Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, the Imp Trail in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, offers hikers a rewarding adventure through forests and rocky terrain. This 6.5-mile loop trail includes an elevation gain of around 2,100 feet. The trail's highlight is Imp Face, a striking rocky outcrop/cliff providing panoramic views of the Presidential Range, including the iconic Mount Washington. 

We hiked the loop clockwise - Parking the truck at the southern Imp Trailhead and then walking north on Route 16 to the northern Imp Trailhead and beginning the hike there. From the northern trailhead, the Imp Trail ascends just over two miles to the Imp Face/Cliff. From the Imp Face, the trail continues to climb more gently and makes its way to the intersection with the North Carter Trail in about a mile. From there, the Imp Trail descends about three miles to the southern Imp Trailhead.

The total hike is about 6.5 miles in length with the roadwalk and there's about 2,100 feet of elevation gain along the way. The hike is generally moderate, though there are a few steep climbs as you go up to the Imp Face.

Trail Guide: Park at the southern Imp Trailhead and then walk north on Route 16 to the northern Imp Trailhead and begin your hike there. From the trailhead, the Imp Trail ascends gently at first, and then more steeply in just over two miles to the Imp Face/Cliff. From the Imp Face, the trail continues to climb more gently and makes its way to the intersection with the North Carter Trail in about a mile from the Imp Face. Between the traihead at the trail junction with the North Carter Trail, the trail is generally well maintained and easy to follow with relatively good footing along the way.

From the trail junction with the North Carter Trail, the Imp Trail descends about three miles to the southern Imp Trailhead. The trail at first follows several small creeks and streams and is quite wet in places. As you descend, the trail dries out, but is quite eroded for a significant portion of the four mile descent from the trail junction. A little less than a mile from the southern Imp Trail trailhead, the trail levels off and makes its way across small ups and downs - crossing several muddy and wet areas. After 6.5 miles, you’ll come out at the southern traihead for the Imp Trail.

This is a moderate hike of 6.5 miles. The total elevation gain is 2100 feet and is all more or less gained in the first 2 miles of the hike with some additional climbing in the next mile - then four miles of descent.

For More Information About This Hike

You can find this hike:

• Described in the AMC’s White Mountain Guide

• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map

• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map

• Shown on FarOut App’s White Mountains National Forest Download

Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations

• Our Overall Favorite Hiking Gear

• Our Pack Recommendations

• Ten Essentials for Hiking

• Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30

• Recommended Gear on Amazon

Gear we used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack

• Altra Lone Peak Shoes

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks

• REI Traverse Trekking Poles

• Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts

• Microspikes

• Energizer LED Headlamp

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad

• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles

• Garmin Instinct Watches

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

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Important Hiking Considerations:

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

• Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.

• Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.