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4,006 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Waumbek

Mount Waumbek is a 4,006 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail: 6 mi, 2,742 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Waumbek in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Waumbek at a glance

  • Elevation4,006 ft1,221 m
  • RouteVia Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge TrailClass 1
  • Distance6 mi2,742 ft gain
  • Time5 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail

From Jefferson, New Hampshire, the Starr King Trail climbs at a steady, moderate grade past the site of an old shelter to the wooded summit of Mount Waumbek. Views are limited by trees, though a clearing near Mount Starr King and outlooks along the way give glimpses of the Presidentials. The trail is rooty and can be muddy, and the summit sits in the quiet Pliny Range far from the crowds. Start early and carry water for the round trip. One of the gentler and more peaceful 4,000-footers in the state.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Boggy terrain
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Mount Waumbek on Yak

Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Mount Waumbek on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Mount Waumbek

Peaks near Mount Waumbek

  1. Mount Cabot

    Mount Cabot

    4,170 ft · 5.1 mi away

  2. Mount Adams

    Mount Adams

    5,774 ft · 9.9 mi away

  3. Mount Madison

    Mount Madison

    5,367 ft · 10.0 mi away

  4. Mount Jefferson

    Mount Jefferson

    5,712 ft · 10.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Waumbek?

Mount Waumbek is 4,006 feet (1,221 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

How does Mount Waumbek rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,006 feet, Mount Waumbek is the 64th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Mount Waumbek?

The Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 2,742 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Waumbek?

Most people take 5 – 6 hours round trip on the Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail, covering 6 miles with 2,742 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Waumbek?

Usually, if you are fit. The Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Waumbek?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Waumbek?

The Via Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trail starts at about 1,580 feet, roughly 2,426 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Waumbek with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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