The Mt. Avalon Trail was named by Moses F. Swetser, who thought the area's beauty rivaled that of King Arthur's fabled residence.

Beginning at 1900 feet, the trailhead lies across the railroad tracks at the Crawford Depot. The trail ends at 3410 feet elevation at the intersection of the Willey Range Trail. Trail length to this junction is 2.6 miles. It is an easy grade for 0.7 mile, then moderate for the remainder. Enter the White Mountain National Forest approximately 500 feet from the Depot. A side trail turns left (south) to Mt. Willard.

To the northeast is the backbone of the Presidential Range, capped by 6288-foot Mt. Washington. On clear days, it is easily recognizable by the buildings on the summit.

To the south is Crawford Notch. To the west are the wooded summits of Mt. Field on the left and Mt. Tom on the right.

In the valley, the white building with the bright red roof is the Mt. Washington Hotel, the largest and most famous of all the grand hotels that once dotted this area. Directly below is the Crawford Notch Depot and Hostel. This is also the site of the famous Crawford House Hotel, which was destroyed by fire. Just to the right is Saco Pond.

From the Mt. Avalon summit, continue at a moderate grade to the summit of Mt. Field. At 2.7 miles, the trail ends at the Willey Range Trail Intersection. To return by a different trail, turn right (northwest) on the Willey Range Trail. The trail descends at an easy grade 0.9 mile to the junction with the A-Z Trail. Turn right once again. Nearby on the left is the Mt. Tom Spur Trail; it terminates 0.6 mile at a wooded summit. Halfway to the summit is a view to the south. From the Intersection of Mt. Tom Spur Trail, continue down the A-Z Trail 1.3 miles to the junction with the Mt. Avalon Trail.

Access: From Twin Mountain approximately 8.5 miles east on Rte. 302 to the Crawford Depot, where parking is available.