Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
One of my favorite hikes on the list of the 52 with a view, Mount Potash is located right next to another great hikes – Hedgehog Mountain along the Kancamagus Highway. This moderate mountain is just under 5 miles and has excellent views in every direction. The summit has some tree covereage, but ledges in every direction makes for excellent views. This is a great mountain hike all year long.
Looking for more hikes in this area? Make sure to check out all my NH guides and the list of all the 52 with a View Hikes.
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Quick Look at Mount Potash
Distance: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,480 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
The trail starts at the same trailhead as Hedgehog Mountain. From here, follow the signs to the right from the beginning around the pond. After just a few minutes of hiking, you will reach a river crossing. If you are doing the hike in the spring, this river can be difficult to cross. We did this hike in mid-April and we were able to cross with some difficulty – hiking poles can be helpful.
From here the trail ascends gradually until the last section that is much steeper and goes up some rock slabs. You will pass a beautiful lookout to the south – this isn’t the summit. Continue to the summit from here.
Parking and the Mount Potash Trailhead
If you put Mount Potash into google maps – it may take you to a dirt road instead of the trailhead. Make sure you look for the parking lot directly off the Kancamagus in the same lot as Hedgehog Mountain This is a small parking lot for two popular hikes so the lot fills up. We arrive around 10 am on a Sunday in April and the lot was almost full.
Map of the Hike up Mount Potash
There is limited cell service on this hike and none at the trailhead. Make sure to take a photo of the map at the start of the trail and download a map to use offline. The best way to do this is to use All Trails. You can also check trail conditions.
Practical Info & Logistics
This trail is a good hike all year long, although the best time of year is in the fall with the fall colors. This is a good winter hike as well as it is at a lower elevation than some of the high peaks.
There is no fee to park at the trailhead.
Dogs are allowed on leashes
Trail Details
Mount Potash follows an out-and-back route, so the descent is the same trail back to the trailhead.
From the parking lot, follow the signs to the right around the pond before reaching the river crossing at around 0.5 miles. This is the trickiest part early in the season — take your time and use poles if you have them.
From the crossing, the trail climbs gradually through the woods for most of the ascent. The final stretch steepens significantly, taking you up open rock slabs to a south-facing lookout. This is a great spot to catch your breath, but keep going the summit is just a bit further.
At just under 2.5 miles, you’ll reach the summit. Return the same way back to the trailhead.
At the Summit
From the summit you can find views in almost 360 degrees (there are several viewpoints on the summit. You can look south towards Passaconoway and Chocorua as well as North towards the gap and the Kanacamgus road. The summit is large so there is plenty of room for a picnic.
Nearby Attractions
The Kancamagus is a classic New England road through the White Mountains and offers a series of great hikes. You can see some of my favorite road trips in NH.
There are limited facilities along the road including no food and gas, so make sure to pack a lunch and snacks. Some of my other favorite hikes include:
