2,723 ft | Jackson | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Iron Mountain are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 33°F at the summit (2,723 ft), feeling like 27°F, with WSW winds at 3 mph. See the hour-by-hour Iron Mountain weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 27°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.02" (24h) · 0.41" (48h)
Snow: 0.1" (24h) · 0.1" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, mostly clear conditions with sub-freezing temperatures at the trailhead and summit, so expect frozen ground and possible icy patches on shaded sections after recent light snow and 0.41 inches of precipitation over 48 hours. Winds are forecast to strengthen at the summit (up to 37 mph with a wind chill near 7°F), though the summit sits entirely below treeline. Daylight is limited to about 11 hours, so plan an early start and carry layers for the cold.
Temperatures run about 3°F colder at the summit than the trailhead, with stronger winds aloft (roughly 27 mph at the trailhead vs. 37 mph at the summit), so wind chill drops from around 13°F to 7°F. Start with a warm base layer and bring a windproof shell and insulating layer for the ledges and summit, where you will cool quickly when you stop.
Best Hiking Window
Saturday late morning through early afternoon, after the ground thaws and winds are lowest, or Sunday when conditions are forecast clear and drier with a milder high.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Iron Mountain Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Was last here in 2019 and remember the erosion of the trail. Today’s hike was a joy. Thank you all who spent so many backbreaking hours to revive this treasure of a hike. Ledges were spectacular. Back on the 52WAV list!”
Trail: Iron Mountain Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“The trail was in great shape snow and ice is gone. Hit the summit, the ledges view and Iron Mt. Mine. Great views from the ledges and the mine was pretty cool. Also hit the side trail to the Mt. Washington and Wildcats view on the way down from the summit.”
Trail: Iron Mountain Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Dry trail with a puddle just before the ledges. Fun trail to hike with the switchbacks. Brief snow flurries on then ascent, but we had good views.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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25°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 25°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising in the Jackson range of New Hampshire's White Mountains, this 2,723-foot summit offers a rewarding experience well-suited to hikers of moderate fitness. The trail winds through classic northern hardwood and conifer forest before reaching the open ledges near the top, where hikers are rewarded with satisfying views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. While the summit does not extend far above treeline, the exposed rocky outcroppings provide pleasant spots to pause and take in the scenery. The relatively modest elevation gain makes this an approachable objective without sacrificing a genuine sense of accomplishment. As a member of the 52 With A View peak list, it attracts hikers working to complete that popular New Hampshire challenge, which emphasizes summits offering meaningful vistas. Its location near Jackson makes it convenient to pair with other regional hiking destinations.
Elevation
2,723 ft
Range
Jackson
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.1348, -71.2392
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
5.8 mi away
3 incidents on file · drawn from NH Fish and Game releases and regional reporting
Peter Frayley, 60, from Charlestown, Rhode Island
On April 24, 2026, Peter Frayley, 60, fell from a platform on the Iron Mountain fire tower after a loose board gave way, resulting in a fractured ankle. He was unable to walk and 911 was called. Rescuers from NHFG, LRSAR, and AVSAR carried him out in a rescue litter to the trailhead, where he was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
62-year-old female hiker from Dedham, MA
On May 30, 2024, Eileen Centofanti, 62, went off trail while hiking Iron Mountain alone and became lost over a mile from the Iron Mountain Trail. She was able to place a 911 call despite poor cell service, and a Conservation Officer hiked in to her location via a gated Forest Service road. Centofanti was uninjured and hiked out under her own power, reaching the officer's vehicle shortly before 7:00 p.m.
Robert Carroll of Hampton, NH
On June 16, 2023, Robert Carroll of Hampton, NH suffered a medical emergency approximately 0.5 miles from the summit of Iron Mountain on the Iron Mountain Trail. After rest, he was able to walk with assistance to the trailhead, arriving around 2:30 p.m. Rescuers contended with heavy rain and thunderstorms during the operation.