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  Alpine CCC Ski Trails > New Hampshire
Black Mountain
Jackson, New Hampshire

Overview
Black Mountain as seen from South DoubleheadThough no trails reach the true summit of Black Mountain, the large mountain has featured lots of alpine skiing for many decades. In addition to the Black Mountain Ski Area, the mountain is also home to the Black Mountain Trail.

Trails on Black Mountain
Black Mountain location map Black Mountain Trail - Open
The Black Mountain Ski Trail was cut by the Saco CCC in 1934. The trail features a few turns, but never becomes overly steep. There is a cabin, available for rent, at the top of the ski trail. The trail does not reach the summit of Black Mountain, nor does it connect to the Black Mountain Ski Area.
Quotes
" These two trails (Black, Doublehead) were cut by the Saco CCC under the supervision of Mr. Mattoon's office (WMNF Supervisor). "
E. Bigelow Thompson, 1934


" Black Mt. Trail (WMNF)
1. Location - Take road past Eagle Mt. House, Jackson, to Fernald's cottages. Can drive to within .25 mi. of foot of trail which runs E. to public cabin (stove and bunks for 12) and Davis Tower on Black Mt.
2. Length - 1.5 mi.
3. Width - 15' to open slopes.
4. Max. Grade - 25º.
5. Vertical Drop - 1300'.
6. Exposure - W. 12" snow.
7. Consists of a series of open slopes with openings cut between them. Suitable skiing for all degrees of ability. Lookout tower at summit. Other accessible open slopes on E. side.
"
Skiing New Hampshire, 1935-1936


" Black Mt. Trail (W.M.N.F.). Take road past Eagle Mt. House, Jackson, to Fernald's cottages. Can drive to within 0.25 m. of foot of trail which runs E. to public cabin (stove and bunks for 12) and Davis Tower on Black Mt. Length 1.5 m. Max grade 25°. Consists of series of open slopes with openings cut between them. Suitable skiing for all degrees of ability. Lookout tower at summit. Other accessible open slopes on E. side. "
New Hampshire: A Guide to the Granite State, 1938, p. 528


" Black Mountain Ski Trail leaves the E (R) side of the Carter Notch Road at a sign 3 1/4 m. from Jackson village. It ascends through a series of open pastures, connected by short lengths of trail, to the col. There is a WMNF cabin, with stove, accomodating 12, on the W slope of the mountain to the S of this trail 1/2 m. from the top of the ridge. "
The A.M.C. White Mountain Guide, 1948, p. 238


Images
1942 USGS Topographic Map
1942 USGS Topographic Map

1945 USGS Topographic Map
1945 USGS Topographic Map

1987 USGS Topographic Map
1987 USGS Topographic Map

Black Mountain Cabin in 2009
Black Mountain Cabin in 2009

Black Mountain Cabin in 2009
Black Mountain Cabin in 2009

The top of the Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The top of the Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The Black Mountain Trail in 2009

The bottom of the Black Mountain Trail in 2009
The bottom of the Black Mountain Trail in 2009

Resources
  • Black Mountain Resort - NewEnglandSkiHistory.com
  • Black Mountain (Middle Peak) - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • New Hampshire: A Guide to the Granite State. Boston, MA: The Riverside Press, 1938.
  • New Hampshire Skiing. Concord, NH: State Planning and Development Commission, 1935.
  • Thompson, E. Bigelow. "New Ski Trails Are Built by CCC in the White Mountains" Boston Evening Transcript. 9 Oct. 1934.
  • Winter Work: The CCC and New England Skiing Chronology - New England Ski Museum

  • Last updated: June 10, 2010
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