Area (FPA) around the former shelter site and 200 feet from trails. Alternate sites are available at Stairs Mountain. entering wilderness area 1.60 mi 51 min -1035 ft on Davis Path 2

Distance Time Elev Change Trail / Waypoint Latitude Longitude 5.40 mi 4 hr 24 min +2108 ft The Davis Path, completed by Nathaniel T. P. Davis in 1845, was the third (and longest) bridle path constructed to the summit of Mt. Washington. The sections leading up the dauntingly steep southern slopes of Mt. Crawford and Stairs Mountain give some idea of the magnitude of the task Davis performed in building a trail passable to horses along this ridge. The resolution that enabled Davis to push forward with this apparently hopeless task was the inspiration for the naming of Mt. Resolution. This trail is almost entirely within the Presidential Range Dry River Wilderness. The Davis Path descends steadily, runs through a sag, then passes over a hump. On the other side of the hump, the trail descends into treeline. The west branch of the Isolation Trail diverges and descends to the right into the Dry River valley. to the junction of Isolation Trail 44 13' 48" 71 18' 24" leaving alpine zone 0.30 mi 9 min -307 ft on Davis Path 5.70 mi 4 hr 33 min +1801 ft Coinciding with Davis Path, Isolation Trail descends easily at first, then steadily off the ridge crest. to the junction of Isolation Trail 44 13' 33" 71 18' 25" 0.90 mi 33 min +88 ft on Davis Path 6.60 mi 5 hr 6 min +1890 ft The east branch of the Isolation trail leaves on the left. The Davis Path leads past the site of the former Isolation Shelter, and then ascends south on easy grades. to the junction of Mt Isolation spur 44 12' 55" 71 18' 31" 1.20 mi 41 min -304 ft on Davis Path 7.80 mi 5 hr 47 min +1585 ft A spur path (which is signed, but is easily missed) diverges right, leading to the open summit of Mt. Isolation, which provides magnificent views in all directions. The main path, which stays to the east of the summit of Mt. Isolation, crosses a small brook and descends to the col between Mt. Davis and Mt. Isolation. to the junction of Mt Davis spur 44 12' 07" 71 18' 56" 0.20 mi 12 min +192 ft on Mt Davis spur 8.00 mi 5 hr 59 min +1777 ft to Mt Davis 44 12' 06" 71 18' 46" 0.20 mi 6 min -192 ft on Mt Davis spur 8.20 mi 6 hr 5 min +1585 ft to the junction of Davis Path 44 12' 07" 71 18' 56" 2.00 mi 1 hr 7 min -464 ft on Davis Path 10.20 mi 7 hr 12 min +1122 ft A side path diverges left (east) and climbs steeply to the ridge just below the true summit of Mt. Davis, which commands perhaps the finest view on the Montalban Ridge and one of the best in the mountains. The main trail follows the ridge southward to where a small brook is crossed. 2.10 mi 1 hr 25 min +288 ft on Davis Path 12.30 mi 8 hr 37 min +1409 ft Grades are mostly easy along this wild, little-used section, but the footing is rough in places and blowdown and overgrown sections may be encountered. The path descends the long north-south ridge of Mt. Davis, keeping mostly to the west slopes. The trail then descends the ridge and passes into another sag. It passes over a small rise and crosses a small brook. It then ascends moderately along the north ridge of Stairs Mountain. to the junction of Giant Stairs spur 44 09' 21" 71 19' 15" 0.40 mi 13 min -408 ft on Davis Path 12.70 mi 8 hr 50 min +1001 ft The Davis Path then zigzags up the ledges toward the flat top of Stairs Mountain with occasional steep scrambles. The trail then passes the precipitous Giant Stairs to the east and bears southeast. to the junction of Stairs Col Trail 44 09' 09" 71 19' 06" 0.30 mi 11 min -6 ft on Davis Path 13.00 mi 9 hr 1 min +995 ft Here the Stairs Col Trail to the Rocky Branch diverges left. The path passes just west of Stairs Col, the small, wild pass between Mt. Resolution and Stairs Mountain. At the junction with the Mt. Parker Trail, a spur path diverges left to Resolution Shelter. to the junction of Mt Parker Trail 44 08' 58" 71 19' 16" 3

Distance Time Elev Change Trail / Waypoint Latitude Longitude 1.50 mi 54 min -128 ft on Davis Path 14.50 mi 9 hr 55 min +867 ft The Davis Path continues through the col and the Parker Trail diverges left (east) and leads to open ledges near the summit of Mt. Resolution, then continues to the Mt. Langdon Trail and Bartlett village. Fine views can be obtained from open ledges by ascending this trail only a little ways from the Davis Path junction. Leaving this col, the path runs south, descends slightly, and keeps close to the same level along the steep west side of Mt. Resolution. It then passes over a ledgy shoulder of Crawford Dome, with good views to the impressively precipitous face of the small peak of Mt. Crawford. The trail descends to the col between the peak of Mt. Crawford and its ledgy, domelike east knob (sometimes called Crawford Dome) then climbs over the knob. At the foot of a large, sloping ledge, a side trail diverges right and climbs to the bare, peaked summit of Mt. Crawford, from which there is a magnificent view of Crawford Notch, the Dry River valley, and the surrounding ridges and peaks. to the junction of Mt Crawford spur 44 08' 02" 71 19' 52" 2.20 mi 1 hr 6 min -1915 ft on Davis Path 16.70 mi 11 hr 1 min -1048 ft The Davis Path follows this ridge south, descending over bare ledges with good outlooks, particularly to Mt. Carrigain and the Tripyramids. It then leaves the crest and soon enters the old, carefully graded bridle path and begins to descend the steep ridge between Mt. Crawford and Mt. Hope by zigzags. It then leaves the Presidential Range Dry River Wilderness. It climbs toward the main brook, crosses a tributary and then crosses the brook bed at a point where there may be running water upstream. It then follows a logging road along the bed of a small brook (normally dry in summer). It swings left and leaves the WMNF and the woods. It crosses a small brook and then turns onto a path along a power line. It continues straight west across an overgrown field near a camp and into private land. It crosses the new suspension footbridge (Bemis Bridge) and follows the west side of the Saco River about 200 yd. downstream to the paved parking lot near the Notchland Inn on US 302. to Davis Path Trailhead 44 07' 08" 71 21' 13" The path leaves US 302 on the west side of the Saco River at a paved parking lot near the Notchland Inn, 5.6 mi. south of the Willey House site in Crawford Notch State Park. 16.70 mi 11 hr 1 min -1048 ft Totals 4

Disclaimer The use of this content is at your own risk. You acknowledge that (i) hiking, climbing and camping and related outdoor activities entail inherent risks and hazards, (ii) that conditions are variable and the content does not purport to be error-free or up to date, (iii) the presence of some warnings does not mean that all dangerous situations or changes in conditions will result in warnings on the AMC Site (and, thus, in this report), and (iv) ratings are very general, assume good weather and trail conditions and good physical fitness and constitute only one factor of many in a decision to hike a trail. Important Phone Numbers Emergency 911 Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center 603-466-2721 U.S. Forest Service 603-528-8721 National Weather Service 603-225-5191 Additional WMNF Information Camping is allowed anywhere in the WMNF, but is prohibited or restricted in Forest Protection Areas (FPAs). Generally, in Forest Protection Areas no camping is permitted above treeline (where trees are less than 8 feet tall), within ¼ mile of a trailhead or road, within 200 feet of a trail. Wilderness Areas In accordance with USFS Wilderness policy, trails in designated Wilderness areas are generally maintained to a lower standard than trails outside Wilderness. They may be rough, overgrown or essentially unmarked with minimal signage, and considerable care may be required to follow them. Hiking and camping group size must be no larger than 10 people. Camping and fires are also prohibited above treeline (where trees are less than 8 feet tall) except in winter, when camping is permitted above treeline in places where snow cover is at least 2 feet, but not on any frozen body of water. Alpine Zone Hikers are encouraged to be particularly careful in their activities above treeline because the plants that grow there already have to cope with the severity of the environment. No plants should ever be picked or otherwise damaged. Hikers are urged to stay on trails or walk very carefully on rocks so as not to kill fragile alpine vegetation. AMC urges hikers to become citizen-scientists and help AMC in alpine plant monitoring see www.outdoors.org/mountainwatch for details. Safety Tips from the Appalachian Mountain Club Here's the essential clothing and gear you need even for a day hike in the Northeast's mountains in the spring, summer, or fall. Always check the weather and prepare for the worst conditions; make plans with your group's abilities in mind; and plan an alternate route in case of bad weather, injury, illness, or slower than expected travel time. Avoiding Hypothermia: Hypothermia can occur when your core body temperature falls below normal. This can easily happen when you are exposed to cold winds or wetness. You can avoid hypothermia if you guard against dehydration, fatigue, cold winds, and wet clothes. Be sure to: Dress warmly, in layers. Stay dry. Protect yourself from wind, rain, and snow. (This can be done most effectively by wearing clothes that block wind and moisture.) Eat high-energy snacks and drink plenty of water. Do not over-exert. Pack essential gear, even on day hikes. Essential Gear: Be sure to wear or bring the following: Wool sweater or synthetic pile jacket * Hat * Gloves or mittens Bandanna or handkerchief * Long pants (avoid cotton) Wind and rain gear (jacket and pants) 5

Extra socks * Sturdy boots * Polypropylene or wool underwear First-aid kit * Waterproof matches. * Whistle * Knife. Guidebook, trail map, and compass. * High-energy snacks. Two to four quarts of water, per person. * Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries. Sunscreen. * Insect repellent. * Plastic trash bags Consider carrying a sleeping bag in case you are forced to sleep out overnight. If you're traveling in a group, carry at least one sleeping bag. It is an emergency tool that can keep an injured hiker warm until help arrives. For more advice of preparing for your next hike, see: www.outdoors.org/tripplanner AMC offers over 8,000 outdoor programs each year, offers a wide range of educational programs, and maintains over 1,700 miles of trails in the Northeast. Most of all, we rely on the support of hikers like you. To join, visit www.outdoors.org/membership. AMC recommends hikers follow the hikesafe Hiker Responsibility Code, and minimize their impact on the backcountry by following Leave No Trace principles. hikesafe Hiker Responsibility Code You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared: With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself. To share the hiker code with others. hikesafe: It s Your Responsibility. To learn more, see: www.hikesafe.com The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game. Leave No Trace principles to minimize backcountry impact Plan ahead and prepare. Know the terrain and any regulations applicable to the area you're planning to visit, and be prepared for extreme weather or other emergencies. Small groups have less impact on resources than large ones. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, which include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and focus activities on areas where vegetation is absent. Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. Leave what you find. Cultural or historic artifacts, as well as natural objects such as plants or rocks, should be left as found. Minimize campfire impacts. Cook on a stove. If a campfire is built, keep it small and use dead sticks found on the ground. Use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Respect wildlife. View critters from a distance. Feeding wildlife alters their natural behavior. Be considerate of other visitors. Be courteous, respect the quality of other visitors' backcountry experience, and let the natural sounds of the forest prevail. The AMC partners with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, to provide Leave No Trace training in the East. For more on our LNT Master Educator training, see www.outdoors.org/education. 6