Mount Potash Trail

Mount Potash Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, within the Saco Ranger District. The trail rises from about 1,300 feet to 2,424 feet, a total climb of roughly 1,168 feet, and is rated moderate. The trail starts at a natural-surface route and gains elevation quickly. The steepest section, with a grade of about 27%, comes around the 0.95-mile mark. The climb is front-loaded, so the most significant gain happens in the first part of the hike, with the return trip downhill from the high point. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Waterville Valley put July highs around 77°F with lows near 54°F, and September highs around 69°F. That station sits nearly 1,000 feet lower than the trail's summit, so expect cooler temperatures at the top. The trail is open year-round, and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Passaconaway campground and Radeke Cabin are both about 0.3 miles away, and the Swift River offers fishing about 1.3 miles off. The Mt. Hedgehog East Ledges climbing area lies about 1.5 miles from the trail.