| Mount Jefferson | |
|---|---|
Mt. Jefferson as seen from near the summit of Mount Washington, with the Great Gulf below. |
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| Elevation | 5,712 ft (1,741 m) |
| Prominence | 742 ft (226 m) |
| Listing | White Mountain 4000-Footers |
| Location | |
| Location | Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, Coös County, New Hampshire, USA |
| Range | Presidential Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Washington |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Caps Ridge Trail |
Mount Jefferson is located in Coos County, New Hampshire, and is the third highest mountain in the state. The mountain is named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, and is part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Mount Jefferson is flanked by Mount Adams (to the north) and Mount Clay (to the south).
The mountain has several interesting features, making it a popular hike. Two distinct ridges lead to its summit: Ridge of the Caps and Castle Ridge. The mountain is also surrounded by the three dramatic glacial cirques of Jefferson Ravine, Castle Ravine, and the Great Gulf. Finally, Monticello Lawn is a large expanse of alpine sedge and rush near the otherwise talus-covered summit cone. When viewed from the south, the mountain features an arrow-shaped bald patch pointing to the summit of the mountain.
Mount Jefferson has a direct ascent along the Caps Ridge Trail, whose base, Jefferson Notch, is the highest point of any public highway in New Hampshire at 3,009 feet (917 m). This route, gaining only 2,700 feet (823 m) vertically to the summit, makes for the easiest ascent of any Presidential mountain. However, climbing over the "caps" involves some exposed scrambling and can be steep and challenging at times.
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