Mount Pemigewasset

Mount Pemigewasset is a roughly 2,500-foot summit at the south end of Franconia Notch, known for its open ledges and the cliff profile called Indian Head. This is a proper uphill hike, not a roadside overlook. I’d choose it when you want a summit view and have time for a steady climb. From the Flume Gorge trailhead, the blue-blazed Mount Pemi Trail is just over 3 miles round trip with about 1,259 feet of gain.

The Flume route starts at the Flume Gorge parking area near I-93 Exit 34A. Begin on the recreation path, then take the Mount Pemi sign and follow the blue blazes into the woods. The path gives way to rocky, rooty footing, with steeper climbing near the top. There’s a second approach on Indian Head Trail from a small lot on U.S. 3 south of Indian Head Resort. It uses a different trailhead, so use directions and mileage for the route you pick. Busy lots can fill early, and parking on I-93’s shoulder is illegal.

The Flume Visitor Center has a cafeteria and gift shop by the standard Flume approach. Those are trailhead stops, not summit facilities.

At the top, the trail opens onto broad rock above steep drops. Wet rock can be slippery, so take care where the footing changes. From the ledges, look across Franconia Notch toward Franconia Ridge and Kinsman Ridge. Walk a little along the open rock before settling on a viewpoint; different ledges give you different angles. For a photo, keep some of the ledge along the bottom of the frame with the notch beyond it, so the view has a sense of scale.

The pale cliff line on the mountain’s southern face reads like a head in profile, which gives this summit its other familiar name. The rocky outline stands above the surrounding forest and is easiest to appreciate from below. At the summit, you’re on the exposed ledges themselves, looking out across the notch.