Trail Descriptions

Below is a list of trails that I have had the pleasure of hiking.  The descriptions are formed from my experiences while hiking these trails.  Hopefully you can get some good information on trails but if you'd like more detailed information I recommend purchasing the Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide, which can be found by clicking here.

Adams Slide Trail: 1.25 miles, elevation gain of 2,400 feet. CAUTION: The Adams Slide Trail has been abandoned for over forty years since the 1960's. The slide is fully overgrown and the trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are comfortable with tough and steep bushwhacks. The Adams Slide Trail AKA the "Beast of the East" is a defunct trail that continues strait up where the Buttress Trail takes a sharp right across an open talus field. In just 1.25 miles it ascends 2,400 feet and was considered to be the steepest trail in all of the White Mountains. Footing is nasty and steep as the slide is fully overgrown but can be followed with extreme care as there are still red blazes on rocks here and there. Once above treeline the trail continues up the open south eastern slope of Mount Adams with incredible views into Jefferson Ravine and the Great Gulf Wilderness.  To reach this trail take the Great Gulf to the Six Husband to the Buttress.

Alpine Garden Trail: 1.8 miles, elevation gain of 450 feet (reverse 250 feet).  One of the most beautiful and level trails that runs above treeline below the summit cone of Mount Washington.  It runs from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Auto Road at the six mile mark.  The trail is well marked by cairns and has good footing with fantastic views.  In late spring expect to see alpine flowers in bloom as you hike across the Alpine Garden.  Caution should be used in bad weather as the trail is exposed entirely to the elements.  This trail can be reach from Tuckerman Ravine, Huntington Ravine, Nelson Crag, Wamsutta trail and the Auto Road.

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail: 3.1 miles, elevation gain of 2,500 feet. The fastest way to get to the summit of Mount Washington from the west (Trailhead is on Base Station Road off Route 302, Brenton Woods), the trail takes you to Lakes of the Clouds Hut and is protected from the weather for almost all of the way. The "Ammo" follows close by the Ammonoosuc River, crosses by the gem pool. The trail gets extremely steep at 2.1 miles in right after passing the Gem Pool, ascending 1,550 feet in just 1.0 miles with rough footing and some steep rock pitches once in the scrub.  During this steep stretch there is an excellent side path to "The Gorge" which is the bottom of two 600 foot waterfalls   In the winter the trailhead is closed but Base Station Road is plowed (mostly untreated) to Marshfield Station.

The Amphibranch: 1.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  Connects The Link to the Randolph Path/King Ravine Trail and has easy grades with 'cushiony' footing, which is a rarity in the Presidential Range!  It provides an alternative approach to access King Ravine, the upper section of the Randolph Path, or the Spur Trail up to Crag Camp and Grey Knob Cabin.

Arrow Slide: 0.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,100 feet. CAUTION: The Arrow Slide is a bushwhack that should only be attempted by experienced hikers or led by someone who is experienced. The Arrow Slide is excessively steep, has awful footing, and has certain wet sections that are covered by an extremely slippery/slimy moss/algae substance.  When wet or icy the slide is dangerous.  The Arrow Slide can be accessed in the small col at the beginning of the North Hancock branch of the Hancock Loop Trail.  It ascends narrowly and steeply at first up jumbled rocks and then breaks into the open where the terrain of the slide changes between gravel, slab, and talus.  The slide splits at the top where a large cairn rises prominently.  From here you have the option of going right or left.  If you go left once entering the woods the bushwhack back to the Hancock Loop trail is thick and longer than heading up the right side of the slide.  Views from the slide are pretty awesome!

Asquam-Ridge Trail: 3.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,750 feet, (to summit via Beaver Brook Trail, 5.8 miles, elevation gain of 2,600 feet).  The Asquam-Ridge Trail has easy to moderate grades the whole way.  The start of the trail has been relocated since Hurricane Irene, it now starts at the end of Ravine Lodge Road at the turnaround.  The lower section of the trail is eroded with rocks, roots, and mud but once past the Ace Merrill Loop junction the footing becomes much better as you ascend through pine and hardwoods.  The trail never gets steep and is an easy climb to the Beaver Brook Trail.

Avalon Trail: 2.8 miles, elevation gain of 2,400 feet.  The shortest route to the summit of Mount Field, the trail leaves across the train tracks of the Crawford Notch Scenic Railroad next to the Highland Center and has moderate grades and decent footing until the A-Z Trail Junction then becomes very steep with rough and rocky footing until Mount Avalon's Summit (3,442).  From here the trail has moderate grades and decent footing until it ends at the Willey Range Trail just below Mount Field's summit.

A-Z Trail: 3.7 miles, elevation gain of 1,100 feet (1,350 reversed).  Shortest route to the summit of Mount Tom via the Avalon and Mount Tom Spur Trails.  The trail has moderate grades with decent footing up to the Mount Tom Spur Trail junction.  From here the trail descends towards the Zealand Notch with some rough footing and narrow trail sections that are lightly used along with some muddy sections.  There's a nice section of Birch trees but the trail between Mount Tom Spur Trail and Zealand Trail is pretty boring.

Beaver Brook Trail (Appalachian Trail): 3.8 miles, elevation gain of 3,100 feet. The steepest and most fun approach to the summit of Mount Moosilauke off of Route 112 across from the southern terminus of the Kinsman Ridge Trail.  The trail has moderate to steep grades with rough footing and some of the steeper rock pitches has re-bar to help you along the way.  The trail passes by Beaver Brook Cascades and the Beaver Brook Shelter via a short side path.  The last part of the trail is above treeline and exposed to the weather.

Black Pond Trail: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 200 feet.  The black Pond Trail Leaves the Lincoln Woods Trail 2.6 miles from the Kanc (NH Route 112) to a pond with a viewpoint of the Pemi Wilderness.  The trail is mostly flat with some little ups and downs and is a great spot to visit for beginner hikers and those hikers who wish to use this and a Bushwhack to get to Owl's Head faster.

Black Pond Bushwhack: 1.5 miles, elevation gain of 300 feet (+ or -).  The Black Pond Bushwhack is a favorite of peakbaggers seeking to gain access to Owl's Head and bypass the first couple of major water crossings on the Lincoln Brook Trail (which can be dangerous).  The Bushwhack leaves the the Black Pond Trail near or at the end of the Black Pond Trail and comes out on the Lincoln Brook Trail.

Blueberry Ledge Trail: 3.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,850.  The Blueberry Ledge Trail is the main route to ascend Mount Whiteface.  The trail has ok footing for the most part and moderate to steep grades as it scrambles up the ledges which can be daunting and dangerous if wet or icy.  The trail passes through some open wide slopping rock faces with limited views along the way.  The steep rock ledges that require some minor scrambling below the summit of Mount Whiteface are fun for experienced hikers and have some great views along the way.

Bondcliff Trail: 6.9 miles, elevation gain of 3,650 feet.  One of the most remote and scenic trails in the White Mountains deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  The Bondcliff trail has moderate grades and ok to rough footing with only a few steep sections and one rock pitch with a very minor but fun scramble just below Bondcliff.  The trail passes over two official 4,000 footers (Bondcliff and Bond).  Views into the Pemi Wilderness from Bondcliff to Bond might be the most secluded and greatest in all of the White Mountains. The Trail also passes by Mount Guyot with spectacular views of a Slide below the Twin Range and over to Owl's head hiding below the Franconia Ridge. 

Boot Spur Trail: 3.4 miles, elevation gain of 3,400 feet.  The Boot Spur trail has moderate grades but has rough footing along the way (roots and rugged trail below treeline, knee hammering rocks above).  Views into Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, the Lion Head, Washington's summit cone, and across to the Wildcat Ridge are beyond spectacular on a clear day.  The Boot Spur is lightly used compared to the Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trails and if hiking to the summit via the Davis Path is above treeline and exposed to the weather for about 3.5 miles.  The Boot Spur Trail is one of the finest trails in all of the White's!

Boot Spur Link: .6 miles, elevation gain of 850 feet.  The Boot Spur Link is extremely steep with awful footing and knee hammering rocks but has incredible views into the Tuckerman Ravine above treeline.

Boundary Line Trail: .9 miles, elevation gain of 50 feet.  The Boundary Line trail connects the Jewell Trail to Jefferson Notch Road.  It is a relatively flat path that can be muddy in places but is easy to follow.  This trail comes in handy when Jefferson Notch Road is closed, as the Boundary Line along with hiking another 1.8 miles on the Jefferson Notch Road will take you to the Caps Ridge Trailhead.

Brutus Bushwhack: 1.5 miles, elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  The Brutus Bushwhack is the winter route up to Owl's head which avoids the Steep Owl's Head slide but is not an official trail.  Leaving the Lincoln Brook trail past the last major water crossing and before the Owl's Head Path the bushwhack rises steeply at first for a couple hundred feet until it reaches and old skidder road and ascends diagonally away from the summit over an easy grade until just before a drainage is reach and then the trail is broken through snow up towards Owl's head ridge coming out on the Owl's Head Path above the slide and a few hundred feet before gaining the ridge.  The Brutus "Brutie" Bushwhack is named after a dog!

Bunnell Notch Trail: 2.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,400 feet.  This trail along with York Pond and the Kilkenny Ridge Trail is the main route to the summit of Mount Cabot until local land owners allow hikers to use the Mount Cabot Trail again.  The trail has easy to moderate grades with decent footing and since it now gets more use it has been kept in good shape and is pretty easy to follow.  The trail is pretty boring!

Camel Trail: .7 miles, elevation gain of 350 feet. The Camel Trail connects the Davis Path and the Crawford Path near the Boot Spur and Lakes of the Clouds Hut.  This is a fun trail above treeline (when the weather is good) that has decent footing along rocks and some patches of grass with some great views of the southern presidentials and the Dry River Wilderness.

Caps Ridge Trail "The Ridge of the Caps":  2.5 miles, elevation gain of 2,700 feet.  The quickest way to summit Mount Jefferson, the trailhead is located on the Jefferson Notch Road at the highest elevation of a road in the White Mountains.  The road to the trailhead is closed usually from November through mid May or even through June in some years.  The Caps Ridge Trail has rough footing and moderate grades below treeline with steep grades with some rock scrambling over the Caps above treeline.  The trail has tremendous views and in good weather is a lot of fun.  The rock scrambles are easy and fun for experienced hikers but can a little tough for beginners but are not dangerous when dry.  In bad weather or in wet conditions the Caps become difficult and or dangerous.

Carter Dome Trail: 3.1 miles, elevation gain of 2,500 feet.  Leaving the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail the Cater Dome Trail Ascends over moderate grades and decent footing to the summit of Carter Dome.  The trail affords no views and is pretty boring and has an annoying set of about seven switchbacks.

Carter-Moriah Trail: 13.8 miles (Appalachian Trail 9.3 miles): Elevation gain of 3,300 feet southbound, elevation gain of 4,000 feet northbound.  The trail has all different kinds of footing from good footing and moderate grades in places to rough, rocky, bad footing with steep grades in other places (Up to Carter Dome from Carter Notch, below Mount Height, descending from North Carter heading north).  The trail ascends over four official 4,000 foot summits (Carter Dome, South Carter, Middle Carter, and Moriah). However the best views are the 360 degree views from Mount Height.

Cascade Brook Trail (Appalachian Trail): 3.1 miles, elevation gain of 1,350 feet.  Provides an alternate approach  to the Lonesmome Lake Hut.  There is no parking at the trailhead, access to this trail is via a 1.0 mile walk on the relatively flat Whit House Trail from the Flume Gorge parking lot. The trail has easy to moderate grades with generally good footing passing by a couple of attractive cascades.

Carrigain Notch Trail: 5.7 miles, elevation gain of 800 feet.  The Carrigain Notch Trail is a lightly used trail that takes you deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  It has easy grades with good footing as it passes through Carrigain Notch under Mount Lowell and the Vose Spur and Mount Carrigain all the way to the Stillwater Junction. 

Castle Trail "Castellated Ridge": 5.0 miles, elevation gain of 4,200 feet.  The Castle Trail has one of the most beautiful sections of trail in the White Mountains above treeline along the Castellated Ridge.  The trail has moderate grades and decent footing below treeline with steep grades with a couple of rock scrambles (difficult and dangerous in bad weather) over the castles as it ascends to the summit of Mount Jefferson.  Views above treeline are spectacular!

Cedar Brook Trail: 6.1 miles, elevation gain of 600 feet (reversed 300 feet).  The Cedar Brook Trail is mainly used as a link between the Hancock Notch and Hancock Loop Trails for hikers ascending the summits of South and North Hancock.  The trail has easy grades, with ok to rough footing and is often muddy and wet in spots.  The trail crosses the North Fork of the Hancock Branch five times and after heavy rain the crossing can be difficult but not dangerous as the rock steps become submerged and boots will have to be removed.  Past the Hancock Loop Trail junction the trail is lightly used and rougher as it travels deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness past old logging camps from a time of long ago.

Crawford Path (Appalachian Trail): 8.5 miles, elevation gain of 4,750 feet.  The Crawford Path is the oldest maintained footpath in the United States and is an extremely popular and well marked trail.  The trailhead is located in Crawford Notch across from the Highland Center and has easy to moderate grades with decent footing below treeline and moderate grades with ok footing to some knee hammering rocks and a tiring ascent from Lakes of the Clouds to the summit of Mount Washington.  The Crawford Path runs above treeline from Mount Eisenhower to it's end at the summit of Washington.  Views above treeline are spectacular and some of the best around. The trail passes close by to the summit of three official 4,000 foot summits, Pierce (.1 miles via the Webster-Cliff Trail), Eisenhower (.4 miles via Eisenhower Loop), Monroe (.4 miles via Monroe Loop).  While the trail is not difficult it can become very dangerous in bad weather, high winds, and low visibility which just gets worse as it ascends towards Mount Washington.

Daniel Webster-Scout Trail: 3.5 miles, elevation gain 3,600 feet. The Daniel Webster-Scout Trail ascends to the northern ridge of Mount Madison.  Below treeline the trail starts off with easy grades with good footing, then changes to moderate grades with ok footing, and once above treeline the footing becomes the usual awful rock hopping as the grades become steeper.  The trail above treeline is difficult to follow as blazes above treeline are faint and the cairns are very small.  This trail could become dangerous in bad weather/low visibility due to exposure  and lake of trail markings. Views above treeline are excellent on a good weather day. The Daniel Webster-Scout Trail ends at Osgood Junction 0.6 miles below the summit of Mount Madison.

Davis Path: 15.0 miles, elevation gain of 6,800 feet.   The trail has decent to rough footing with easy to moderate grades with a few minor ups and downs after gaining the ridge.  The Davis Path starts at Route 302 and goes all the way to the Crawford Path .5 miles below the summit of Mount Washington.  The first 4.0 miles has good footing with easy and moderate grades as it gains the ridge and passes around Mount Crawford (the .3 mile hike up to the summit of Mount Crawford is a must see as the views from it's summit are pretty awesome!). The steepest part of the trail is heading up to Stairs Mountain where the footing gets a little rough.  Past Mount Stairs the trail becomes very lightly used and footing becomes pretty rough and the trail is usually wet or muddy until Mount Davis.  The short spur trail to the summit of Mount Davis is another must see as views are awesome from the summit.  From Mount Davis you head to Mount Isolation where footing continues to be rough but the trail gets more use so it's in much better shape, views from Isolation's summit are fantastic.  From Isolation the trail drops then the slow rise towards the Boot Spur and Washington begins. The hike above treeline on the Davis Path is incredible with excellent views and is lightly used and has some of the nicest cairns in all of the White Mountains!  In bad weather this trail can become difficult above treeline.

Desolation Trail: 1.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,500 feet.  The Desolation trail connects the Carrigain Notch Trail to the summit of Moutn Carrigain.  Grades start off easy and moderate with good footing for the first half but then become very rough, rugged, and steep up to the summit.  There are no views from this trail as it is in the woods the whole way but it is very lightly used compared to the Signal Ridge Trail and takes you deep into the woods between Stillwater Junction and Carrigain Notch.

Dicey's Mill Trail: 4.6 miles, elevation gain of 2,950 feet. The Dicey's Mill Trail climbs up to the summit of Mount Passaconaway with easy to moderate grades and good footing.  The trail has no views but I did not find it completely boring which usually I do when hiking on a trail that's entirely in the woods!

The Direttissima: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 400 feet.  The Direttissima connects Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to the Glen Boulder Trail.  Although only a short distance it's footing is just ok and has a couple of annoying up and downs.

Downes Brook Slide Trail (Passaconaway Slide Trail): 2.0 miles, elevation gain of 2,300 feet. CAUTION: the Downes Brook Slide Trail has been abandoned since the 1940's because of hazardous footing on steep slippery ledges and when in use it came with a warning of "This trail is dangerous, especially after a rain, and is not recommended to amateur climbers." 1940 AMC White Mountain Guide.  The trail ascends over the polished smooth rock surface of the slide and then into the woods up the steep overgrown old trail.  The footing on the slide is ok but difficult when wet, the footing in the woods is pretty awful.  In the late 1990's the trail was re-blazed illegally, the blazes have been removed but you can still see washed out blazes on the slide and the blazes that were removed from the trees left black, bubbling acid scars on the trees.  Views from the slide are fine and there is one area the trail travels near what reminded me of an ancient waterfall under overhanging trees and ledges.

Dry River Trail: 9.6 miles, elevation gain of 4,000 feet ending at Lakes of the Clouds Hut. The Dry River Trail has easy to moderate grades with decent footing to the suspension bridge but then becomes a rough and rugged primitive trail that is usually wet and muddy.  The trail always follows close by the Dry River until it finally ascends steeply to the Lakes of the Clouds.  Unitl reaching treeline the trail has one good view early on but mostly it's in the woods in the middle of nowhere!  Views once above treeline are pretty interesting of the backside of Mount Monroe and the final tenth of a mile toward the hut offers a unique and pretty cool view of the hut.  There is one shelter left along the trail, Dry River Shelter #3, which is located 6.3 miles in from Route 302 and 2.3 miles below Lakes of the Clouds.  The river crossings on the dry river trail can be difficult to dangerous after heavy rain so caution should be used.

East Pond Trail: 5.1 miles, elevation gain of 1,300 feet (1,350 reversed). The East Pond Trail travels from Tripoli Road past the secluded and scenic East Pond and through the notch between Mont Osceola and the Scar Ridge and ends at Route 112 the Kancamagus Highway.  The trails has easy to moderate grades with good footing and is a pleasant hike. A cool loop hike can be done using Greeley Ponds Trail, Mount Osceola Trail, hiking Tripoli Road, East Pond Trail, and walking back to the Greeley Ponds Trailhead on the Kanc.

Edmands Path: 2.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,450 feet.  The Edmands Path is the most direct way to the summit of Mount Eisenhower (Pleasent Dome).  The trails has easy to moderate grades and very good footing as it ascends the north slope of Mount Eisenhower.  The last .2 miles are exposed to the elements until it ends at the Mount Eisenhower Loop and Crawford Path.  Take the Eisenhower Loop .4 miles to the summit.  The trail is located on Mount Clinton Road, 1.3 miles from Bases Road, and 2.3 miles from Route 302 and the AMC Highland Center.  Mount Clinton Road is closed from mid November to mid May or June.

Engine Hill Bushwhack: 1.3 miles, elevation gain of 300 feet. The Engine Hill Bushwhack is not a trail but is the main route for ascending Mount Isolation in the Winter. It leaves the Rocky Branch Trail 2.8 miles from the Route 16 trailhead at the heigh of land and ascends gradually through beautiful open birch glades and if broken out correctly comes out onto the Isolation Trail just before the last water crossing.

Ethan Pond Trail (Appalachian Trail): 7.2 miles, elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  The Ethan Pond Trail (AT) has moderate, easy, and flat grades with good to great footing.  Past the Willey Ridge Trail Junction it is one of the most well blazed trails in the White Mountains with hundreds of well placed bog bridges as it skirts around Ethan Pond.  The trail is beautiful and the hike through Zealand Notch under the steep talus field of Whitewall Mountain is picturesque. This sections is an unexpected and welcomed change of flat enjoyable hiking for thru-hikers!

Falling Waters Trail: 3.2 miles, elevation gain of 3,000 feet.  The Falling Waters Trail is a heavily used trail as it ascends to the Franconia Ridge past beautiful waterfalls on the Dry Brook.  The trail has moderate to steep grades with ok to rough and rocky footing.  One of the most popular day hikes with some of the best views in the White Mountains is the "Classic Franconia Ridge Loop" via Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greanleaf, and Old Bridle Path Trails.

Fishin' Jimmy Trail (Appalachian Trail): 2.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,200 feet.  The Fishin' Jimmy Trail has moderate grades which steepen as you gain the Kinsman Ridge.  The footing is rough and rugged in places with exposed roots and some muddy wet spots along with a steep rocky section with bolted wooden steps to help along the way.  The trail is in the woods an has no good views but is enjoyable because of the wild terrain.

Flume Slide Trail: 3.3 miles, elevation gain of 2,450 feet.  The Flume slide trail is accessed by parking at the Flume Gorge and hiking the Whitehouse Trail and the first .6 miles of the Liberty Springs Trail.  Until the foot of the slide is reached the trail has good footing with easy to moderate grades.  From here the trail ascends 1,400 feet in just .7 miles and becomes excessively steep, wild, and fun for experienced hikers.  The Flume Slide travels over jagged/loose rock ledges and polished slippery wet ledges.  Some of the tougher spots require some decent scrambling with some minor handholds for safe passage, however there are beaten side paths of the slide which can be taken for those who wimp out!  The Flume Slide is almost always wet in a few sections even in the driest of summers and can be extremely dangerous when certain sections are wet or icy.  This trail is a tremendous amount of fun on a good weather day and well worth hiking!

Franconia Brook Trail: 7.4 miles, elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The Franconia Brook Trail has easy to grades with ok footing and muddy sections up to the 12 Falls Campsite, past the campsite the trail is lightly used and narrow in places, rough, wet, muddy, and has bad footing in places.  The trail is in the Pemigewasset Wilderness and follows an old logging road with no views for the first part.  The trail is mainly used for hikers who's destination is Owl's Head along with the Lincoln Brook Trail.

Franconia Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail 3.5 miles): 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,200 feet (reversed, Flume Mountain to Mount Lafayette 2,200 feet).  The Franconia Ridge Trail passes four official 4,000 foot summits (Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, and Flume). Between the summits of Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack it runs above treeline and has some of the most spectacular views not just the White Mountains but all of hiking in general! On a day with nice weather expect hundreds of people out and about hiking along the ridge between Little Haystack and Lafayette.  The trail has easy to moderate grades with pretty good footing and is well blazed as it is part of the Appalachian Trail from the Liberty Springs Trail junction to the summit of Mount Lafayette.  Caution should be used when hiking above treeline as between Little Haystack and Lafayette is exposed to the weather and no easy escape routes are available.

Frost Trail: .5 miles, elevation gain of 250 feet.  The Frost trail accesses the summit of Galehead Mountain from the Galehead Hut.  It is entirely in the woods and very boring but does have an awesome outlook about halfway through back to Galehead Hut and up to South and North Twin Mountains.  The trail has easy to moderate grades with decent footing.  It ends at the summit of Galehead where you will be rewarded with fine views of a cairn in the middle of nowhere!

Gale River Trail: 4.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,800 feet. The Gale River trail is the fastest route to Galehead Hut and the summit of Galehead Mountain.  The trail has easy to moderate grades with good but muddy footing in spots at times until the last mile where it becomes steeper with rougher footing.  The trail crosses the Gale River twice which can be difficult in high water since the bridges have been washed away.

Garfield Ridge Trail: 6.6 miles, elevation gain of 1,700 feet (reversed Galehead Hut to Mount Lafayette 3,200 feet) "The Dreaded Garfield Ridge Trail" looking at this trail on a map does not seem all that difficult until one has had the pleasure of spending a few or many hours hiking up and down numerous elevation gains and loses almost all the while below treeline with absolutely no views as the life gets sucked out of you.  The Garfield Ridge Trail has moderate to steep grades with poor, rough, and rugged footing.  Hiking from Galehead Hut to Mount Lafayette is much more difficult as there are two real nasty climbs, one from the Franconia Brook Trail Junction to the summit of Mount Garfield (.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,050) including a .5 mile stretch of nasty boulders that are usually wet where a brook runs on the side and through the trail. Then after a knee hammering decent there is a final long and demoralizing 2.0 mile ascent summit of Mount Lafayette.  Meanwhile there are plenty of ups and downs in every other part of the trail that will have you cursing for the trail to end.  I have counted around twenty ups and downs while hiking this nasty ass trail...it can go bleep itself!

Garfield Trail: 4.8 miles, elevation gain of 2,700 feet.  The Garfield Trail is the fastest way to summit Mount Garfield and has moderate grades with decent footing as it follows an old road that was used for the no longer existing fire tower.  The trail has two water crossings near the beginning that might be moderately difficult when running high or difficult to locate the trail across the way if not blazed well so some caution should be used.  There are no views along this trail although it does pass through a fine birch forest along the way.

Glen Boulder Trail: 3.2 miles, elevation gain of 3,200 feet.  The Glen Boulder Trail is best known for the huge boulder that sits perched high above the Pinkham Notch.  The trail has moderate to steep grades with ok to rough footing and one minor fun rock scramble.  The trail past the Glen Boulder is lightly used but beautiful as it runs in the scrub then above treeline with incredible views of the Gulf of Slides, Mount Washington, and over to Wildcat Mountain. The Gulf of Slides Trail ends at the Davis Path 2.5 miles south of the summit of Mount Washington.  The trail above treeline is greatly exposed to weather and has no quick or easy escape routes so caution should be used in unpredictable weather.

Glen Cliff Trail (Appalachian Trail): 3.0 miles, elevation gain of 3,000 feet. The Glencliff Trail begins off of Route 25 and ascends to the Moosilauke Carriage Road Trail just below the South peak of Mount Moosilauke.  The Trail has moderate grades with good footing and is in the woods and protected from the wind.  To reach the summit of Mount Moosilauke take a left onto Moosilauke Carriage Road and head 0.9 miles to the summit.

Gorge Brook Trail: 3.7 miles, elevation gain of 2,450 feet.  The Gorge Brook trail starts at the end of Ravine Lodge Road and climbs with easy to moderate grades with good footing all the way to the summit of Mount Moosilauke.  It follows close by the Gorge Brook for awhile and higher up has some good outlooks along the trail.

Grey Knob Trail: 1.7 miles, elevation gain of 600 feet.  An important trail in the Northern Presidential Range as it connects the Perch to the Grey Knob cabin to Crag Camp. It has easy grades and is mostly level but has rough footing.  The trail past the Lowe's Path Trail junction is in the scrub and exposed to the weather so caution should be used in bad weather.

Great Gulf Trail: 7.4 miles, elevation gain of 4,650 feet.  One of the wildest and most secluded trails in the White Mountains, the Great Gulf Trail cuts through the heart of the Great Gulf Wilderness before steeply ascending up the rugged Great Gulf headwall where views become magnificent.  The trail is awesome in every way as it has easy to moderate to steep grades as well as good to decent to awful footing as it makes it's way to the Gulfside Trail just below the summit of Mount Washington.  The trail passes along the West Branch river where huge boulders sit auspiciously in the river and passes by fine cascades and Weetamoo Falls until it reaches Spaulding Lake.  From here the real hiking begins as the Great Gulf Trail ascends 1,700 feet in just .9 miles!  The Great Gulf Trail has incredible hiking and is lightly traveled past the Clam Rock Campsite, the hike up to Mount Washington and back down is a long hike so proper use of time should be taken.

Great Gully Trail: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,700 feet. The Great Gully Trail branches off from the King Ravine Trail a few hundred yards past where the Subway and Elevated rejoin and ends at Thunderstorm Junction. It is a very lightly used and steep trail ascending 1,700 feet in just 1.0 miles. Footing is rough and rugged and the trail is very narrow at times. The trail has incredible views down into the King Ravine and across and up to Durand Ridge as you ascend. The main attraction of the trail is an overhanging rock on a ledge with an outcropping rock where there is a sheer drop of hundreds of feet! Experienced hikers will find this fun as it is a "lemon squeezer" in between the ledge and overhanging rock where bulkier packs may have to be removed!

Greeley Ponds Trail: 5.1 miles, elevation gain 500 feet (reversed 350).  The Greeley Ponds Trail runs from the Livermore Trail all the way to the Kancamagus Highway.  The trail has easy grades with good footing and passes by beautiful Greeley Ponds which is a great hike for families and beginner hikers.

Greenleaf Trail: 3.8 miles, elevation gain of 3,300 feet. The trailhead parking is at the Cannon Tramway off exit 34B on I-93.  Walk under the highway and the trail starts just before the ramp to get on the highway heading north.  The Greenleaf trail has moderate grades with decent to ok footing.  It travels below Eagle Cliff and through a nice mossy forest below treeline as it makes its way up to Greenleaf hut.  After the hut the trail starts in the scrub but soon breaks out above treeline where views of Franconia Notch, the Kinsman Ridge, and Cannon Mountain are incredible. The trail is very easy to follow as large cairns have been built and are well placed.  In questionable weather caution should be taken when ascending the Greenleaf Trail as it is exposed to the full force of weather past Greenleaf Hut.

Gulfside Trail (Appalachian Trail): 6.0 miles, elevation gain 2,500 feet (Madison Spring Hut to Washington) 1,000 feet (Washington to Madison Springs Hut).  One of the greatest trails in the White Mountains the Gulfside Trail travels well above treeline through the Northern Presidential Range affording incredible views in all directions with easy to moderate grades and decent but rocky footing as it curves around the summit cones of Mount Adams, Jefferson, and Clay.  The trail is well traveled and is marked by cairns all the way as well as some white blazes here and there and oddly enough some old yellow blazes in spots.  The trail is exposed to the full wrath of bad weather and high winds and extreme caution should be used if the weather forecast becomes even a little questionable.

Hale Brook Trail: 2.2 miles, elevation gain of 2,300 feet.  The Hale Brook Trail is the main way up to the Wooded summit of Mount Hale.  It has easy to moderate grades with decent footing the whole way.  There are no views from the trail but it does travel through a nice birch forest.  However, after fall foliage and the leaves fall views to the north through the trees are pretty good as Mount Washington can be seen looming in the distance!

Hancock Loop Trail: 4.8 miles, elevation gain of 2,150 feet.  The Hancock Loop Trail travels over the summits of North Hancock and South Hancock.  The two links at the split that go up to North and South are extremely steep with awful footing. The trail up to the links and along the ridge between peaks has easy to moderate grades with ok footing.  There are no views along the trail except for outlooks at the two summits which have good views.

Hancock Notch Trail: 6.9 miles, elevation gain of 700 feet (reversed 1,000).  The Hancock Notch Trail is mainly used for hikers on their way to the summit of the Hancock Mountains.  It has easy grades the whole way and is easy to follow up to the Cedar Brook Trail junction.  From Cedar Brook to the end at Sawyer River Trail it is lightly used and could be hard to follow as it may be muddy and overgrown in spots.

Hi-Cannon Trail: 2.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,800 feet. The High Cannon Trail leaves the Lonesome Lake Trail and ascend up the steep eastern section of Cannon Mountain to the Kinsman Ridge Trail .4 miles south of the summit of Cannon Mountain.  The trail has steep grades with poor footing over exposed roots, loose dirt, and rocks.  There are a few outlooks along the way with great views down to Franconia Notch and Lonesome Lake.  In icy conditions the trail has a few steep spots and an old ladder bridge that can become difficult to dangerous.

Howker Ridge Trail: 4.2 miles, elevation gain of 4,200 feet.  The Howker Ridge Trail has moderate to steep grades with ok to rough footing as it ascends over the northeast ridge of Mount Madison. Views above treeline are terrific and compared to other trails up Mount Madison the Howker Ridge Trail is lightly used. The top of the trail runs above treeline and is directly exposed to the full force of the northwest winds and any bad weather that rushes in.

Huntington Ravine Trail: 2.4 miles, elevation gain of 2,700 feet.  CAUTION: The Huntington Ravine Trail is the most difficult and steepest trail in all of the White Mountains.  The trail scrambles up very steep ledges where proper use of handholds is required and caution must be used at all times.  Experienced hikers will absolutely love this trail.  The trail in general has rough and rugged footing with steep to extremely steep grades as it ascends past the fan (a huge open talus boulder field below Central Gully) and then attacks the first scramble up the headwall (which is the most difficult), following the white arrows is better than following the yellow blazes for this first scramble.  The next couple of scrambles are a little easier but still dangerous.  The Huntington Ravine Trail offers everything an experienced hiker dreams of, wild terrain, steep pitches, scrambling up rocks, an uncrowded trail, and some of the greatest views in the White Mountains.

Imp Trail: 6.3 miles, elevation gain of 2,100 feet. The Imp Trail has two trailheads (0.3 miles apart) along Route 16 that make a Loop up to and over an outlook which provides excellent views of the Norther Presidential Range.  Grades or moderate with ok to rough footing. North branch to Imp Profile outlook is 2.2 miles, South Branch 4.1 miles.

Jewell Trail: 3.7 miles, elevation gain of 2,950 feet.  The Jewell Trail is the easiest way to summit Mount Washington (via Gulfside Trail). The trail has moderate grades with decent footing the whole way.  The Jewell Trail is located off Base Road and shares a trailhead with the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.  The trail reaches treeline three miles in and in bad weather can become difficult.  Views above treeline of the Presidential Range are great as you get to watch the Cog Train slowly make it's way up to Washington.

Kate Sleeper Trail: 3.3 miles, elevation gain of 900 feet. The Kate Sleeper trail has easy to moderate grades with very good footing.  The trail is very well maintained for a trail that is basically out in the middle of nowhere.  The Kate Sleeper Trail connects Whiteface Mountain to the Slide just below the summit of South Tripyramid.  The trail Travels over the Sleeper Ridge just below the summit of East Sleeper then over the summit of West Sleeper.  The trail is in the woods with no views the whole way, there is usually a lot of moose activity along this trail.

Kendron Flume Trail: 1.3 miles, elevation gain of 1,150 feet.  The Kendron Flume Trail along with the Willey Range Trail is the shortest but steepest way to summit Mount Willey.  The trail has moderate to steep grades and the footing becomes rougher as the trail becomes narrower as it gains elevation.  The highlight of the Trail is when it crosses the Kendron Flume at 1.0 miles.  Views across to the cliffs of Mount Webster are pretty cool.

Kilkenny Ridge Trail: The Following Description is from the Bunnel Notch Trail to Mount Cabot's summit.  1.7 miles, elevation gain of 1,250 feet.  The trail has moderate gains with decent footing during this stretch of the trail.  There is an outlook with decent views along the way.  It passes by the Mount Cabot Cabin where there is a great viewpoint close by.  The trail passes over the wooden summit of Mount Cabot where there are no views.

King Ravine Trail "Ravine of the Kings": 3.1 miles, elevation gain of 2,700 feet.  The King Ravine Trail is probably the most spectacular trail in all of the white mountains, with overwhelming views, rough, wild, and rugged footing, house sized boulders, and one of the steepest ascents around!  The trail has two sections at the bottom of the ravine where the trail offers an optional loop route of exploration through "the Subway" and then the "Ice Caves" which are a must to hike.  The Subway and Ice Caves wind over, under, and through boulder fields and caves with some serious "Lemon Squeezer" sections which for and experienced hiker are ridiculously fun!  Once past the lower boulder section of the ravine the trail ascends 1,300 feet in just .6 miles up the headwall where views become greater  as you hike up towards the "Gateway".  The Gateway is the final last steep section towards the Airline between a huge sheet of rock on your right and overhanging cliffs on your left.  When weather conditions are bad or the trail is wet the King Ravine Trail becomes difficult to dangers because of the slippery rocks so use caution. This King Ravine Trail is a must hike! 

Kinsman Pond Trail: 2.5 miles, elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  The Kinsman Pond Trail has moderate to steep grades with ok to pretty horrible footing though sections coinciding with small brooks.  The trail passes by picturesque Kinsman Pond with great views of North Kinsman as it makes it way to the Kinsman Pond Shelter and campsite.

Kinsman Ridge Trail: 16.9 miles, elevation gain 6,200 feet northbound, 6,050 southbound.  The following description is between the summit of South Kinsman Mountain to the northern terminus at the Cannon Mountain Tramway. 6.9 miles, elevation gain 1700 feet northbound, 3,700 feet southbound.  The Kinsman Ridge Trail has moderate to steep grades with rough and rugged footing.  The section through the "Cannonballs" has numerous ups and downs with limited views (like Garfield Ridge but not as annoying).  The trail through the cannonballs is rocky, rooty, and often muddy.  The ascent or descent from Cannon Mountain is very steep with "knee-hammering" rocks.  Views from South Kinsman summit and the Cannon Mountain observation deck of Franconia Notch and the ridge are impressive on a clear day.

Lawn Cutoff: .4 miles, elevation gain of 100 feet.  The Lawn cutoff connects the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Davis Path.  It's very short, has great views, lightly traveled, nice cairns, and runs above treeline.

Lend-a-Hand Trail: 2.7 miles, elevation gain of 1,300 feet.  The Lend-a-hand trail runs from the Twinway just above the Zealand Falls Hut to the summit of Mount Hale.  It has moderate grades and ok footing the whole way with many bog bridges over wet sections, it is one of the best blazed trails in the White Mountains.

Liberty Spring Trail (Appalachian Trail): 2.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,850.  The Liberty Springs Trail has ok to rough footing with moderate to steep grades.  The trail is the AT and passes by the Liberty Springs campsite.  The steepest part of the trail is between the campsite and the junction of the Franconia Ridge Trail.  Once at the end of the trail turn right (south) on the Franconia Ridge Trail .3 miles to the summit of Mount Liberty.

Lincoln Brook Trail: 6.9 miles miles, elevation gain of 1,450 feet northbound, 1,000 feet southbound.  The Lincoln Brook trail along with the Franconia Brook and Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail is the main route taken to Owl's Head Mountain.  The trail is deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness and has easy grades with ok footing until the Owl's Head Slide Path and awful footing once past the path.  The water crossings of the Lincoln Brook can be difficult to dangerous after heavy rain.  The trail is usually muddy and unfortunately has no views, basically this trail is used mainly by peak-baggers and is in the middle of nowhere a long way from anywhere!

Lonesome Lake Trail: 2.3 miles, elevation gain 1,650 feet.  The Lonesome Lake Trail has easy grades with good footing to Lonesome Lake and moderate to steep grades with ok to rough footing up to the Kinsman Ridge Trail.  The Trail to Lonesome Lake is very well traveled as hikers use it to get to the Lonesome Lake Hut.  The trail up to the lake and then taking the Around Lonesome Lake Trail around Lonesome Lake is great hike for beginners.

Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail: 8.9 miles, elevation gain of 900 feet.  The Lincoln Woods Wilderness Trail is the most dreadful, mind-numbing, annoying trail for hikers after a long day of hiking.  It is relatively flat as it follows an old logging railroad.  There are old railroad ties which at the end of a long hike you will stub your boots on.  The trail follows by the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River for most of its length.  There are old pieces of railroad junk, old rusted cans, pots, etc. along the trail the closer you get towards the Bondcliff Trail junction.  For me this trail is a battle of the wills after a long day-hike deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

Lion Head Trail: 1.6 miles, elevation gain of 1,850 feet.  The Lion Head Trail climbs up the ridge that looms high above Tuckerman Ravine.  The trail is steep and has awful footing over knee-hammering rocks.  Views from the Lion Head Trail into the bowl of Tuckerman Ravine are tremendous.  The trail leaves the Tuckerman Ravine Trail just before Hermit Lake Shelter and then reconnects with it .4 miles below the summit of Mount Washington.  The trail is heavily used and well defined but runs above treeline where the wind and weather can become problematic so caution should be used.

Lost Pond Trail (Appalachian Trail): 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 150 feet.  The Lost Pond Trail connects the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center to the Wildcat Ridge Trail.  It has easy grades but pretty awful footing with some semi-overflowing wet sections as it passes around the scenic Lost Pond.

Madison Gulf Trail: 4.8 miles, elevation gain 2,800 feet.  The Madison Gulf Trail has moderate to steep grades with decent to awful footing.  The trail starts from the 2 mile post on the Mount Washington Auto Road and heads deep into the Great Gulf Wilderness as it climbs up the Madison Gulf to the Parapet Trail about .3 miles from the Madison Springs Hut.  The trail becomes steep in the last section as it ascends the headwall of the Madison Gulf with some minor scrambles and a chimney that are fun for experienced hikers but may be difficult for inexperienced or hikers with heavier packs. Some of the water crossings may be difficult or dangerous after heavy rain.

Mizpah Cutoff: 0.7 miles, elevation gain of 350 feet from Crawford Path to Mizpah Spring Hut.  The Mizpah Cutoff is a link between the Crawford Path and Mizpah hut.  It has easy to moderate grades over ok footing.

Mount Cabot Trail: 3.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,700 feet.  Be Advised the lower section of the Mount Cabot Trail has been closed by local landowners since the 1990's, if you are able to hike the trail it is becoming more and more overgrown and hard to follow in a few spots.  The Mount Cabot Trail has moderate grades the whole way  but the trail below the Kilkenny Ridge is eroding, muddy, and usually a wet mess from a decade of backed up water bars.Once the Cabot Trail joins the Kilkenny Ridge Trail it becomes a little steeper but is maintained since it's a regular trail.  The trail passes by Cabot Cabin then heads up .4 miles to the wooded summit.

Mount Clay Loop: 1.2 miles, elevation gain of 650 feet from the north, elevation gain of 300 feet from the south.  The Mount Clay Loop leaves the Gulfside Trail and climbs gradually up to Mount Clay's summit with incredible views into the Great Gulf up the headwall to Mount Washington as you watch the Cog train crawl up to the summit.  It is completely above treeline and exposed to the weather.  It's a fun little side hike to do while hiking along the Gulfside Trail and the views are well worth the effort of a few more hundred feet of elevation gain.

Mount Eisenhower Loop: .8 miles, elevation gain of 350 feet.  The Mount Eisenhower Loop leaves the Crawford Path (AT) and ascends over the summit of Mount Eisenhower where there are excellent views.  The trail has moderate grades with one steep pitch on the north side of the loop with the usual rocky footing found above treeline.

Mount Eisenhower Trail: 2.7 miles, elevation gain of 1,950 feet.  the Mount Eisenhower Trail connects the Dry River Trail to the Crawford Path (A.T.)  It has moderate grades with ok to rough footing.  The trail is seldom used and may be narrow in places from overgrowth.  The one water crossing at the beginning of the trail can be difficult and dangerous after heavy rain.  Views near the top of the trail of the Dry River Wilderness and the Montalban Ridge are great!

Mount Hale Trail (Fire Warden's Trail): 2.5 miles, elevation gain of 1,800 feet.  The Mount Hale Trail has been abandoned for many many years but is still well traveled and easily followed and in my opinion a more enjoyable hike up to the summit of Mount Hale than the Hale Brook Trail.  It was the old Fire warden's trail when there used to be a fire tower on the summit of Mount Hale.  It passes through some of the finest Birch Glades in all of the White Mountains and is a must hike during peak foliage.  It is located off of the North Twin Trail between the second and third crossings on the herd path that bypasses those two crossings.  The beginning of this defunct trail is not marked and will be hard to find unless you know where it is.  Here's a hint...look for the strongest skinny little tree oddly out of place in the herd path and bang a left up a small embankment and you'll find yourself on the old Mount Hale Fire Warden's Trail!

Mount Jefferson Loop: .7 miles, elevation gain of 350 feet northbound, 600 feet southbound.  The Mount Jefferson Loop leaves the Gulfside Trail (AT) and ascends over the summit of Mount Jefferson where there are tremendous views.  The trail is steep on the north side and has moderate grades on the south side, footing is rocky and rough as is the norm above treeline in the Presidential Range.

Mount Monroe Loop: .7 miles, elevation gain of 350 feet.  The Mount Monroe Loop Trail leaves the Crawford Path (AT) and heads of the summit of Mount Monroe and "Little" Monroe.  The views from the loop trail and the summit of Mount Monroe are incredible and some of the best in all of the Whites.  The trail has a moderate grade as it ascends and descends over the usual rocky footing found in the Alpine Zone.

Mount Osceola Trail: 5.7 miles, elevation gain of 2,400 feet from Tripoli Road, 1,850 feet from the Greeley Ponds Trail.  The Mount Osceola Trail is the only trail that goes up and over the the 4,000 foot summits of Mount Osceola and Mount Osceola East Peak.  The trail has moderate grades and decent footing from Tripoli Road over the two mountains with a fun chimney scramble between the two peaks.  The trail between the east peak to the Greeley Ponds Trail has ok to awful footing with very steep grades at times.  There are limited views along the trail as it's all in the woods but there are pretty good views from Mount Osceola's summit where a fire tower once stood years ago.  Tripoli Road is closed in the winter and early spring so the trailhead can only be accessed off Rout 112 (the Kanc) via the Greeley Ponds Trail.

Mount Tecumseh Trail: 5.6 miles, elevation gain of 2,400 feet.  The Mount Tecumseh Trail has easy to moderate grades with good footing.  It is entirely in the woods with no views except for taking the side paths to the ski slopes of Waterville Valley.  It is a great hike for beginners.

Mount Tom Spur: .6 miles, elevation gain of 350.  The Mount Tom Spur leaves the A-Z trail and climbs to the summit of Mount Tom.  The trail has moderate grades with decent footing.  There are nice views just below the summit and some more views at the summit as well.

Mount Tripyramid Trail: 4.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,200 feet ascending the North Slide, 1,850 feet from South Slide.  The Mount Tripyramid Trail ascends over the three peaks of the Tripyramids with steep ascents and descents with rough footing and some rock scrambling on the slides.  Once gaining the ridge the trail has easy and moderate grades with good footing.  Caution should be used while hiking on the North Slide as it is very steep and can be dangerous when wet.  There are some minor scrambles on the North Slide that are fun for experienced hikers but could be troubling for beginners, views from the North Slide are tremendous.  The South Slide is not as steep but the footing is just as bad in spots because it has more of a loose gravel feeling.

Nelson Crag Trail: 3.6 miles, elevation gain of 3,700 feet.  The Nelson Crag Trail ascends to the summit of Mount Washington 1.7 miles north of Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center via the Old Jackson Road.  The trail has moderate to steep grades with rough and rugged footing with over 2.5 miles located above treeline exposed to the weather so caution should be used.  The trail is the most lightly used trail for summiting Mount Washington and is a prefect way to avoid almost all crowds (except for the part that swings by the Auto Road).  Views from the Nelson Crag Trail are awesome and well worth the long hike from Pinkham Notch.

Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail: 3.8 miles, elevation gain of 1,900 feet.  The Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the White Mountains as it ascends to Carter Notch Hut between Cater Dome and Wildcat "A" Peak.  The trail has easy to moderate grades most of the way with good footing for the most part.  The trail follows the brook closely which in the winter the banks and sections of the trail can be icy at times so caution is required.  The Carter Notch Hut is open year round (caretaker basis in off-season) so the trail is always well broken out in the winter.

North Carter Trail: 1.2 miles, elevation gain of 1,200 feet.  The North Carter Trail connects the Imp Trail to the Carter-Moriah Trail.  It has moderate to semi-steep grades with decent footing.

North Twin Spur: 1.3 miles, elevation gain of 300 feet from South Twin, 450 feet from North Twin.  The North Twin Spur is the trail between the summits of North and South Twin.  It has easy and moderate grades with generally good footing and is one of the easier hikes between two 4,000 foot mountains.

North Twin Trail: 4.3 miles, elevation gain of 2,950 feet.  The North Twin Trail follows the Little River for the first 1.9 miles crossing it three times (can be difficult to dangerous when running high but the first two crossings can be bypassed via a well defined herd path)  The trail has easy grades with good footing up until the last crossing then becomes steep as the footing becomes worse.  The trail ends at the summit of North Twin Mountain.

Old Bridle Path: 2.9 miles, elevation gain of 2,450 feet.  The Old Bridle Path along with the Greenleaf Trail is the fastest route up Mount Lafayette.  It has moderate grades for most of it's length with decent footing as it ascends "Agony Ridge" to the Greenleaf Hut.  There are many outlooks along the way with terrific views looking up to the Franconia Ridge.  One of the most popular day hikes with some of the best views in the White Mountains is the "Classic Franconia Ridge Loop" via Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greanleaf, and Old Bridle Path Trails.

Old Jackson Road: 1.9 miles, elevation gain of 700 feet.  The Old Jackson Road connects the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to the 2 mile post on the Mount Washington Auto Road where the Madison Gulf Trail begins.  The trail has easy and moderate grades with decent footing.  It passes by the beginning of the Nelson Crag Trail which ascends to Mount Washington's summit.

Oliverian Brook Trail: 4.4 miles, elevation gain of.  The following description is the first 1.9 miles from Route 112 (The Kanc) to the Passaconaway Cuttoff, elevation gain of.  The trail follows close by the Oliverian Brook over easy grades and good footing.  Parts of the trail are usually muddy but it is an easy hike.

Osgood Trail (Appalachian Trail): 3.8 miles, elevation gain of 3,550 feet.  The Osgood Trail has easy-moderate-steep grades with ok to rough, rugged, and rocky footing.  The last 1.7 miles are above treeline and exposed to some of the nastiest winds in the White Mountains.  However, views above treeline on a clear day are spectacular as it slowly ascends to the summit of Mount Madison before dropping down to Madison Springs hut.

Osseo Trail: 4.1 miles, elevation gain of 2,950 feet.  The Osseo Trail leaves the Lincoln Woods Wilderness Trail and ascends to the summit of Mount Flume.  It has moderate grades with good footing with one steep section with well placed ladder steps to assist hikers.  There is an outlook with a phenomenal view into the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness above the ladder section.  The Osseo Trail is the wimpy but safest way to the summit of Mount Flume!

Owl's Head Path: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  The Owl's Head Path is the unofficial trail to the summit of Owl's Head Mountain.  It is very steep and has awful footing as it ascends the Owl's Head Slide.  Once past the slide there are herd paths in the woods to the ridge.  There are unique views of the backside of the Franconia Ridge ascending the slide.

Parapet Trail: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 200 feet. The Parapet Trail travels below the summit cone on the east side of Mount Madison. The trail is mostly level but the footing is all rocks and very rough.  The Parapet provides an excellent bypass to Madison Springs Hut if the weather is bad.  The trail leaves Osgood Juntion 0.6 miles below the summit of Mount Madison and ends at the Star Lake Trail 0.1 miles from the hut.

Passaconaway Cutoff: 1.7 miles, elevation gain of 1.050 feet.  The Passaconaway Cutoff ascends Mount Passaconaway from from the north via the Olivarian Brook Trail then the Square Ledge and Walden Trails.  Grades are moderate with decent footing.

Pine Bend Brook Trail: 4.5 miles, elevation gain of 2,800 feet.  The Pine Bend Brook Trail is the main way to attack the Tripyramid Mountains from the north via Route 112 (The Kanc).  It has easy to moderate grades for the first couple of miles then becomes steeper as it gains the ridge with good footing to rougher footing as the trail gains elevation.  The trail is in the woods with not many good views but is the easiest way to hike the Tripyramids in the winter as it's usually broken out very well.

Piper Trail: 4.3 miles, 2,800 feet.  The Piper Trail is one of the most heavily used trails in all of the White Mountains and provides excellent views.  It has easy to moderate grades with good footing as it ascends to the summit of Mount Chocorua.  There are exposed ledge sections which become difficult when wet or icy so caution should be used.  However in the last spring, summer, and early fall this trail is a great hike for beginners looking for some real good views.

Randolph Path: 6.1 miles, elevation gain of 3,700 feet.  The Randolph Path Starts north of the Appalachia Parking lot and slowly ascends to the Edmands Col below Mount Jefferson.  Along the ways it passes by many trail junctions as it cuts its way below Mount Adams and it's five peaks.  The trail has moderate grades with good to rough footing.  Parts of the trail are heavily used while others are lightly used.  The last part of the trail rising above the Castle Ravine has tremendous views but is exposed to the weather.

Rocky Branch Trail: The following description is to the height of land from US-16 in the winter. 2.8 miles, elevation gain of 1,900 feet. The Rocky Branch Trail to the height of land (to Engine Hill Bushwhack) has easy grades as it slowly ascends up to the height of land.

Rollins Trail: 2.5 miles, elevation gain of 900 feet.  The Rollins Trail travels along the ridge that connects two official 4,000 footers, Mount Whiteface and Mount Passaconaway.  The trail has mostly moderate grades with a couple of short steep sections with ok to rough and rocky footing.

Short Line: 1.9 miles, elevation gain of 1,350 feet.  The Short Line is the fastest way to access the King Ravine and Randolph Path from the Appalachia parking area via the Airline.  It was moderate grades with decent footing.

Shoal Pond Trail: 4.0 miles, elevation gain of 550 feet.  The Shoal Pond Trail is one of the most remote trails in the White Mountains and is very lightly used between its southern terminus at Still Water Junction and Shoal Pond.  It tends to be very wet and muddy and some parts of the trail are very obscure, especially the start of the trail at the crossing of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  A few of the river crossings can get dicey after heavy rain.  The trail travels mostly over an old railroad bed along the Shoal Pond Brook through an enchanted looking forest deep in the Pemi Wilderness.  It's remote and beautiful!

Signal Ridge Trail: 5.0 miles, elevation gain of 3,300 feet.  The Signal Ridge Trail ascends Mount Carrigain from the Sawyer River Road.  The trail has moderate to steep grades with ok to rough and rugged footing as it gains the Signal Ridge.  Views from the Signal Ridge of the White Mountains are tremendous as well as the views at the end of the trail from the observation tower on the summit.  In the Winter Sawyer River Road is closed, the road walk to trailhead is 2.5 miles and 600 feet, watch out for snowmobilers!

Six Husbands Trail: 2.3 miles, elevation gain of 2,550 feet.  One of the roughest, steepest, wildest, and unnerving trails in all of the White Mountains!  The Six Husbands Trail lies deep within the Great Gulf Wilderness and has unique views into Jefferson Ravine and the eastern side of Mount Adams.  The Trail is best known for it's ladders that are very well placed on the side of vertical rocks which makes it possible to pass.  Past the last ladder is a section of tough rock scrambling under then around an overhanging rock where caution is required.  Soon the trail emerges above treeline and heads up the eastern slope of Jefferson to the Jefferson Loop Trail .1 mile from the summit.  Descending this trail is not recommended and if weather is bad be aware that once above treeline there are no easy escape routes.  For experienced hikers the Six Husbands Trail is only matched by Huntington Ravine and King Ravine Trails!

Sosman Trail: .8 miles, elevation gain of 250 feet.  The Sosman Trail and use of ski trails of Waterville Valley (2.6 miles, elevation gain of 2,000 feet) takes you to the summit of Mount Tecumseh.  The trail runs from the top of the ski area near the transmission tower to Mount Tecumseh's summit.  It has easy grades with decent footing.  Views of the Tripyramids from the ski slopes are great.

Sphinx Trail: 1.1 miles, elevation gain of 1,350 feet.  The Sphinx Trail starts deep in the Great Gulf Wilderness and climbs steeply over awful footing to the Gulfside Trail (A.T.).  The trail follows a brook closely sometimes through the brook by beautiful cascades as it emerges above treeline with fantastic views of the Great Gulf and the Northern Presidential Range.  The trail is lightly used but easy to follow and is a hidden gem!

Spur Trail: 2.0 miles, elevation gain of 2,500 feet. The Spur Path has moderate to steep grades with rough and rugged footing as it's runs between Randolph and Lowe's Path.  It passes by Crag Camp and Grey Knob Cabin and with fine views into the King Ravine.  The last part of the trail runs above treeline with fantastic views all around but is exposed to the weather.

Star Lake Trail: 1.0 miles, elevation gain of 1,000 feet.  The Star Lake trail is steep and has awful footing over knee hammering rocks as it ascends from Madison Springs Hut to the summit of Mount Adams.  The views from this trail are incredible on a clear day.  It has some very minor "rock pitch" scrambles that are lots of fun.  Caution should be used on this trail in bad weather.

Starr King Trail: 3.6 miles, Elevation gain of 2,500 feet.  The Starr king Trail is the only route from the South to the Summit of one of the northern-most 4,000 footer Mount Waumbek.  The Trail has moderate grades with good footing the whole way.  There are limited views around Mount Starr King where an old fireplace remains from a shelter of long ago.

Thoreau Falls Trail: 5.1 miles, elevation gain of 750 feet.  The Thoreau Falls Trail runs from the Wilderness Trail to the Ethan Pond Trail (A.T.) it has moderate grades with mostly good footing with a few sections of rough and wet sections.  The trail is easy to follow for the first two miles or so then becomes tougher to follow and is lightly used.  It follows ancient logging roads as it approaches the scenic and beautiful Thoreau Falls where there are some good views of the backside of the Bonds.  The trail is in the middle of nowhere so don't expect to see many if any hikers on your journey!

Tuckerman Ravine Trail: 4.2 miles, elevation gain of 4,250 feet. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is the most popular trail on Mount Washington.  Grades are moderate to steep with good footing to knee-hammering rocks but is well defined and easy to follow.  Views while hiking up the headwall and above are some of the best around.  The trail is one of the most popular spring time skiing attractions in the United States as people flock to the headwall and ski down the steep chutes well into May as people look on from the famous "Lunch Rocks."  The Trail is usually closed for regular non-traction hiking until June because of the snow and avalanche danger.  Hikers of experience refer to the trail as the "Highway" or "I-95" or "I-93" because of the massive tourist hikers that a good weather day flock to the trail.  The Tuckerman Ravine Trail should be traveled with caution on a bad weather day.

Twin Brook Trail: 2.6 miles, elevation gain of 1,550 feet.  The Twin Brook Trail ascends from the 13 Falls Campsite to just below the summit of Galehead Mountain.  The trail has moderate grades with good footing and travels through a nice Birch section along the way.

Twinway (Appalachian Trail): 7.2 miles, elevation gain of 1,750 feet from Galehead Hut, 3,000 feet from Ethan Pond Trail.  The Twinway (A.T.) has moderate to steep gains, with generally rough and rugged footing.  The ascent to or descent from South Twin Summit is extremely steep as it gains 1,150 feet in just .8 miles.  Views from South Twin and around Mount Guyot are incredible and some of the best in all of the White Mountains.  The trail is very heavily used as it's part of the Appalachian Trail and connects Galehead and Zealand Falls Hut.

Valley Way: 3.8 miles, elevation gain of 3,550 feet.  The Valley Way trail has easy to moderate grades with good footing up until the last .5 miles.  Until the last couple hundred feet it is entirely in the woods and well protected from the wind and weather.  It ends at the Madison Springs Hut in a col a .5 mile south of Mount Madison summit and a sub peak of Mount Adams.

Watson Path: 1.7 miles, elevation gain of 2,200 feet.  The Watson Path leads to the summit of Mount Madison, it has moderate to steep gains with awful footing.  Views above treeline on a clear day are pretty spectacular and it is lightly used compared to the Valley Way trail.  The upper part of the trail is exposed to the full force of the north/north west winds and can become difficult to dangerous in sub par weather for inexperienced hikers.

Webster Cliff Trail (Appalachian Trail):  7.3 miles, elevation gain of 3,800 feet from Route 302, 800 feet from Crawford Path.  The Webster Cliff Trail has easy, moderate, and steep grades with ok to rough footing.  The trail starts on route 302 and travels over Mount Webster, and two official 4,000 footers Mount Jackson and Pierce before ending at the Crawford Path.  Views into Crawford Notch from the cliffs below and up to Mount Webster's summit are great.  Views of the southern Presidential Range from the summit of Mount Jackson and Mount Pierce are excellent as well.  The steepest parts of the trail are the cliffs just below Mount Webster, the final ascent/descent to or off Mount Jackson, and the pitch where the Trail leaves Mizpah Springs Hut to Mount Pierce.  It is a well traveled trail as it is part of the A.T., plus it passes but Mizpah Springs Hut and Newman Campsite where many hikers travel to and from during the summer months.

Webster-Jackson Trail: 2.4 (Webster Branch) 2.6 miles (Jackson Branch), elevation gain of 2,150 feet.  The Webster Jackson Trail leaves Route 302 just east of the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch and ascends to the Summits of Mount Jackson or Webster.  The trail has a fork 1.4 miles in where you can choose to go up to Mount Webster or Jackson.  Grades are moderate with decent footing to rougher footing as you gain elevation.  The last hundred foot section below the summit of Mount Jackson is over exposed ledges that can become difficult in went or icy conditions for in-experienced hikers.  Except for this last section the whole Webster-Jackson Trail is in the woods protected from the weather.

West Bond Spur: .5 miles, eleavtion gain of 200 feet.  The West Bond Spur trail leaves the Bondcliff trail near Guyot Campsite and descends to a col then ascends to the open summit of West Bond.  Grades are moderate and footing is decent as the trail is in the woods until the reaching the summit.  Views from West Bond's summit are spectacular and one of the best in all of the White Mountains!

Whitehouse Trail: .8 miles, elevation gain of 100 feet.  This trail takes you to the Liberty Springs and Cascade Brook Trailhead from the Flume Gorge parking lot.  It is mostly flat with decent footing.

Wildcat Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail): 5.0 miles, elevation gain of 3,150 feet from Route 16, 1,750 feet from Carter Notch .  The Wildcat Ridge Trail has moderate to very steep grades with rough and rugged footing.  The steepest parts of the trail are at each end, from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch up to Wildcat "E" Peak and from Carter Notch up to Wildcat "A" Peak.  There are steep open ledge areas that can become difficult or dangerous in wet and icy conditions below the peak of Wildcat "E".  Between E and A peaks the Wildcat Ridge Trail travels up and down between the cols over hogbacks over each peak.  Footing is rough and often wet and the trail usually needs a trimming back of a foot or two in a few areas.  There are some excellent views as the trail passes by the top of the Wildcat Ski Lift, and there is an Outlook on Wildcat "D" Peak that has been re-opened with incredible views across into the Ravine of Mount Washington.

Willey Range Trail: 3.4 miles, elevation gain of 1,950 feet from Ethan Pond Trail, 650 feet from A-Z Trail.  The Willey Range Trail travels over two official 4,000 foot summits (Mount Willey and Mount Field) as it connects the Ethan Pond Trail (A.T.) to the A-Z Trail.  It is in the woods and has no real good views. Except for the Part below the Summit of Mount Willey, the trail has easy to moderate grades with good footing.  The section below Mount Willey summit is very steep but well placed ladders are there to help make things much easier.  There is a great Outlook down into Crawford Notch just below Mount Willey Summit.

Zeacliff Trail: 1.4 miles, elevation gain of 1,450 feet.  The Zeacliff Trail has very steep grades and awful footing as it is a short bypass of the Appalachian trail between the Ethan Pond Trail and the Twinway.  There are a couple of extraordinary views of Carrigain Notch and the backside of Mount Bond.  It's well worth the extra struggle of the steep grades to check out this trail at least once.

Zealand Trail: 2.5 miles, elevation gain of 450 feet.  The Zealand Trail is a heavily used trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail .3 miles below the Zealand Fall Hut. During heavy rains Zealand Pond may overflow in section or two flooding the trails a little bit requiring a little creativity to keep you boots dry. The Zealand Trail and then .3 miles on the Twinway to Zealand Falls and the hut is an excellent hike for beginners.  The Zealand Falls Hut is open year round (caretaker basis in the late fall, Winter, and early spring)

6 comments:

  1. Amazing list of trail descriptions! Two of my friends and I decided to go against the books and descend Six Husbands... it was awesome! Probably one of the coolest trails I have ever done! (we had to descend to be able to make a camp after a long multiple mountain hike that day)

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    1. Awesome, you guys are bad ass! That rock overhang scramble would scare the hell out of me if I descended it, great job guys!!

      -Chris

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  2. Great trail summaries. Glad I found your site. Super helpful.
    Spot on description of the Garfield Ridge Trail. Watch your time on that one.
    I would call a descent on the Boot Spur link more of a Sledge Hammering to the knees.
    Lincoln Woods is a test of patience. Like a lot of the “in the woods trails” I focus on the small things along the trail, mushrooms, plants the birds but after a long hike it really does becomes a slog to the car.

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    1. I like the 'Sledge Hammering Rocks'...you are right on with that one!

      Recently I have started enjoying the in the woods trails a lot more than I used to, especially all of the one in the Pemi Wilderness, I really love the history of that area with the old logging operations.

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  3. Awesome trail descriptions. I have referred back to this page several times in deciding and planning my hikes. Really appreciate your great work here.

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    1. Thanks Anonymous! I try and keep it up to date as I hike trails and am happy you can get some info about the trails.

      Have a great summer hiking!

      -Chris

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