Summary

This ledgy 4,000 footer has one of the premier viewing perches in the Whites!

Mt. Garfield, located northeast of Mt. Lafayette and Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire's White Mountains in the 14th highest among the 4,000 foot peaks. What makes this mountain stand out from many of the other White Mountains in the relative ease of the hike to top via the Garfield Trail from the Gale River Loop Road [off Route 3] and the grand view from the top looking at the Pemigewasset Wilderness towards the south! The last .2 mile on Garfield Ridge Trail is the only steep section to the magnificent 360* views from the 4500' summit.

The round trip is a moderate to strenuous 10 miles with 3,000' of elevation with unforgettable views. We are hoping the road will still be open otherwise the entire mileage will increase to 12.4. We'll be using the Mt. Garfield Trail, an old tractor road, hence the grades are easy and the footing is good. While there are no views along the trail, the views from the summit are excellent. If this is the first time on this peak, you climb in the forest, emerge over a ridge and then you'll get WOWED with the view of the Pemi.

You will need well fitted, broken-in winter hiking boots and a day pack large enough to carry everything. Since November is into ice season it will be a MUST to bring traction such as MicroSpikes. There will be plenty of ice and traces of snow up high. If you haven't used winter gear before, you should probably test it out and practice before this hike! Bring extra layers for summit conditions which will be windy and COLD. Don't forget to bring your hat and gloves. 

Bring 2 liters of water minimum, lunch and snacks.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome to join us back our house for dinner. You may want to bring a change of clothing to be more comfortable and can use our showers.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Driver north through Franconia Notch on the parkway. As this scenic route agains becomes I-93, turn right onto US 3 and follow it for 5 miles toward Twin Mountain. At a hiker sign and a sign for the Gale River Trail, turn right onto the Gale River Loop Road. Drive about 3 miles, past the trailhead for the Gale River Trail, to the Garfield Trail sign and parking on the left.

When you leave, you can continue ahead on the Gale River Loop Road, 1.2 miles to US 3. You can, of course, also enter that way, but the turn is not so well marked as the one on the other end.