Mount Field is the highest summit in the Wiley Range, a little higher than Mount Willey itself. Also, along with Mount Washington, it is one of two major triple divide peaks in the White Mountains--water flows to the Connecticut, Merrimack, and Saco Rivers from Mount Field's summit.
The peak was named after Darby Field, the first to climb Mount Washington and one of the earliest mountaineers in recorded history--there are not many accounts of people going off to climb peaks for reasons of curiosity and challenge before his 1642 adventure.
The summit of Mount Field can be reached by the well-maintained Willey Range and Avalon Trails, making it an easy day-hike from US 302 in Crawford Notch. It can also be reached from Zealand Hut via the A-Z trail. |