Hikers can enjoy great vistas on an alternate route to the top of Mount Washington, the Northeast’s highest point.
The 1.6-mile one-way Lion Head Trail is a side route off of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. The combined trails make for an 8.2-mile round trip from valley bottom to the peak.
An alternate route to the main ravine trail; the Lion Head side trail is steeper but less used than the Tuckerman, so you have to decide if the quiet is worth the extra exertion. And while the Lion Head Trail makes the route slightly shorter, most hikers say that alone isn’t worth braving its steepness.
For those making a return trip to the summit of Mount Washington, the side trail does help break up the monotony of repeating the same route.
If hiking during winter, taking this side trail is generally less dangerous than the main Tuckerman Ravine Trail while climbing the headwall. The first part of the Lion Head Trail is slightly different during winter that during summer (the route described here), and the U.S. Forest Service changes the signage to reflect that.
To hike the Lion Head, start at Pinkham Nature Center and follow the instructions for the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. At 2.3 miles, turn right onto the Lion Head Trail’s lower junction. You’re at 3825 feet elevation.
You’ll immediately ascend Tuckerman Ravine’s steep north headwall. Footing on the side trail is rough with steep switchbacks.
At 0.9 miles (3.2 miles from the Pinkham Nature Center), you’ll reach the top of the headwall and pass the Lion Head rock formation. Great vistas of the ravine below can be had for the next 350 yards or so. Continuing on the trail offers superb views of Mount Washington’s summit.
The side trail crosses the Alpine Garden Trail at 1.1 miles (3.2 miles from nature center).
You’ll rejoin the Tuckerman Ravine Trail at 1.6 miles (3.9 miles from nature center) and an elevation of 5675 feet. You’re just 0.4 miles and 600 feet from Mount Washington’s summit.
In all, taking the Lion Head side trail is 0.2 miles shorter than just staying on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
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