Pinkham Notch

Quality 0.50 · 0 views · Updated 2 months ago

Mountain pass in New Hampshire

title: "Pinkham Notch" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["notches-of-new-hampshire", "white-mountains-(new-hampshire)", "landforms-of-coös-county,-new-hampshire", "mount-washington-(new-hampshire)", "nature-centers-in-new-hampshire", "appalachian-mountain-club", "civilian-conservation-corps-in-new-hampshire"] description: "Mountain pass in New Hampshire" topic_path: "general/notches-of-new-hampshire" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkham_Notch" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Mountain pass in New Hampshire ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox mountain pass"]

FieldValue
namePinkham Notch
photoPinkhamtopo.jpg
photo_captionThe steep, glacier-carved walls of Pinkham Notch can be seen in this topographic map.
elevation_ft2032
traversed[[Image:NH Route 16.svg
locationPinkham's Grant, Coos County, New Hampshire,
United States
rangeWhite Mountains
coordinates
topoUSGS Stairs Mountain, Jackson, Carter Dome, Mount Washington
::

| name = Pinkham Notch | photo = Pinkhamtopo.jpg | photo_caption = The steep, glacier-carved walls of Pinkham Notch can be seen in this topographic map. | elevation_ft = 2032 | elevation_ref = | traversed = [[Image:NH Route 16.svg|20px]] NH Route 16 | location = Pinkham's Grant, Coos County, New Hampshire, United States | range = White Mountains | coordinates = | topo = USGS Stairs Mountain, Jackson, Carter Dome, Mount Washington

Pinkham Notch (elevation 2032 ft. / 619 m) is a mountain pass in the White Mountains of north-central New Hampshire, United States. The notch is a result of extensive erosion by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Wisconsinian ice age. Pinkham Notch was eroded into a glacial U-shaped valley whose walls are formed by the Presidential, Wildcat, and Carter-Moriah ranges. Due to the volatility of the area's climate and rugged character of the terrain, a number of rare or endemic ecosystems have developed throughout the notch.

The presence of the notch was recorded in 1784 by Jeremy Belknap, but its isolation prevented further development for several years. The construction of New Hampshire Route 16 has led to increased accessibility and a rise in tourism. Its location makes it a hub for hiking and skiing.

Geography

The notch separates the Presidential Range, which forms the western wall, from the Wildcat Range, which forms the eastern wall. Two rivers drain the notch; the Ellis River drains the south end and is a tributary of the Saco, and the Peabody River drains the north end and is a tributary of the Androscoggin.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Mountwashingtonview.jpg" caption="Jackson]]."] ::

The eastern slope of the notch consists of the Wildcat and Carter-Moriah Ranges, slightly lower than the Presidential Range to the west. The Wildcat Range consists of five peaks, named A, B, C, D, and E from northeast to southwest in order of height. Wildcat A is the highest, at 4422 ft. From the main ridge, the slopes drop very steeply, but not precipitously, to the floor of the notch. The Wildcat Mountain Ski Area occupies the western slopes of Wildcat up to the col between D and E peaks. As the notch rounds E peak, the slope becomes extremely steep, and Wildcat Ridge begins to drop to the end of the notch.

The Carter-Moriah Range lies to the north of Wildcat Ridge, forming the eastern side of Pinkham Notch all the way to the Androscoggin River. From south to north, the peaks overlooking the notch are Carter Dome (4,832 ft / 1,473 m), Mount Hight (4,675 ft / 1,425 m), South Carter Mountain (4,420 ft / 1,347 m), Middle Carter Mountain (4,600 ft / 1,402 m), North Carter Mountain (4,530 ft / 1,381 m), Imp Mountain (3,720 ft / 1,134 m), and Mount Moriah (4,049 ft / 1,234 m).

Climate

The weather in the area varies by altitude and the orientation of the land. A weather station has operated at around 2,000 feet since 1930.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Pinkham Notch has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Pinkham Notch was 93 °F on July 20, 1982, while the coldest temperature recorded was -32 °F on February 16, 1943.

|location = Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1930–present (elevation 2025 ft.) |single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 64 |Feb record high F = 72 |Mar record high F = 78 |Apr record high F = 86 |May record high F = 90 |Jun record high F = 91 |Jul record high F = 93 |Aug record high F = 92 |Sep record high F = 92 |Oct record high F = 86 |Nov record high F = 75 |Dec record high F = 67

|Jan avg record high F = 48.9 |Feb avg record high F = 49.1 |Mar avg record high F = 56.6 |Apr avg record high F = 71.1 |May avg record high F = 80.6 |Jun avg record high F = 85.0 |Jul avg record high F = 85.8 |Aug avg record high F = 84.4 |Sep avg record high F = 82.2 |Oct avg record high F = 73.4 |Nov avg record high F = 61.8 |Dec avg record high F = 52.3 |year avg record high F = 88.3

|Jan high F = 26.0 |Feb high F = 28.4 |Mar high F = 36.2 |Apr high F = 48.5 |May high F = 61.9 |Jun high F = 70.0 |Jul high F = 75.0 |Aug high F = 74.0 |Sep high F = 67.5 |Oct high F = 54.4 |Nov high F = 41.8 |Dec high F = 31.5 |year high F =

|Jan mean F = 16.1 |Feb mean F = 17.9 |Mar mean F = 25.6 |Apr mean F = 37.9 |May mean F = 50.2 |Jun mean F = 58.9 |Jul mean F = 64.0 |Aug mean F = 62.8 |Sep mean F = 56.3 |Oct mean F = 44.6 |Nov mean F = 33.1 |Dec mean F = 22.6 |year mean F =

|Jan low F = 6.2 |Feb low F = 7.3 |Mar low F = 14.9 |Apr low F = 27.3 |May low F = 38.5 |Jun low F = 47.9 |Jul low F = 53.1 |Aug low F = 51.5 |Sep low F = 45.0 |Oct low F = 34.8 |Nov low F = 24.4 |Dec low F = 13.7 |year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -13.0 |Feb avg record low F = -9.8 |Mar avg record low F = -4.7 |Apr avg record low F = 16.1 |May avg record low F = 28.5 |Jun avg record low F = 37.0 |Jul avg record low F = 43.4 |Aug avg record low F = 41.8 |Sep avg record low F = 32.3 |Oct avg record low F = 22.8 |Nov avg record low F = 9.0 |Dec avg record low F = -4.9 |year avg record low F = -15.4

|Jan record low F = -31 |Feb record low F = -32 |Mar record low F = -21 |Apr record low F = -4 |May record low F = 10 |Jun record low F = 29 |Jul record low F = 32 |Aug record low F = 31 |Sep record low F = 21 |Oct record low F = 8 |Nov record low F = -7 |Dec record low F = -31

|precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 5.31 |Feb precipitation inch = 4.28 |Mar precipitation inch = 4.87 |Apr precipitation inch = 5.75 |May precipitation inch = 5.48 |Jun precipitation inch = 5.88 |Jul precipitation inch = 5.48 |Aug precipitation inch = 5.12 |Sep precipitation inch = 4.99 |Oct precipitation inch = 7.82 |Nov precipitation inch = 5.83 |Dec precipitation inch = 5.98 |year precipitation inch =

|Jan snow inch = 28.5 |Feb snow inch = 27.6 |Mar snow inch = 26.4 |Apr snow inch = 9.4 |May snow inch = 0.6 |Jun snow inch = 0.0 |Jul snow inch = 0.0 |Aug snow inch = 0.0 |Sep snow inch = 0.0 |Oct snow inch = 1.7 |Nov snow inch = 12.7 |Dec snow inch = 28.9 |year snow inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |Jan precipitation days = 14.3 |Feb precipitation days = 12.7 |Mar precipitation days = 13.3 |Apr precipitation days = 13.0 |May precipitation days = 14.8 |Jun precipitation days = 14.3 |Jul precipitation days = 14.1 |Aug precipitation days = 13.1 |Sep precipitation days = 11.5 |Oct precipitation days = 14.2 |Nov precipitation days = 13.9 |Dec precipitation days = 16.0

|unit snow days = 0.1 in |Jan snow days = 10.8 |Feb snow days = 10.6 |Mar snow days = 9.4 |Apr snow days = 4.3 |May snow days = 0.3 |Jun snow days = 0.0 |Jul snow days = 0.0 |Aug snow days = 0.0 |Sep snow days = 0.0 |Oct snow days = 1.2 |Nov snow days = 5.5 |Dec snow days = 11.2

|source 1 = NOAA |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00276818&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access |access-date = September 8, 2022 |source 2 = National Weather Service |url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=gyx |publisher = National Weather Service |title = NOAA Online Weather Data |access-date = September 8, 2022

Environment

The climate, and as a result, the flora and fauna, of Pinkham Notch varies greatly with elevation. As elevations increase on the walls of the notch, climate and ecosystems change to those of increasingly northern occurrence. Biomes range from a low-elevation northern hardwood forest at the base of Mount Washington to alpine-Arctic vegetation near the summit comparable to vegetation found at the latitude of Labrador.

Below 2500 ft. — Northern hardwood forest

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Mtwashingtonautoroadsrsteel.jpg" caption="The floor of Pinkham Notch, looking toward Mount Washington"] ::

The lowest elevations of Pinkham Notch are occupied by a northern hardwood forest. This forest type is primarily deciduous and consists mostly of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch. There is also a proliferation of understory and forest floor plants; common examples include wild sarsaparilla, painted trillium, hobblebush, and Indian cucumber-root.

The northern hardwood forest also contains the greatest diversity of animal life in the notch. Mammals include chipmunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, black bears, and moose. There are also a large number of birds in this forest; frequently seen are red-eyed vireos, hermit thrushes, and ovenbirds. Amphibians are also found in the northern hardwood forest. Red efts, the terrestrial stage of development for the red-spotted newt, congregate in large numbers after heavy rains; also present are American toads, spring peepers, and wood frogs.

At around 2000 ft, species from higher forest zones begin to mix with the northern hardwoods in what is known as the "transition zone". As elevation within this zone increases, species from the lower hardwood forest begin to drop out. By 2500 ft, yellow birch is the only deciduous species that remains, and the forest becomes a spruce-fir forest.

2500 ft. to 4000 ft. — Spruce/fir forest

As elevation increases, the forest is subjected to colder temperatures, increased moisture, and acidic, infertile soils. As a result, conifers, or "softwoods" become the dominant species. Two trees, red spruce and balsam fir, are present throughout this zone, with paper birch, striped maple and mountain ash present in its lower levels. Like the hardwood forest below it, the spruce-fir forest also holds understory plants; commonly found are wood sorrel, Indian pipes, Canada mayflowers, and bluebead lilies. Fungi are also common in the moist environment.

Most of the animals in the spruce-fir forest have ranges that extend into the balsam fir forest higher up. Warblers are abundant; more than ten species exist in this forest type. Other common birds include brown-capped chickadees, spruce grouse, and yellow-capped woodpeckers. Mammals include the red squirrel and the pine marten.

4000 ft. to timberline — Balsam fir forest

As elevation continues to increase, only the hardiest trees remain in the forest, which is composed almost exclusively of balsam fir. Most of the understory plants and animals from the upper spruce-fir zone, however, can be found in this forest. Moisture causes nutrients to be stripped from the soil and brought to lower elevations, and decomposition takes place at a rate that is too slow to replenish them.

In the upper reaches of the balsam fir zone, winds and temperatures are extreme enough to force the trees into stunted, "bonsai-like" shapes. Known as krummholz, from the German word for "crooked wood", trees in this area are often bent into bizarre shapes by the combined effects of wind, temperature, and airborne ice particles. Branches that are perpendicular to the prevailing winds are often killed, leaving "flag trees" that point in the direction of the wind. Eventually, conditions become extreme enough to prevent any tree growth; the elevation at which this occurs is known as tree line, and usually occurs at around 4,500 ft (1,400 m) in the White Mountains, depending on wind exposure.

Above timberline — The alpine zone

On the highest slopes of the west wall of the notch, trees are unable to grow, and an "alpine zone" of alpine-Arctic vegetation exists. Vegetation in this zone tends to be lichens, sedges or small, low-lying plants that can resist the constant exposure to the wind. Most plants in this area are perennial; the growing season is far too short to allow for annuals.

Alpine plants usually occur in communities spaced between barren talus slopes. Cushion-shaped Diapensia lapponica usually grows in communities in the windiest areas, and in less exposed sites sedge, heath, snowbank, and alpine bog communities can be found.

History

Pinkham Notch was originally a riverine, "V-shaped" valley until the Laurentide Ice Sheet shaped it into its current form, a "U-shaped" valley. This shaping occurred during the Wisconsinian Ice Age, 25–50,000 years ago. The geology of the region became greatly altered by this event; much of the weaker rock was stripped from the region, leaving only highly-resistant mica schist. As the glaciers retreated, a layer of glacial till was deposited, including several glacial erratics. A notable glacial erratic in the area is Mount Washington's Glen Boulder.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Pinkhamgerry.jpg" caption="Gorham]], and a hotel, the [[Glen House]], was constructed to accommodate passengers.Randall, p. 12. Mount Washington was the main attraction in the area; a bridle path was constructed from the Glen House to hotels on the summit, which was later improved into what would become the [[Mount Washington Auto Road]]. Completion of the road in 1861 led to a massive increase in tourism.Randall, p. 15."] ::

Meanwhile, logging began in the Pinkham area. After almost total deforestation of the White Mountain region, the White Mountain National Forest was created in 1911, and the Mount Washington area was added to the national forest in 1914. With the preservation of the area, emphasis shifted from logging to recreation. The Appalachian Mountain Club converted a logging camp near the height-of-land into what is now the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center in 1921. The Appalachian Trail was built through the visitor center, making it an important trailhead for ascents of Mount Washington. Meanwhile, ski trails began to be constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps on Wildcat Mountain, and the ski resort was opened in 1958.

Recreation

Pinkham Notch is easily accessible by New Hampshire Route 16. Numerous opportunities for recreation exist in the area.

Hiking

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/LostPond.jpg" caption="Lost Pond in Pinkham Notch"] ::

Mount Washington is a common objective, and is often climbed from Pinkham Notch. There are numerous trail approaches from the Appalachian Mountain Club's visitor center. Although trail distances seem short, the trip to the summit should not be underestimated; most trail approaches involve at least 4,000 vertical feet (1,200 m) of climbing, including an ascent of the rocky summit cone and the boulder-strewn upper slopes. Weather changes very quickly, one must be prepared for extreme conditions, and fatalities are not unknown. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is the most popular trail in the notch, ascending to the summit via the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. The Huntington Ravine Trail is widely considered the most difficult trail in New Hampshire, making its way up the precipitous headwall of neighboring Huntington Ravine, where there are several rock climbing opportunities.

On the other side of the notch, the Wildcat Range is a popular objective. The five summits can be reached via the Wildcat Ridge Trail; the first two miles are extremely difficult, and require skill on short, yet exposed, rock scrambles. This part of the trail is frequently bypassed by following the ski area's Polecat Trail to the summit of D Peak.

The Appalachian Trail, which extends over 2150 mi from Georgia to Maine, runs along the Presidential Range before crossing the notch and ascending to the summits of the Wildcat Range.

There are also less challenging hikes that are equally scenic, yet better suited for families with young children. Popular objectives include Glen Ellis Falls, a waterfall on the Ellis River, and Square Ledge, with an impressive view of Mount Washington for modest effort.

Skiing

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Pinkham.jpg" caption="gondola]], which runs during the summer, and offers views of the Presidentials with no expended effort.<ref name="Wildcat Mountain"/>"] ::

For Nordic skiing, Great Glen Trails offers a large, groomed trail system that also includes the lower half of the Auto Road. Several warming huts are scattered around the trail system, including scenic Great Angel Cabin, with views of the Great Gulf and surrounding peaks. Great Glen also permits biking on the trails during the summer, and is the only mountain bike facility in the notch. Another cross-country trail system exists in the town of Jackson, extending as far as the summit of Wildcat Mountain.

References

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the tags, and the template below.

References

  1. USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Map Series: Mount Washington, Stairs Mountain, Carter Dome, Jackson Quadrangles.
  2. Daniell, Gene, and Smith, Steven D. ''White Mountain Guide''. 27th ed. AMC Books, 2003. {{ISBN. 1-929173-22-9. p. 9.
  3. Daniell and Smith, p. 11.
  4. Randall, Peter. ''Mount Washington: A Guide and Short History''. University Press of New England, 1974. {{ISBN. 0-87451-089-9. p. 138.
  5. Randall, p. 131.
  6. Daniell and Smith, p. 384.
  7. [http://www.skiwildcat.com/history.html] {{Webarchive. link. (2007-02-10 History of Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort. Wildcat Mountain. 2001. Retrieved 9 September 2006)
  8. Daniell and Smith, p. 384–385.
  9. Daniell and Smith, p. 385.
  10. Stier, Maggie and McAdow, Ron. ''Into the Mountains''. AMC Books, 1995. {{ISBN. 1-878239-30-9. p. 240.
  11. Slack, Nancy G. and Bell, Alison W. ''Field Guide to the New England Alpine Summits''. AMC Books, 1995. {{ISBN. 1-878239-38-4. pp. 19–21.
  12. Slack and Bell, p. 20.
  13. Slack and Bell, p. 21.
  14. Slack and Bell, p. 15.
  15. Slack and Bell, pp. 22–24.
  16. Slack and Bell 24–25
  17. Slack and Bell, pp. 24–29.
  18. Monkman, Jerry and Monkman, Marcy. ''Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire''. AMC Books, 2001. {{ISBN. 1-878239-88-0
  19. Slack and Bell, pp. 30–32.
  20. Slack and Bell, pp. 69–78.
  21. Randall, p. 115.
  22. Alden, Peter and Cassie, Brian ''National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England''. Chanticlear Press, 1998. {{ISBN. 0-679-44676-1. pp 18–19.
  23. Randall, pp. 115–116.
  24. Daniell and Smith 29
  25. Stier and McAdow, p. 248.
  26. Randall, p. 9.
  27. Randall, p. 12.
  28. Randall, p. 15.
  29. Randall, p. 16.
  30. Randall, p. 142.
  31. Daniell and Smith, p. 3.
  32. Daniell and Smith, pp. 20–21.
  33. Daniell and Smith, p. 24–26.
  34. Daniell and Smith, pp. 389–391.
  35. Daniell and Smith, p. 390.
  36. The Appalachian Trail changes in length from year to year due to reroutes and other changes in the trail. An exact length is almost impossible to ascertain. For more information, see [http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/trails/at/at-faq.cfm] {{Webarchive. link. (2008-05-05 "Frequently Asked Questions Reveal Details on Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail" ''Appalachian Mountain Club''. Accessed 2 October 2006.)
  37. Daniell and Smith, pp. 2 and 384.
  38. Daniell and Smith, pp. 11 and 432.
  39. Daniell and Smith, p. 6.
  40. [http://www.greatglentrails.com] "Mountain Biking" Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Retrieved 29 September 2006.
  41. [http://www.jacksonxc.org] "Jackson, New Hampshire: The Number 1 Cross-Country Ski Area in the Eastern United States" Jackson XC. Retrieved 29 September 2006.
  42. and

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::

notches-of-new-hampshirewhite-mountains-(new-hampshire)landforms-of-coös-county,-new-hampshiremount-washington-(new-hampshire)nature-centers-in-new-hampshireappalachian-mountain-clubcivilian-conservation-corps-in-new-hampshire