Hike Pemetic South Ridge
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The exposed granite slabs on the upper ridge become dangerously slick when wet — after rain or morning dew, every step on bare rock needs deliberate foot placement. Trekking poles help significantly.
There is no tree cover on the ridgeline, which means full exposure to wind and lightning. If thunderstorms are forecast, choose a different hike — you do not want to be the tallest object on a granite spine.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Jordan Pond House area and time your hike to finish with popovers and tea on the lawn — the restaurant is a five-minute walk from the trailhead and the post-hike reward is legendary.
The south ridge gets full sun exposure with no shade for the upper third of the climb. On summer afternoons the granite radiates heat like a pizza oven — go early morning or late afternoon when the rock has cooled.
At the summit, face southeast for the best photography angle: Jordan Pond and the Bubbles frame up perfectly in a single shot, especially in the golden hour before sunset when the pond turns copper.
Photos
NPS
