I recently hiked up Mt. Cube in Orford, NH and found it to be one of the nicest mountains in NH! It rises to an elevation of 2909' and has open ledges on the summit with 360 degree views. Hikers are rewarded with views of eastern Vermont, the Connecticut Valley, the White Mountains, and it is easily accessed from Rte. 25A. I highly recommend it.
I hiked up Mt. Cube via the Mt. Cube Trail from the north. This trail is part of the Appalachian Trail and begins near mile marker 27. It starts out at a moderate grade and after a gain of 512 feet it crosses a large stream which can be very difficult in high water. After the stream crossing the trail begins a more strenuous ascent to gain the ridge. The ridge is reached at a huge erratic boulder and the grade becomes very pleasant. About 343' beyond the boulder there is a side trail to the north summit which should not be missed. The trail then continues a short distance to the main (south) peak.
On my descent I headed west and took the Cross-Rivendell Trail (also called the Mt. Cube Section or the South Cube Trail) down to Baker Road. There are very slick ledges leaving the summit, but shortly the trail emerges from the woods to an open ledge section with superb views of Vermont. The guidebook says that 64 separate Vermont mountains can be spotted from this point, but since I don't know that many Vermont mountains, I could only identify 8 peaks. After the ledge the Cross-Rivendell Trail becomes more moderate and one mile from the road it flattens out and the walking becomes very pleasant leaving the rocks and especially, the roots behind. All in all, a very rewarding hike!!!
You must spot cars since the trailheads are 6.5 miles apart. Mt. Cube can also be climbed from the south via the Kodak Trail (also part of the Appalachian Trail) but that route is 3.53 miles longer and it is a 9.65 mile longer car spot.
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