Imp Trail

Imp Trail is a moderate, long-distance loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains that climbs from NH Route 16 up to the Imp Face ledges and then works back down to the second Route 16 trailhead. The route uses two gravel pullouts about 0.3 miles apart on the east side of the highway, and the loop finish includes a short walk along the roadside shoulder back to the north pullout.

For most hikers, the cleanest way is clockwise: start at the Imp North Trailhead pull-off, follow Imp Trail uphill through hardwood forest, and track Imp Brook as the grades gradually steepen. Early on you’re in a wooded climb; higher up the terrain gets rockier and the path delivers you to the exposed cliff area of the Imp Face.

A defining feature is a wooden ladder encountered on the climb toward the Imp Face. The last push involves ledgier hiking as you near the cliff, with short flat sections before the route scrambles out onto the open ledges.

At the Imp Face, you get the Presidential Range view from the cliff edge—Mount Washington through Madison are visible from this side of the range. This is a spot where the trail’s difficulty shifts from sustained uphill to careful, exposed-feeling ledge travel for a short section.

After the ledges, the route continues along a ridge-walk and eventually descends back to the Imp South Trailhead pull-out. The loop’s descent is supported by a well-worn path along the highway for the short link back between the two trailheads.

The Imp Trail is also a strong “full experience” starter if you want to continue onward beyond the loop: from the Imp Trail’s apex you can connect to the Carter-Moriah Ridge by following the North Carter Trail.

More information: Visitor information, White Mountains: Imp Trail and North Carter Trail | Day Hikes, Imp Face