Imp South Trailhead

Facility · Maine ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

1,277 ft
Elevation

This trailhead consists of 2 gravel pullouts about .3 mile apart along NH Route 16. Hikers usually start from the northern pullout, ascending the Imp trail to spectacular views of the Presidential Mountains from atop the Imp Face. This loop day hike descends back to the southern pullout, but there is a well-worn path adjacent to the highway for walking. Hikers can also access the Carter-Moriah Ridge and the Wild River Wilderness by continuing up the North Carter trail where the Imp Trail reaches its apex.

Getting there

Trailhead is accessed seasonally from near the 7-mile mark on the Mt. Washington Auto Rd. (the road is only open to vehicle traffic when it is snow-free).

44.31971, -71.21704 · 44°19'11.0"N 71°13'1.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 75°F in Jul, down to 26°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F262836496270757468544232
Low °F6715273948535245352414
Precip in5.34.34.95.85.55.95.55.15.07.85.86.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Imp South Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Imp South Trailhead?
No. Imp South Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Imp South Trailhead

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.