In the fall of 2025, a significant relocation of the historic Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail on the western side of Mount Washington was completed. The new route shifts higher on the slope, south of the river. On March 18th, I had the opportunity to explore this relocation for the first time while guiding a client on a winter ascent of Mount Washington.
We chose to park at the Cog Railway “Hiker Lot” for a slightly faster approach. Because accurate information—especially a reliable GPS track of the new trail—has been difficult to find (aside from a single image I came across in a Reddit thread), I decided to record the route so I could compare the new alignment with the historic one.
After taking the Cog Spur Trail to the junction with the old Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, we encountered the following signage:
The sign states that “…the old route has been obscured.”
In reality, only a few logs had been placed across the old trail in an apparent attempt to discourage use. Given that many hikers today rely on apps like AllTrails—which, as of March 23, 2026, still show the old route—it’s easy to understand why these minimal barriers have not deterred traffic. A quick scan of online hiking forums confirms that many people have continued using the old route since November 2025. This location seems like a logical place for more effective measures, such as a rope closure with clear signage, if the goal is to redirect hikers.
We briefly followed the old trail west. Within a few minutes, we reached the new route, though I noted we were momentarily traveling away from our objective. At the junction, we encountered a second sign directing hikers onto the new trail.
Again, some of the language on this sign deserves scrutiny.
“The new trail is straightforward to follow…”
This may have been true before snowfall obscured the path established by the trail crew. As a Wilderness and Survival Navigation Instructor, I consider myself proficient at following trails—I can usually pick up faint herd paths and have formal tracking experience through Search and Rescue work. Even so, the new trail proved inconsistent.
From its start to Monroe Brook, the route was generally followable thanks to a developing “monorail” typical of White Mountains spring conditions. It was clear where foot traffic had packed down the snow. However, there were no blazes, markers, or other indicators along this stretch. The trail includes several switchbacks, and I noticed multiple spots where others had wandered off-route before correcting course.
At Monroe Brook, I briefly lost the trail. Possibly distracted by conversation, I followed well-established downhill tracks along the brook—likely from backcountry skiers—before realizing something was off. After consulting a CalTopo map I had created the night before, I recognized that we had missed the intended crossing point. Rather than backtrack, I opted to reconnect with the old trail using my saved route.
Just before reaching Gem Pool, I observed the new trail descending the slope to rejoin the historic route.
Route Comparison
Below are estimated statistics comparing the old and new routes. Mileage and elevation data are based on CalTopo measurements and my GPS track to Monroe Brook. The Monroe Brook–to–Gem Pool segment is estimated using a hand-drawn line, though it is likely conservative. Based on a GPS track I found online, that section appears to include an additional descent and ascent before contouring down to Gem Pool, potentially adding another ~5 minutes. Time estimates use the Munter Scale with a rate of 4.
USFS Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead to Relocation Trail
0.76 miles, +383 ft, ~35 minutes
Cog Hiker Lot to Relocation Trail
0.61 miles, +247 ft, ~25 minutes (10 minutes faster)
Cog Hiker Lot to Gem Pool via Old Route
1.46 miles, +817 ft, ~1 hour 10 minutes
Cog Hiker Lot to Gem Pool via New Route
1.8 miles, +983 ft / -142 ft, ~1 hour 30 minutes (20 minutes slower)
USFS Trailhead to Gem Pool via New Route
1.9 miles, +1171 ft / -157 ft, ~1 hour 42 minutes (32 minutes slower than Cog + Old Route)
Opinions
With the numbers established, I’d like to share some personal thoughts.
When I first heard about the relocation in fall 2025, I was surprised. Having guided on Mount Washington for over 20 years, I consider myself well-connected to the local mountain community, yet I hadn’t heard about the project until it was already completed.
I understand the erosion concerns associated with the old route. I also recall when an avalanche (around 2008) destroyed a significant section of the trail, which was later rebuilt.
That said, I loved the original route to Gem Pool. It offered a gentle grade, efficient travel, and immediate immersion in the beauty of the ravine. The proximity to the river, the early views into the upper ravine—it was a special stretch of trail. One of my most memorable hikes here was in July 2013, when my wife and I reached Gem Pool in 40 minutes while I carried my nearly two-year-old son in an Osprey child carrier.
From a backcountry skiing perspective, the relocation raises practical concerns. Monroe Brook is a classic ski line, traditionally finishing with a smooth glide out along the old trail—no need to transition back to skins. The new route is not ski-friendly, and unsurprisingly, skiers this winter have continued using the old trail for exit.
Sentimental and skiing considerations aside, I recognize that action was likely necessary. Still, I would have appreciated an opportunity for public input—whether through a forum or survey—before the change was finalized.
From a hiking standpoint, the new route does pass through attractive open hardwood forest. The inclusion of switchbacks—rare in the White Mountains—is a positive design feature. However, any efficiency gained is offset by additional elevation changes: the trail gains and loses elevation multiple times before reaching Gem Pool, unlike the steady, continuous ascent of the old route.
On descent, the difference is even more noticeable. What was once a smooth, gradual walk out from Gem Pool now includes two climbs of over 100 feet each. Individually, these are minor, but at the end of a long day, they will be felt.
Signage Concerns
My biggest concern is the lack of clear, accurate signage.
In an era where many hikers rely heavily on GPS apps, statements like “GPS apps may be inaccurate” are insufficient. Until digital maps are updated, more proactive measures are needed. Key locations that would benefit from improved signage include:
- USFS Trailhead kiosk (possibly present, but I did not verify)
- Cog Spur kiosk (no signage observed)
- Cog Spur / Old Trail junction (existing sign, but a physical closure would help)
- Monroe Brook crossing (temporary flagging, cairns, or a small sign would be highly beneficial)
The Monroe Brook crossing is especially problematic. Ski tracks naturally lead downhill, making it easy for hikers to follow them and miss the turn. This seems like an oversight in trail design.
Additionally, old blazes remain visible on sections of the former route, further contributing to confusion.
Summary
Change is often challenging—especially when it affects a well-known and heavily used trail.
While this relocation may seem minor to some, it has meaningful implications. Guidebooks, hiking apps, and decades of shared knowledge all reference the previous route and its timing. From the USFS trailhead, this change adds roughly 20 minutes for the average hiker. From the Cog Hiker Lot, it adds closer to 30 minutes. Round trip, that’s about an hour added to a hike.
In a region where hikers frequently underestimate travel times, this is not insignificant.
My hope is that this report helps raise awareness within the hiking community. If you found it useful, please consider sharing it.
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
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