Drivability of Jefferson Notch Road?

[HikerBob]

I'm sure this question has been asked before - but a recap is always a good thing

So - do I need a Hummer or will my '98 Camry and a sporting attitude get me to the trailhead?

Also - is there a better end to start from?

Thanks in advance.

Bob

 

[bill bowden]

Bob:

The Camry will get you there with a sporting attitude. Jefferson Notch Road is rough but is maintained for summer travel so you can easily get to the Caps Ridge Trailhead.

A few years ago a bridge on the northern end of the road washed out and that end was closed for a while, but you can easily access Jefferson Notch

 

[ADK4Life]

A related question.

How far is the jefferson road you have to take to get to the caps ridge trailhead from Crawford Notch?

 

[bill bowden]

The JeffersonNotch Road is an unpaved extension of the (sort of) paved Mount Clinton Road at the gateway to Crawford Notch. I don't remeber the mileage but the famous phrase "you can't miss it" certainly applies.

 

[jjmcgo]

The road (as of 6/20) is in great shape and the trailhead is about halfway between Route 2 and the road to the Cog Railway. There is a big parking lot for the trailhead so you can't miss it.

 

[Bob Kittredge]

I drove the length of it this past Saturday in my Corolla. No problem. The Caps Ridge trailhead is about 3 miles north of Base Road or 6 miles south of Valley Road. Magnificent fields of lupine along Valley Road, by the way.

Caps Ridge can be a challenging scramble; bring your sticky boots and your long legs.

 

[HikerBob]

Thanks to all for your feedback.

Bob K - The boots I have but I lack the long legs. Ah well - just have to take it as it comes

Bob

 

[peakbagger]

The road is usually better maintained from the south end. The north end gets very skinny in a few spots and a heavy rain can wash it out a bit. Watch out for SUV's when driving the road as its definitately not a two lane.

If you are up for a long hike, the loop up Jewel, then north on the Gulfside to Jefferson, then down Caps ridge to the parking lot, then south on the notch road and then back via the Boundary Line trail to where you started is a long but not too rough day.