Kelton

Kelton is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Androscoggin Ranger District of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, about 2.9 miles long with a total elevation gain of 1,170 feet. The trail's natural surface and front-loaded climb, with the steepest stretch at about 0.5 miles from the start, make it a compact but purposeful outing on Forest Service land. The route starts at roughly 1,713 feet and peaks at 2,763 feet, with the most dramatic grade at about 35% on the first leg. The trip works well as a single day's walk, and the trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable season. Typical averages from the nearby Pinkham Notch weather station, which sits about 740 feet lower, run to highs around 75°F in July, with September still reaching the high 60s. That station's figures can't be taken directly to the trail's higher elevation, which runs cooler. Howker Ridge lies just 0.1 mile away, and the Randolph Path is 0.6 mile off. For an overnight base, Barnes Field Campground is about 3 miles away. Climbers can find Pine Mountain roughly 2.9 miles from the trail.