Cherry Mountain Trail

Cherry Mountain Trail is a moderate hiking route in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest that climbs over the forested ridgeline of Cherry Mountain, connecting up to Mount Martha and continuing along Martha’s Mile to Owl’s Head. The outing is typically done as an out-and-back, with the ridge hiking forming the core of the experience.

Common practice is a 5.5–6 mile out-and-back to the peaks of Mount Martha and Owl’s Head, with about 2,400 ft of elevation gain and roughly 4 to 6 hours on the clock. The grade stays manageable for long stretches, but there are steeper sections and short rocky scrambling near the Owl’s Head ledge.

Route start is at the Cherry Mountain Trailhead on Route 115 in Carroll, NH. From the trailhead, hikers follow Cherry Mountain Trail for about 1.7 miles to a T-junction on the ridge where the climb splits toward Mount Martha.

To tag Mount Martha, turn left for about 0.2 miles to reach the Mount Martha summit (3,557 ft). This summit area has views, and the trail continues from there along Martha’s Mile.

Martha’s Mile runs northeast from Mount Martha for about 0.8 miles. As you approach Owl’s Head, the trail brings you to open ledges; the Owl’s Head summit (3,360 ft) is the high point and the main view target, including toward the Presidential Range and Mount Washington.

Bring sturdy footwear for rocky/steeper ground on the Owl’s Head approach and be ready for some scrambling at the ledges. The route follows ground surface along a path and is foot-traffic only for the hiking line represented here.

More information: Cherry Mountain - White Mountains, New Hampshire, Mount Martha and Owl's Head Cherry Mountain, Hiking Mount Martha & Owl's Head via the Cherry Mountain Trail