Information
Landmark: Shiloh Museum of Ozark HistoryCity: Springdale
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale, USA Arkansas, North America
Mount Kearsarge is a prominent mountain located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, USA, with its summit accessible from both Warner and Bradford.
Visual Characteristics
The mountain exhibits a mixed forest cover, primarily deciduous trees, with exposed granite outcrops near the summit. The summit area features a fire tower and a small parking lot. Elevation reaches 2,937 feet (895 meters) above sea level.
Location & Access Logistics
Access to the summit is primarily via the Kearsarge Mountain Road, a paved, steep, and winding 3.5-mile road originating from US Route 11 in Warner. This road is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Parking is available at the summit lot. Alternatively, hiking trails originate from the base; the most direct is the Winslow State Park Trail (approximately 1.7 miles one-way) located off NH Route 114 in Wilmot. Public transport options to the base of the mountain are not available.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Mount Kearsarge is a remnant of the White Mountain batholith, formed approximately 300 million years ago during the Alleghanian orogeny. Its current topography is shaped by glacial erosion. The summit fire tower was constructed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Key Highlights & Activities
Hiking is the primary activity, with trails ranging in difficulty. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding New Hampshire landscape. Photography is possible from the summit, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The fire tower is accessible to the public when staffed.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available at Winslow State Park. Limited shade is present at the summit parking area. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available at the summit. No food vendors are located on the mountain; provisions should be carried.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal visibility and clear views, the best time of day is mid-morning or late afternoon, avoiding midday haze. The best months for visiting are from June through October, when the Kearsarge Mountain Road is open and foliage is at its peak in autumn. Hiking trails can be icy and hazardous in early spring and late fall.
Facts & Legends
The mountain's name is believed to derive from an Algonquian word meaning "place of the tall pine" or "place of the great mountain." A notable historical event occurred in 1861 when a large gathering assembled on the summit to witness the departure of New Hampshire volunteers for the Civil War.
Nearby Landmarks
- Winslow State Park (0.5km South)
- Mount Sunapee State Park (15km Southwest)
- New Hampshire State House (30km East)
- Henniker Community Theatre (20km Southeast)
- Franklin Opera House (25km Northeast)