CAUTION! Harsh weather conditions and sudden violent storms are common in this area and have claimed many lives. The last mile of the Caps Ridge Trail is totally above timberline and is exposed to the full force of these storms. Plan ahead and carry extra clothing and food while hiking in this area. Remember that storms quickly increase in severity above treeline. If you experience difficulty, TURN BACK before it is too late! The Caps Ridge Trail is the highest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains. The trail starts at 3008 feet in the parking lot at the height-of-land on the Jefferson Notch Road and ends on the summit of Mt. Jefferson (5715 feet). Trail length is 2.5 miles. The Jefferson Notch Road, commissioned in 1903 as the highest maintained New Hampshire state throughway, provides this convenient access to the third highest peak in the White Mountains.

Although this is the shortest trail to timberline in the White Mountains, it is very steep, rocky, and difficult. From the parking lot the trail steadily ascends the lower part of the ridge. At 1 mile the trail opens up to the first views of Mt. Jefferson. The Link Trail enters from the left at 1.1 miles, connecting the Caps Ridge Trail to the Castle Trail.

The trail steepens as it follows the narrow crest of the ridge. Presenting greater challenges, it reaches the lowest cap (4400 feet) at 1.5 miles. The entirely open trail continues very steeply at 1.8 miles to the highest cap (4830 feet). At 2.1 miles, it crosses the Cornice Trail, which leads to the Castle Trail (left) and Monticello Lawn (right) and other points south. The Caps Ridge Trail continues up the cone to reach the summit at 2.5 miles. Then it descends the backside a short distance, terminating at its intersection with the Jefferson Loop, Six Husbands, and Castle Trails. Access: From Rte. 302 turn onto the Cog Railway/Base Station Road, approximately 4.5 miles east from Rte. 3 in Twin Mountain. Follow the Base Station Road for approximately 4.5 miles to the intersection with the Jefferson Notch and Mt. Clinton Roads. Turn left onto the Jefferson Notch Road for 3.3 miles to the parking lot/trailhead.

Camping Regulations are in effect. Camping and fires are prohibited:

• above treeline;
• within 1/4 mile of the Jefferson Notch Road from the height-of-land to the Base Station Road. (Gas stoves are permitted.)
• Fire permits are not required to use wood or charcoal fires within non-restricted areas of the White Mountain National Forest. However, you are responsible for any fires you kindle and are subject to a fine and any suppression costs if the fire escapes.