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Explorateur de cartes et de données Howker Ridge

Explore the route, mapped points of interest, GPX/KML downloads, and current conditions. For parking, distance, difficulty, history, safety, and complete trip-planning context, read the Guide du sentier Howker Ridge vers le mont Madison.

Trail explorer

Interactive Howker Ridge map

Follow the trail corridor, explore every mapped place in the dataset, and distinguish trail features from nearby trip options.

26mapped places
Howker Ridge Trail snapshot

Static planning snapshot of the Howker Ridge corridor; activate the map for live Leaflet layers.

26 mapped places - 4.5 mi one way by Howker Ridge and Osgood Trail - 4,350 ft of ascent, plus about 200 ft regained on return

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Complete dataset

Points of interest

All route and nearby POIs are normalized into one readable map dataset. Use the filters to narrow the map and table together.

26 places
Coordinates
Coosauk FallsWaterfallHowker routeabout 1610 (USGS DEM)44.36283, -71.27063
NH48 mapped point
Hitchcock FallsWaterfallHowker routeabout 1880 (USGS DEM)44.35978, -71.27118
NH48 mapped point
Blueberry LedgeRidgelineHowker routeabout 2610 (USGS DEM)44.35478, -71.26175
NH48 mapped point
First HowkRidgelineHowker routeabout 3380 (USGS DEM)44.34822, -71.25947
NH48 mapped point
Second HowkRidgelineHowker routeabout 3890 (USGS DEM)44.34015, -71.26143
NH48 mapped point
Third HowkRidgelineHowker routeabout 4010 (USGS DEM)44.33643, -71.26352
NH48 mapped point
Fourth HowkRidgelineHowker routeabout 4050 (USGS DEM)44.33495, -71.26661
NH48 mapped point
Mount Madison SummitSummitHowker route5367 (NH48 peak catalog)44.32868, -71.27692
NH48 mapped point
Osgood Ridge JunctionJunctionHowker routeabout 4990 (USGS DEM)44.32925, -71.27172
NH48 mapped point
Gordon Ridge ViewpointViewpointHowker routeabout 2750 (USGS DEM)44.35007, -71.27730
NH48 mapped point
Randolph Path JunctionJunctionHowker routeabout 1300 (USGS DEM)44.37077, -71.27130
NH48 mapped point
Sylvan Way ConnectorJunctionHowker routeabout 1640 (USGS DEM)44.36302, -71.27102
NH48 mapped point
Kelton Trail JunctionJunctionHowker routeabout 1770 (USGS DEM)44.36217, -71.27167
NH48 mapped point
Kelton Crag SpurViewpointHowker routeabout 2140 (USGS DEM)44.36007, -71.27563
NH48 mapped point
Pine Link Trail JunctionJunctionHowker routeabout 3950 (USGS DEM)44.33500, -71.26400
NH48 mapped point
Gordon FallWaterfallNearby optionN/A44.35057, -71.28793
NH48 mapped point
Stairs FallWaterfallNearby optionN/A44.35800, -71.27200
NH48 mapped point
Devil's Kitchen (approx.)GorgeNearby optionN/A44.35600, -71.27400
NH48 mapped point
Dome RockLedgeNearby optionN/A44.35670, -71.27950
NH48 mapped point
Crag Camp (RMC)HutNearby optionN/A44.33870, -71.30180
NH48 mapped point
Gray Knob (RMC)HutNearby optionN/A44.33770, -71.30410
NH48 mapped point
The Perch ShelterShelterNearby optionN/A44.32410, -71.31160
NH48 mapped point
Valley Way TentsiteCampsiteNearby optionN/A44.33460, -71.28720
NH48 mapped point
Madison Spring Hut (AMC)HutNearby optionN/A44.32870, -71.28450
NH48 mapped point
Star LakeLakeNearby optionN/A44.32750, -71.29170
NH48 mapped point
Mount Adams SummitSummitNearby optionN/A44.32070, -71.29100
NH48 mapped point

Coordinates are approximate NH48 mapped points. Elevations derived from terrain data are estimates. Confirm locations with current official maps before travel.

Trail Overview & Conditions

Trail Metadata

Length 4.5 mi one way by Howker Ridge and Osgood Trail (RMC route guide)
Elevation Gain 4,350 ft ascent, plus about 200 ft regained on return (RMC route guide)
Typical Time 4 hr 25 min to summit (RMC). Allow a full day for an out-and-back.
DifficultyStrenuous
TerrainSteep ridgeline, rocky scrambles, alpine exposure above treeline
WaterBumpus Brook on the lower trail; seasonal spring near Pine Link; Madison Spring Hut when operating. Natural sources are untreated and flow can vary.
TrailheadRandolph East on Pinkham B Road. The road is not maintained for winter vehicle traffic. Verify access before a winter start. (USFS, checked Aug. 2026)
Land ManagerWhite Mountain National Forest / Randolph Mountain Club
Alternate Descents & Connections Watson Path
Air Line
Valley Way
Pine Link

Mount Madison Snapshot

Elevation5,367 ft (1,636 m)
Prominence466 ft (142 m)
LocationThompson & Meserve’s Purchase, Coös County, NH
RangePresidential Range (White Mountains)
Coordinates44°19′44″ N, 71°16′36″ W
Named afterJames Madison (4th U.S. President)
Nearby peaksMt. Adams 1.4 mi SW; Mt. Jefferson 3.3 mi S
Features
  • Alpine zone & rock-covered summit cone with cairns
  • 360° views of the White Mountains
  • Rock scrambles and boulder fields
  • Mossy Falls & Ice Caves on the Short Line Trail
  • Star Lake and Madison Spring Hut (0.4 mi below summit)
  • Howker Ridge reaches Osgood Trail, which is also the Appalachian Trail
  • Northernmost peak of the Presidentials; high winds & hypothermia risk even in summer
Forecast snapshot: No cached forecast snapshot is available yet. Use the official NWS links and the live enhancement for current conditions.
No cached alert snapshot is available yet. Use the official NWS links and the live enhancement for current alerts.

Flora along the trail

Browse plant observations recorded along Howker Ridge. Specific species shown here come from the NH48 Plant Catalog.

For a comprehensive list of species and ecological notes, visit the Howker Ridge plant catalog.

Current conditions & safety guidance

Important trail warning

Howker Ridge sees less winter traffic than Valley Way and some other northern Presidential routes. Do not count on a broken trail. After new snow, long sections may be unbroken.

Pinkham B Road is not maintained for winter vehicle traffic. Check current USFS information, road access, and mountain weather before relying on Randolph East.

Current conditions

Brushing coverage updates are being refreshed for the new nh48.info page. Check the Randolph Mountain Club and trail adopter updates for the latest maintenance status.

Info

  • Plan for rapid weather changes and alpine exposure above treeline.
  • Carry layers, food, water, and the 10 essentials.
  • Check recent trail conditions and be prepared to turn around.
  • Practice Leave No Trace and respect trail closures or reroutes.

Helpful Links