The Little Matterhorn is the impressive chunk of rock jutting from the far end of the eastern ridge of Knobtop Mountain. Its eastern flanks are strewn with large cliff bands, while its west ridge holds a nice 4th class scramble to the summit. It seems there is much exploring to be done on this peak, with only a couple of established routes to the summit...one being the west ridge and another documented in Gillett's High Peaks guide of the Northeast Face Direct (II, 5.7). A large cliff band below the east face harbors some impressive lines as well. If anyone else knows of other routes that have been established on this peak, please feel free to add them.
Getting There
There are two ways to approach the Little Matterhorn. The first (and shortest mileage) approach begins at Bear Lake Trailhead. Hike 3 miles to Lake Helene, and then branch off from the main trail on to the trail that circles the lake. Soon after crossing Lake Helene's outlet stream (50-100 ft) look for an old trail (cairn) heading northwest into Odessa Gorge. Follow this down to the bottom of the gorge, then follow an intermittent trail/bushwhack towards Little Matterhorn.
The second approach starts at Fern Lake Trailhead. 4.2 miles on trail brings you to Odessa Lake and a nice view of the peak. Cirle around the lake's west shore to find the inlet stream, then bushwack up the stream into Tourmaline Gorge. From Odessa Lake, this is probably the best approach for the north and east faces; one could also hike further south along Odessa's west shore, then veer southwest to access the south face.
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