Black Mountain: A Lovely Trail in the Western White Mountains
- Stephen Warner
- Nov 15, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
This moderate hike near Benton, New Hampshire is a gem. It’s a great way to get a taste of the White Mountains without needing a full-day commitment. The well-wooded trail climbs steadily to a long, open summit ridge with stellar views of Moosilauke and many of the Whites’ greatest hits. It’s one of those hikes where you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Black Mountain Trail |
Distance | 4.8 miles / 6.8 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 2-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 1,250 ft / 380 m |
Highest point | 2,782 ft / 848 m (Black Mountain) |
Permits / fees | No |
Parking | Side of road |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
The road to the trailhead isn’t maintained. It’s gravel, bumpy, and during winter or mud season it could be difficult—or impossible—for low-clearance vehicles.
Limited parking. The shoulder area by the trailhead fits only ~7–8 cars, so plan to arrive early on nice weekends or during foliage season.
GPS can lead you astray. AllTrails coordinates sent me to the wrong spot. Use the link provided above, and look for the Howe Hill Road location to reach the correct trailhead.
Alternate route:
Distance: 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
Elevation gain: 1,600 ft (490 m)
Details: Shorter but steeper, it intersects the main trail just before the summit.
The Trail
After parking, the trail begins on what looks like an old logging road. It’s a gradual climb for the first mile or so, but then ramps up slightly as you near the summit. While it’s easier than many hikes in the Whites, it still gets the heart rate going. You’ve got to earn those views!
I did this hike in late March, and as you can see, there was still plenty of snow on the trail. Thankfully, it was well-marked, with frequent blazes like this. Navigation wasn’t an issue.
If you’ve never tried winter hiking, I highly recommend giving it a shot. With the right gear and safety prep, it transforms a familiar trail into something entirely new. The quiet, paired with snow-covered trees is magical.
As you near the summit, you’ll hit the main trail junction. This is where the Chippewa Trail meets the Black Mountain Trail, just below the top.
Stay left at this fork to head to the official Black Mountain summit.
And here we are, 2,782 ft above sea level, perched on the western edge of the White Mountains.
What makes this summit unique is its long, narrow spine. You can spend a few minutes walking the full length of it, catching different views as you go. It’s not a single lookout, but more like a rolling ridgeline.
And the views up here? They’re something else. To the southeast, you’ll spot Mount Moosilauke, one of the most iconic 4,000-footers in New Hampshire.
And to the northeast, peeking through the haze, Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the entire state. Snow-capped and stoic. It’s one of those “pause and appreciate” moments.
SS Reflections
I’ll admit it, I’m addicted to peak bagging. When I lived in New Hampshire, I set a goal to summit all 48 New Hampshire 4,000 footers before moving west. And I did it. It was a source of pride.
But this hike reminded me that sometimes you need to forget the list. Forget the checkboxes. Just find a trail, lace up, and get out there.
That’s how I ended up on Black Mountain. No pressure, no goal—just a beautiful winter day, a peaceful forest, and a summit that offered way more than I expected. Whether or not it’s on a list, this trail delivered. And that’s what really matters.
Other Helpful Resources
Hiking Up With the Pup's post about this trail