3,238 ft | Smarts Mountain | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Smarts Mountain are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 31°F at the summit (3,238 ft), feeling like 19°F, with NW winds at 18 mph. See the hour-by-hour Smarts Mountain weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
No routes available for this peak.
Daniel Doan Trail (2.8 mi) · J Trail (3.5 mi) · Lambert Ridge Trail (3.5 mi)
Feels like 19°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, windy, overcast conditions with summit wind chill near 0-19°F and sustained winds up to the 40s mph at the summit elevation. The summit is fully forested (no above-treeline exposure), which moderates wind on most of the route, but 0.71 in of rain in the last 48 hours followed by freezing temperatures means wet rock and ledges may be icing. Start after sunrise (7:03 AM) and plan to be off the mountain well before the 6:03 PM sunset.
Expect roughly 12°F wind chill at the ~2,000 ft trailhead dropping to near 1°F at the summit, with the freezing level spanning the route, so ice is likely on upper ledges while lower sections may be wet or muddy. Start with a base layer and mid-layer, carry a windproof shell, puffy, warm hat, and gloves, and add layers before leaving tree cover or stopping at the tower.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday (Oct 18) from mid-morning through early afternoon offers lighter winds and slightly warmer temps (high ~42°F) with 0% precip; Saturday is workable but windier and colder, so start after sunrise and finish well before dark.
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: Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“A beautiful day for this loop. Ledge areas were dry and grippy today. Lots of mushrooms and woodland asters along trail. Significant viney growth along Lambert Ridge Tr in the first mile, looked like a Polygonum or similar. Not sure if it is invasive? Columbine in flower still, goldenrod, lots of fruits from bunchberry and blue bead. Fall like weather, cool to start, warming up this afternoon. Some colorful leaves starting and a few on the ground, lending to a fall smell to the air. Only saw four others out there, quiet trails today.”
Trail: Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Great hike, hot day, but some clouds helped reduce sun on ledges. Trails were very dry!! No water any where on Lambert, and the mud spots on Ranger were mostly harder squishy mud that doesn't even stick to your boots. There were a few slightly wetter sections, but all water and mud was easily avoided until the very final 500 yds. Others on the summit were returning on Lambert because the book they were reading told them Ranger was always wet; not today. Must be as good as it gets!”
Trail: Lambert Ridge Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail
“This hike enjoys views partway up. There are trees around the summit blocking views except by going up the fire tower which provides nice views in all directions. To get to the top of the fire tower you have to push a rather heavy door to get inside the top platform. Just a short distance from the peak is the Smarts Mountain Shelter, used by AT thru-hikers. See more info about this hike and other New Hampshire hikes on www.summitsmarts.com”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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22°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 22°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
45 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 45 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
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 to 3,238 feet in the heart of the Upper Connecticut River Valley region of New Hampshire, this rugged summit offers one of the more rewarding hikes in the region despite its modest elevation. The approach via the Lambert Ridge Trail treats hikers to an extended ridge walk with open ledges that provide sweeping views well before reaching the top. The upper mountain features meaningful above-treeline exposure across open rocky terrain, making it feel more alpine than its elevation suggests. A restored fire tower at the summit dramatically expands the panorama, delivering 360-degree views encompassing the Connecticut River Valley, Vermont's Green Mountains, and surrounding peaks. As part of the 52 With A View list, this peak earns its place through genuine scenic payoff and trail character. The Difficult rating reflects sustained climbing and rocky footing that demands solid footwear and reasonable fitness.
Elevation
3,238 ft
Range
Smarts Mountain
Difficulty
Difficult
Coordinates
43.8255, -72.0381
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.