Pleasant Mountain via Ledges Trail

Pleasant Mountain’s Ledges Trail climbs from Mountain Road to the mountain’s primary 2,006-foot summit. The blue-blazed route starts across the road from the parking area with stone steps, then rises through mixed forest over rocky, rooty tread before reaching open ledges and expanding views. The approved out-and-back recording measures 3.4 miles with about 1,505 feet of gain, close to Loon Echo Land Trust’s published 1.8 miles each way and 1,600 feet of gain.

Near the summit, exposed rock opens toward the White Mountains; on a clear evening, the westward outlook makes an especially strong sunset stop, with Mount Washington on the horizon. The upper mountain also includes the historic fire tower structure. Expect a sustained, moderately difficult climb with steep and narrow sections. The preserve is free to access, and the recorded access notes describe a free, medium-sized lot at the Ledges trailhead. There are no restrooms at the trailhead; carry out waste, stay on marked trails and avoid fragile summit soils.