Hiking the Percy Peaks in northern New Hampshire via the Percy Peaks and Percy Loop Trails
Percy Peaks Loop Hike: Explore North & South Percy in New Hampshire's North Country
Embark on a scenic 6.7-mile loop hike over North and South Percy Peaks in New Hampshire's Nash Stream Forest. Experience panoramic views, open granite slabs, and the serene beauty of the North Country on this rewarding trail.
The Percy Peaks are two of the most iconic mountains of New Hampshire's north country. They rise above Groveton and Stark and their open rocky slopes make them stand out from quite some distance. North Percy is the higher of the two peaks at 3,430', while South Percy tops out at 3,234'.
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Percy Peaks Loop Trail Description
The peaks can be climbed from a few different directions and the mountains also host the long distance Cohos Trail on their flanks. For this hike we ascended the Peaks from the west on the Percy Peaks Trail. This trail begins on the Nash Stream Road (a seasonal road only open in the summer) and ascends to the notch between the two peaks.
From the notch, we first ascended South Percy. The trail ascends through a dense spruce forest before reaching the more open summit area on South Percy. It's about .3 miles from the notch to the summit of the mountain. There's very little open ledge or difficult climbing on South Percy.
From South Percy we descended back to the notch and then ascended North Percy. The trail up North Percy, after first climbing through the woods, does ascend the summit on open rock slabs. This trail would be difficult, if not impossible in wet, slippery conditions, but during dry periods, the rock is quite grippy and easy to walk up with sturdy hiking shoes.
After North Percy, we descended back down to the Percy Loop Trail and followed that around northern side of North Percy where the trail eventually ends at Nash Stream Road to the north of where the Percy Peaks Trail begins. From there we walked down the Nash Stream Road to our car at the Percy Peaks Trailhead.
Note that Nash Stream Road is not maintained in the winter for vehicle traffic, so unless you have access to a snowmobile, the Percy Peaks are only accessible during the summer months from the Nash Stream Road trailheads.
Percy Peaks Loop Trail Summary
Where: Nash Stream Forest, just outside the tiny town of Stark, New Hampshire
Distance: About 6.7 miles for the full loop
Elevation Gain: Around 2,000 feet — your legs will feel it
Difficulty: Solidly moderate to challenging — short but steep in places
Trails: Loop via the Percy Peaks Trail and Percy Loop Trail
Trailhead Access: Off Nash Stream Road (gravel, usually passable in summer/fall)
Why It’s Great: Big views from both North and South Percy Peaks, open granite summits, and hardly a crowd in sight — a North Country gem
Good For: Hikers who like quiet trails, a bit of a leg burn, and summit views that deliver in all directions
Hike Tips for the Percy Peaks Loop
Start Early: This loop packs a punch in a short distance. Hitting the trail early gives you time to savor the views (and take breaks on the steep bits).
North Percy First: Most folks tackle North Percy first — it’s the tougher climb, but the granite summit is spectacular and worth getting to while your legs are fresh.
Grippy Footwear is Key: That open rock on North Percy can be slick, especially if there’s dew or rain. Good tread matters here.
Bug Season = Real: Bring the bug spray if you’re hiking late spring to midsummer — the North Woods bugs don’t play around.
Pack a Wind Layer: Those summits are exposed and breezy, even on warm days.
No Facilities: No bathrooms, water, or frills — just nature. Bring what you need and leave no trace.
North Percy Peak is one of The Terrifying 25 Hikes!
New Hampshire's The Terrifying 25 is a curated list of 25 hiking trails in the White Mountains, renowned for their challenging terrain and exhilarating scrambles. Designed for experienced hikers seeking an adrenaline rush, this list features routes that include rock slides, boulder caves, steep ledges, and exposed ridgelines. Completing the full list involves hiking 20 required trails and selecting 5 elective ones, culminating in a coveted patch for those who conquer them all.
North Percy Peak is one of the 52 Hikes With a View!
New Hampshire's 52 With A View (52 WAV) is a curated list of 52 mountains, each under 4,000 feet in elevation, offering exceptional scenic vistas. Unlike the more rigorous 4,000-footer list, the 52 WAV provides a rewarding hiking experience with less strenuous climbs, making it accessible to a broader range of hikers.
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Gear we used on this hike:
