Chatham, New Hampshire

Nestled atop Kearsarge North Mountain in Chatham, New Hampshire, the Kearsarge North Fire Tower, also known as the Pequawket Fire Tower, stands tall and proud.

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About This Location

Nestled atop Kearsarge North Mountain in Chatham, New Hampshire, the Kearsarge North Fire Tower, also known as the Pequawket Fire Tower, stands as a magnificent structure with a rich history. Kearsarge North, situated about 4 miles northeast of North Conway in the White Mountain National Forest, rises proudly at 3,268 feet and boasts a clean prominence of 1,748 feet, earning it the rank of the 16th tallest clean prominence in the state.

Originally named the Pequawket Fire Tower when constructed in 1913, the 28-foot steel tower has witnessed several transformations over the years. Remodeled in 1953 and 1977, the tower's original 10'x10' standard NH wooden cab was eventually replaced in 2000 with a larger 12'x12' "perched" wooden cab—a prototype that may influence future state designs. Despite the passage of time, the Kearsarge North Fire Tower remains active and open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the historical significance of fire lookout structures.

The tower's historical importance is underscored by its addition to the National Historic Lookout Register in 1991. Once staffed by the state and the U.S. Forest Service until 1960, the fire tower has become a cherished destination for hikers and history enthusiasts alike. Ascending to the summit of Kearsarge North offers panoramic views that extend far and wide. To the east, the vast expanse of flat terrain in Maine unfolds, with Pleasant Mountain standing as the prominent feature. To the south, the view overlooks the valley around Conway, framed by the Green Hills to the east and the three Moat Mountains to the west. The Ossipee Range graces the horizon beyond Conway, creating a stunning visual tableau. Notably, Kearsarge North earned its place as the 20th ranked mountain on the New Hampshire 52 with a View list, attesting to the captivating scenery that awaits visitors.

For those seeking to conquer the summit and marvel at the panoramic views from the fire tower, the Mount Kearsarge North Trail is the most popular route. This 6.4-mile out-and-back trail features a challenging 2,600 feet of elevation gain, typically requiring 4.5-5 hours to complete. Hikers, snowshoers, and runners frequent this popular area, creating a vibrant atmosphere of outdoor enthusiasts. The trail welcomes dogs, provided they are on a leash.

Parking at the trailhead, located just off Hurricane Mountain Road, is pretty limited, with just a few dozen spots available on the side of the road. Due to parking restrictions along the road, early arrival is recommended to secure a spot and fully enjoy the journey to the summit and the captivating vistas from the Kearsarge North Fire Tower. Do not park outside of the permitted area because you will be ticketed or towed. This is a residential area, so please respect those living along Hurricane Mountain Road.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
Chatham, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.105750, -71.094083
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited with under a dozen spots. The parking is area is located just off Hurricane Mountain Road. Parking along the road is illegal, so it is best to get there early.

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