Region
Highlights
- Mt. Pierce was originally named Mt. Clinton after Gov. DeWitt Clinton of New York. In 1913 it was fittingly renamed after New Hampshire's own President Franklin Pierce.
- One of the lower alpine summits of the Presidential Range. A clearing lies on the summit surrounded by krummholz and spruce.
- Summit can be accessed from the west by the Crawford Path. The Appalachian Trail runs north-south over its summit
- The AMC Mizpah Spring Hut lies 0.8 miles to the south.
Routes
103 climbs • 18.0 mi • 7,788 ft gain • 6 hr 26 min
35 climbs • 6.3 mi • 488 ft gain • 4 hr 52 min
11 climbs • 21.3 mi • 8,924 ft gain • 11 hr 40 min
6 climbs • 10.5 mi • 3,578 ft gain • 6 hr 45 min
3 climbs • 5.9 mi • 2,406 ft gain • 3 hr 37 min
2 climbs • 8.6 mi • 3,243 ft gain • 6 hr 5 min
Latest climbs
"I arrived at the AMC Highland Center around 8:30am, and it was cold enough that I began my day with long pants, long sleeves, a fleece, and even considered donning my windbreaker. I took the shuttle from the Highland Center to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead, but walked along Base Station Road so I could stop briefly at the Cog Railway Base Station. During this walk, the temperature had already heated up to the point where I had to remove the fleece and zip off the pant legs. I set off along the Ammonoosuc Link around 9:45am and, even though the first 2 miles of the trail are shaded, I rolled up my sleeves and began regretting bringing thicker layers. Starting from the Base Station, the first 1.5 miles of the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail is mildly sloped, although very rocky from the start. Despite the dryer weather, the Ammonoosuc River was roaring along just fine, creating a wonderful forest ambience with occasional glimpses of the sun as it crested over Mt. Washington. The dry and cool weather also accelerated the leaves turning color; I was treated to a small percentage of yellow leaves lining the trees and dotting the forest floor. The first section of the trail culminates in the G..." — JCalautti • Sep 12, 2025
"A climb with Molly up Pierce. We started early to try and beat out an afternoon thunderstorm. We went up Crawford Connector and Crawford Path to reach the summit. Mostly cloudy day and the terrain was damp. " — newenglandwarrior • Jul 12, 2025
"Day two of the Presidentials in NH. It was too socked in too see anything from the peaks, but it would've been beautiful. The southern peaks are much less prominent so are easier. Monroe and Little Monroe were just a quick jog from the hut, and Franklin was just a bump. Eisenhower made for an interesting ascent, because there is some krummholz close to the top. Pierce felt pretty short compared to the others, but it was challenging on the way down. The descent felt eternal and it was definitely a slog at times. Overall, and incredible trip and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience." — elimihuta • Jun 28, 2025
"A quick hike for a Calendar Day need. Socked in kind of day with a threat of rain. The terrain was damp. Hiked it in 3 hours and 9 minutes, not bad since I have not done any serious hiking since October. " — newenglandwarrior • May 17, 2025
"Started early from the AMC Highland Lodge, then climbed up to Mizpah Hut, summited Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, Little Monroe and Monroe. Then dropped the pack and Turkey and I ran the ridge 5 more miles out to Boot Spur and took a peak down in Tuckerman’s Ravine." — wiweasel • Jul 4, 2024
"Great hiking on a fantastic weather day. Enjoyed bright blue skies, very light winds and relative cool, dry temps. Picture perfect. First time on the section of Webster Cliffs from Mizpah hut to Jackson. Although a little wet and muddy, its nice through there with the bogs." — Alohabuffy • Aug 23, 2023
"Molly and I hiked 3 peaks today for her Grid. We headed up Crawford Path to Ike first. We then came back over Pierce and then onwards to Jackson. When we heard from other hikers the river crossing was clear, we came down the Jackson Webster Tr and roadwalked back to the car. Beautiful day out today. We just missed seeing a supply helicopter to Mizpah Hut. " — newenglandwarrior • Apr 21, 2023
"We were hoping for a weather miracle that never came. Snowed all the way up, met with a powerful wind on the summit. About a hundred feet of visibility. Came down to Mizpah hut. A little clearing as we descended, not much." — Alohabuffy • Feb 14, 2023
"2 nd Mt after Eisenhower on a really hot day with Maryellen, Nancy, Tina, and Chris. Ridge walk down, over, and UP! Lots of people on the trail going the other way! Some snow along the way, but no need for spikes. Rock and dirt trail. Nothing too sketchy. " — lfrancois • May 21, 2022
"For Sarah's 48w finish. Our group of 6 headed up the Crawford Path and tagged Pierce. We then continued on and tagged Eisenhower for Sarah's finish. We then came back to Pierce. Molly wanted to get Jackson. So our group split in half with myself, Molly, and Sarah heading on to Jackson. We reached it, then slowly made our way down the Jackson Webster Tr. We then roadwalked back to the car. " — newenglandwarrior • Jan 16, 2022
Photos
Awards
Challenges
About peakery awards
Log climbs on peakery to earn awards:
Peak Badges: Earn a special badge for each unique peak you summit. See all of your badges on your Badges page.
First Ascent Award: Only 1 available per peak. Goes to the first peakery member to log a successful summit of a peak. Snag this award and the peak will forever bear your name.
King of the Mountain Award: Only 1 available per peak. Summit a peak more times than any other member. Beware: this award can be lost!
Summit Steward: Summit a peak at least 5 times to become one of its Summit Stewards. As Steward of a peak, you’re encouraged to keep that peak’s info up-to-date on peakery and spread goodwill on your future climbs up the peak.