Richard Taft Trail
State: NH |
The first alpine ski trail cut on Cannon Mountain, the Richard Taft Trail climbs to the summit via the north, over Mt. Jackson (also known as Mittersill Peak). For decades, the trail had been cited as a scenic, more gradual approach to the summit.
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| Richard Taft Trail Details |
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| Also Known As: |
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| Location: |
White Mountains - Kinsman |
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| Peak: |
Cannon Mountain |
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| Opened: |
1932 |
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| Closed: |
2010 |
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| Reason Closed: |
The State of New Hampshire acquired the former Mittersill ski area from the USFS and closed it to all foot traffic, year round, due to alleged environmental concerns. |
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| Guidebook Descriptions: |
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1934 AMC White Mountain Guide
Richard Taft Ski Trail.
This trail is a racing course for advanced skiers only. It starts from a point on the highway (N.H. 105) about 2/3 m. N.W. of its junction with the D.W. Highway (U.S. 3) at the N. end of Echo Lake. There is a sign on the S.W. side of the road. The trail ascends S. and E. for 2,200 ft. in 2.1 m. to the main (W.) summit of Cannon Mt. It is in general 15 to 25 ft. wide and on the curves 35 to 60 ft. wide. For good skiing 18 to 20 inches of snow is necessary. There is ample space for parking cars at Profile Clearing, 1 1/2 m. S. of the foot of the trail, also at the top of Three-Mile Hill on N. H. 105, 1/4 m. from the trail. There is a shelter at the foot of the trail and another half-way up.
Although primarily a ski run, this trail offers many vantage points for the summer climber, as the views, especially of Mt. Lafayette and the Mt. Washington Range, are magnificant.
1940 AMC White Mountain Guide
Richard Taft Ski Trail
A racing course for expert skiers, this trail starts from NH 105 about 2/3 m. NW of its junction with the D W Highway (US 3) at the N end of Echo Lake. There is a sign on the SW side of the road. The trail ascends S and E for 2,200 ft. in 2.1 m. to the main (W) summit of Cannon Mt. There is space for parking cars at the top of Three-Mile Hill on NH 105, ¼ m. from the trail. There is a shelter at the foot of the trail and another about half-way up.
Although primarily a ski run, this trail offers the summer climber magnificent views, especially of Mt. Lafayette and the Mount Washington Range.
1948 AMC White Mountain Guide
Richard Taft Ski Trail
A racing course for expert skiers, this trail may be reached by a short side-trail from the top of the hill on NH 18 about ¾ m. N of the junction of that road and US 3. There is space for parking cars at the top of the hill. The trail ascends S and E for 2,200 ft. in 2.1 m. to the main (W) summit of Cannon Mt. There is a shelter half-way up.
Although primarily a ski run, this trail offers the summer climber magnificent views, especially of Mt. Lafayette and the Mount Washington Range. |
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| Images: |
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1934 AMC map of Cannon Mountain
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| Links: |
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| Last updated 2011-08-20 |
| Disclaimer: Data provided for academic and historical purposes only. Respect all signs. |
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