| Pinkham Notch | |
|---|---|
 The steep, glacier-carved walls of Pinkham Notch can be seen in this topographic map. | |
| Elevation | 2,032 ft (619 m) |
| Traversed by |  NH Route 16 |
| Location | Pinkham's Grant, Coos County, New Hampshire, United States |
| Range | White Mountains |
| Coordinates | 44°15′27″N 71°15′13″W / 44.2576°N 71.2537°W |
| Topo map | USGS Stairs Mountain, Jackson, Carter Dome, Mount Washington |
Pinkham Notch (elevation 2032 ft. / 619 m) is a mountain pass in the White Mountains of north-central New Hampshire, United States. The notch is a result of extensive erosion by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Wisconsinian ice age. Pinkham Notch was eroded into a glacial U-shaped valley whose walls are formed by the Presidential, Wildcat, and Carter-Moriah ranges. Due to the volatility of the area's climate and rugged character of the terrain, a number of rare or endemic ecosystems have developed throughout the notch.
The presence of the notch was recorded in 1784 by Jeremy Belknap, but its isolation prevented further development for several years. The construction of New Hampshire Route 16 has led to increased accessibility and a rise in tourism. Its location makes it a hub for hiking and skiing.