Tucked away in from the hustle and bustle at the height of Pinkham Notch at the northern end of the Notch, the Imp Trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire offers a thrilling and scenic adventure for hikers. This 6.5-mile loop trail winds its way through dense forest, rocky slopes, and beautiful views. The main attraction? The Imp Face, a dramatic cliffside perch that delivers sweeping vistas of the Presidential Range, including the legendary Mount Washington standing tall in the distance.

My hike began by parking the truck at the southern Imp Trailhead, but instead of diving straight in, we opted for the full experience by walking north along Route 16. A short stroll led us to the northern Imp Trailhead, where the real adventure began. Right from the start, the trail greeted us with a steady ascent through lush woodland, the air filled with the scent of pine and the sounds of rushing streams nearby. The first two miles, though uphill, are a perfect introduction, giving you just a taste of what’s to come.

As I climbed, the forest began to thin, and after some rocky switchbacks, I reached the highlight of the hike: Imp Face. Standing on this rocky outcrop, perched 2,100 feet above the valley, was like being on top of the world. The views were simply spectacular, stretching across the Presidential Range with Mount Washington stealing the show, its summit often shrouded in clouds. It’s the kind of vista that leaves you in awe, making every uphill step worth it.

From Imp Face, the trail continues its gentle climb, weaving through more open areas that offer glimpses of the surrounding peaks. Within another mile, I reached the junction with the North Carter Trail. Here, the descent began, and the Imp Trail transformed into a quieter, more serene path. For the next three miles, the trail gradually dropped back into the dense forest, offering a peaceful end to the hike as we made our way back to the southern trailhead.

In total, this loop hike covers about 6.5 miles, with the road walk included. With 2,100 feet of elevation gain, the hike is moderately challenging, especially the climb to Imp Face, but nothing too extreme. The mix of forest, rock, and stunning views makes this trail an unforgettable journey in the heart of the White Mountains.

---

For More Information

You can find this hike:

• Described in the White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• Shown on FarOut App’s White Mountains National Forest Download

Gear I used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
• Garmin Instinct Watch
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

Some product links are affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, I just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!

Important Hiking Considerations:

1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
3. Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.