The trail starts at a relatively easy grade on an old road. It becomes rougher and progressively steeper at 1.1 miles where the trail passes several boulders. An area of rocky ledges appears next, providing nice views of the Saco River Valley and southern and western peaks. At 2.4 miles, the trail swings to the crest of the ridge connecting Kearsarge North to Bartlett Mountain. The trail bears to the right and travels up the north side of the ridge. At 2.9 miles, the trail makes a sharp turn at a steep section and continues around the west side of the summit ledges up to the mountain summit and fire tower. Mount Kearsarge North was originally called Mount Pequawket. This mountain became a popular peak starting in 1845 when three men cut a bridle path and built a two story wooden inn on the summit. The inn blew off the mountain when it came loose from its iron mooring rods and chains one autumn. It was rebuilt only to blow apart twenty-five years later.

The New Hampshire Forestry Commission built the first fire tower on Mount Kearsarge North in 1909. Through cooperative efforts, the Forest Service helped staff the tower from 1911 to the 1960s. Mount Kearsarge North supports the last remaining fire tower in the White Mountain National Forest. It was dedicated September 29, 1991 into the National Historic Lookout Registry. Planes now monitor forest lands for fires.