Black Mountain Cabin

$40.00/night

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).

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Largest party: 8 people

Directions

There are two trails used to reach the cabin; the Black Mountain Ski Trail and East Pasture Loop XC Ski Trail: Recommended: Black Mountain Ski Trail is located off Carter Notch Road in Jackson: From Route 16, turn into Jackson Village. Follow the loop through town until you reach 16B/Carter Notch Road. Follow Carter Notch Road for 3.9 miles until you reach Melloon Rd. Turn right onto Melloon Road and follow for about 1/3 mile. Parking is available for 4 - 6 vehicles. You will see the trail sign at the beginning of a private drive; the trailhead is on your right about 100 feet up the drive. Please stay on the trail and respect private landowners' rights. This trail reaches Black Mountain Cabin in 1.4 miles via a moderate grade. East Pasture Loop XC Trail is maintained as a groomed XC ski trail in the winter by Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (pass required) accessed at the top of Black Mountain Road in Jackson. From Route 16, turn into Jackson Village (Route 16A). Follow the loop through town until you reach Route 16B/Black Mountain Road. Turn onto Black Mountain Road and follow for about 2 miles. Just past Black Mountain Ski Area, Black Mountain Road veers to the left and Dundee Road continues straight ahead. Veer left on Black Mountain Road for another 0.5 miles to the East Pasture Trailhead. Parking is available for about 10 vehicles. The trail begins on private land so please be respectful.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

33 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Christopher B

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

My son(s) and I have been staying at Black Mtn. cabin for decades. For the past several, it's been an annual trip of two nights. We always find plenty of fuel for the wood stove and have managed to filter water from the spring despite a diminishing flow. The cabin is crude, rustic and utterly filthy, but we love it. It's so much fun to sit around the wood stove with our tequila and enjoy the solitude. Thank you USFS for maintaining this facility.

Rory N

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful cabin with great views of Washington. Very roomy, excellent toilet, and the spring water was amazing. Highly recommend!

Kelly A

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Short hike to a great spot! Only downside’s are that there’s no outdoor fires allowed and the cabin is right on the side of where multiple trails intersect making people walk right through the area. That being said, it wasn’t too busy, only four people showed up when we were there. There is a toilet and a little water well area which were nice to have.

merrill h

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

Very nice place.

Alex S

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 8 months ago

What a gem of a location, and the ski conditions were amazing for my stay, my pupper loved being able to join in on the adventure. some solid peace was found here enjoying the sunrise and sunset views of mt washington, feeding the fire roasting hotdogs and sipping on cocoa.

Leigh Q

Loop:Black Mountain Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 10 months ago

The cabin was as described and the view was excellent. Properly dried firewood is essential in the winter to ensure comfortable cabin temps.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 25% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.