Diamond Peaks

The steep, circular ridge of the Diamond Peaks rises less than a mile from the Maine border. It is located within Second College Grant, a municipality controlled solely by Dartmouth College and with zero permanent population. Since 1807, the college has owned and administered the township, which is used by students for outdoor activities as well as the college for research and revenue from timber harvests. The grant has numerous outstanding natural features, including the Diamond Peaks Ridge, which is one of the most notable. Despite their low elevation in comparison to adjacent mountains, the peaks have massive cliffs that are breathtaking when seen up close. The college maintains a hiking track that runs the length of the ridge and passes by numerous breathtaking overlooks.

To access Diamond Peaks, the best option is the 6.4 mile out and back trail known as the Diamond Peaks Trail. The trail is rated as moderate and is well marked. The trail does consist of a considerable amount of length on a dirt road. This is because Dead Diamond Road is closed off from visitors, so you have to walk along it for about 2.5 miles. In total, 971 feet of elevation are gained on the hike and the views from the peak are great!

Specs

• Type: Summit
• Elevation:  2050 ft
• Prominence: 680 ft
• Parent mountain: Diamond Peaks

Location

• Address: Dead Diamond Road
• Town: Second College Grant
• State: New Hampshire
• GPS: Lat 44.89252 Lng -71.06173
• Parking notes: The trailhead and parking area can be found on Dead Diamond Road in Second College Grant, NH. Dead Diamond Road begins 0.3 miles west of the Maine/NH border on the north side of Rt. 16. Drive 0.2 miles down the road and park on the right in a designated parking space.
• Parking directions: HERE
• Location directions: HERE