Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Looking for a great woods walk with a few viewpoints, a gradual incline and easier walking than most New England Trails? The trail up to Mount Webster and across to Morgan just north of Squam Lake is an underappreciated trail. We started this hike just to get to Mount Webster and ended up going all the way to Morgan.
If you haven’t hiked Morgan, the best trail is Morgan/Percival Loop Trail.
There is another Mount Webster in the White Mountains not to be confused with this trail.
Mount Webster and Morgan Trail Details
To Mount Webster
Distance: 6.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
To Mount Morgan
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
We hiked this trail in Holderness, NH on a hot and hazy summer day. We enjoyed having shade for most of the hike, but it’s worth noting that there are limited viewpoints. The best viewpoint is about halway up the trail to Webster.
Trailhead for Hiking Mount Webster and Morgan, Holderness, NH
Start the hike at the Brook Fisher Trailhead. The parking lot is fairly large and as this isn’t a very popular trail, we had no issue parking even on a Sunday in the summer. From here the trail starts uphill with plenty of switchbacks despite not being very steep.
Hiking Mount Webster and Morgan
The trail starts uphill right from the parking lot, but follows are very comfortable wooded trail with a lot of switchbacks. The trail goes uphill so gradually, it rarely feels like you are going uphill. After about 1.3 miles, you reach the trail that goes along the ridge. The ridge is wooded, although there are a view overlooks. The first overlook is actually the best on the entire trail.
Ascend gradually up the ridge. The trail comes very close to the summit of Webster, but doesn’t actually pass over it. You can either turn back here or continue on to the Morgan. Mount Morgan is well marked and signed and you can climb the ladder to the summit or take the easier trail around. The summit does not have a view but there is a nice rock to sit and enjoy a snack or lunch.
General Things to Know about Hiking Mount Webster and Morgan (and in the Squam Lake area in general)
This trail is dog friendly and a good family option. It’s important to know that some of these trails can be muddy in the spring and will close in March or if there are birds nesting. It’s best to be prepared with a back up trail in the spring.
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