About This Location
Imp Face, located in Bean's Purchase, New Hampshire, is an awe-inspiring cliff situated on the side of North Carter Mountain. This prominent natural feature offers breathtaking views of Pinkham Notch, Mount Washington, and the Northern Presidentials, making it a sought-after destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. In addition to these panoramic vistas, Imp Face also provides what is arguably the finest view of the Great Gulf from a distance.
Imp Face stands at an elevation of 3,165 feet and boasts a clean prominence of 45 feet. The cliff's dramatic topography is a defining characteristic, with sheer drops of several hundred feet on two sides, creating a thrilling and vertigo-inducing experience for those who venture close to the edge.
Accessing Imp Face is relatively straightforward. Visitors can park their vehicles along White Mountain Road (in Martin's Location, New Hampshire), also known as Route 16. Approximately two dozen dirt parking spaces are available on the side of the road, and parking is free of charge. From the parking area, the trailhead to Imp Face is just steps away.
The Imp Trail serves as the primary route for hikers to reach Imp Face. Taking the Imp Trail directly to Imp Face is a 4.4-mile out-and-back option. However, the Imp Trail is part of a longer loop trail that spans 6 miles in total. It's important to note that the Imp Trail loop does not start and end in the same place and requires an additional 0.2-mile walk along White Mountain Road to complete the loop. For those interested in hiking the entire loop, it's recommended to start on the Imp Trailhead North, as this section is the steepest part of the trail.
The Imp Trail is considered a challenging route, and hikers should plan for an average of 4 hours to complete the full Imp Trail loop. While it is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, visitors can still find moments of solitude, particularly during quieter times of the day or less crowded seasons. The trail remains open year-round and offers beauty in every season. Dogs are welcome, and leash regulations may vary in different areas of the trail, so it's advisable to check and follow any posted guidelines.
When it comes to the best time to visit, any day is a good day to enjoy Imp Face! A lot of visitors enjoy visiting during the fall months when the surrounding area is covered in beautiful fall foliage. That said, fall seems to be the most popular so the parking can be hard to come by, especially on nice weekends.