Black Mountain Cabin

Summary

Black Mountain Backcountry Cabin is located in White Mountain National Forest and offers views of the Wildcat Ridge, Mount Washington and maple and spruce trees. It is a very rustic cabin with minimal amenities, no water or electricity and guests must bring their own water. A trail pass is required to ski on the nearby groomed trail system.

Overview

Black Mountain Backcountry Cabin was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and sits on what was once pasture land. The cabin was renovated in 1992, though its original character was maintained. The surrounding pasture was cleared as well to provide the scenic views that guests enjoy today. The Black Mountain Ski Trail is used to hike or ski to the cabin, depending on the season. The 1.4-mile trail starts at an elevation of 1,250 feet, and the cabin sits at an elevation of 2,450 feet. Guests should be prepared to transport all their gear and supplies on foot.

Recreation

The Black Mountain Ski Trail used to access the cabin is a popular backcountry ski trail. It continues 0.4 miles beyond the cabin to the summit of Black Mountain, which offers views of Carter Dome, Carter Notch and Wildcat Ridge.

A groomed trail system operated by Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is within a mile of the cabin. A trail pass is required.

Facilities

Black Mountain Cabin is very rustic with minimal amenities. There are 8 wooden bunks, 2 small tables, benches and a wood stove. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located a short distance away. There is a broom provided as guests are requested to tidy up the cabin before leaving.

Water and electricity are not available. Any water taken from the natural sources should be treated or boiled, but it is recommended that guests bring their own water. Bedding and sleeping pads are not provided. Recommended items include matches, food, cooking utensils, trash bags, toilet paper, a camp stove, first aid kit, flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, firewood and/or a cutting tool for dead and down wood.

The amount of available firewood in the area cannot be guaranteed. The cabin is not insulated, so winter guests should be prepared for temperatures inside to be almost the same as the outside, even when the wood stove is in use (more details on the cabin).

Natural Features

This cabin is located on the west side of Black Mountain and offers views of the 4,400-foot Wildcat Ridge and 6,288-foot Mount Washington - the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. The cabin is surrounded by maple and spruce trees.

There are 237 species of birds living in White Mountain National Forest. Other inhabitants of the forest include moose and black bears (bear safety information).