Overview
Red Hill is another beautiful classic hike in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Like Mt. Morgan, Mt. Percival and Mt. Major, it consist of trails of moderate difficulty and length and views on top of both Lake Winnepausaukee and Squam Lake that are nothing short of breathtaking. This summit, like many others in the Lakes Region, is very popular in the summer.
There are two routes to the top. The first route The Red Hill is a 1.7 mile Class 1 trail, which contain a moderate and steady pitch to the top. It is a steeper old jeep road that goes to the summit. Though there are no real steep or rocky sections like the Main Trail on Mt. Major or the Mt. Percival, the Red Hill is very consistent in pitch and never becomes gradual until the summit.
The second trail is the Eagle Cliff Trail. This is a 2.9 mile one way Class 1-2 trail with some scrambling up ledges. Use caution on this trail when wet or icy as it can become very dangerous. The added bonus though in hiking this trail instead of the Red Hill Trail is the fact that the Eagle’s Cliff provides another fine view to the north.
Getting There
VIA THE RED HILL: From Route 25 in Center Harbor (coming from the west) make a left on Bean Road. Head up the road roughly a mile and a half and then take a right on Sibley Rd. Head a mile and make a left at another sign. The trail (old jeep road) will be on your right.
VIA EAGLE CLIFF TRAIL: From Route 25 in Center Harbor (coming from the west) make a left on Bean Road. The trail will be on your right about 5 miles. You will pass the Moultonboro-Sandwich town line about a half mile before reaching the trail.
Red Tape
No fees. Just be cautious on where you park (lots of no parking signs).
When To Climb
This summit can be climbed at anytime. In winter though use caution on the Eagle Cliff Trail. Due the fact the trail ascends a ledge, has northern exposure (less melt and icier conditions) and is somewhat exposed by the exposed at the ledge, crampons are required. The Red Hill Trail though is a great snowshoes hike after a fresh snowfall and crampons are not nessesary unless no snow has fallen in a weeek and tempurature are below freezing.
Camping
Camping would not be advisable due to the fact that the mountain is a half day hike from either the Red Hill Trail or the Eagle Cliff Trail. This trail also see a lot of visitors in summer.
Mountain Conditions
Here are some websites that will provided you the best information on conditions in the White Mountains and on Mt. Morgan and Percival.
Appalachian Mountain Club
Current Trail Conditions
More Information on the Red Hill Trail
More Information on the Eagle Cliff Trail
Images
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