Meeting Time: 8:00 AM

Max # People: 8

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

Will it be snow capped?  Let’s climb and find out!  Join me for a hike up to Mt. Garfield to capture the fleeting and splendid sights, sounds and scents of autumn in the mountains or maybe the early temps of cool weather and critter tracks in the snow!

You know I love loop hikes and Mt. Garfield offers this opportunity.   Providing the gates are open –– we will meet at the trail head for the Garfield Trail which is approximately 1 mile up the Gale River Loop Road off of route 3 at Five Corners.  The trail mostly follows an old road used for access to a former fire lookout tower that once was at the summit of Garfield.  The grades are mostly moderate all the way up except for a steep pitch just below the summit.  It also is a brilliant hike as where it gets to be more of an upward pitch – switchbacks prevail – unusual for the White Mountains.  On a clear day Mt. Garfield offers views of North & South Twin, the Franconia Ridge among other summits in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  We’ll carry on from the summit along the Garfield Ridge Trail to connect with the Gale River Trail and make our way back down to the trail head where we will have spotted a car or plan to just walk the short mile back to the Garfield Trail head.  

Round trip is 12.3 miles though a solid 3.5 to 4 is mostly to near flat.  This is a fun filled full day of hiking at a healthy pace with time for water breaks, snacks and lunch.  Total elevation gain is  about 3,300’ as the trail undulates between Garfield and the Gale River trail junction which sits at 3,590’ down from the peak of the day of 4,500’. 

TRIP NOTE:  Plan to loop hike.  This changes if the gates are closed at the parking by the highway.  I will monitor and update accordingly.  Normally gates close on the 15th of November – and if they are – we will hike in/out the same way from the highway parking along route 3.  This shortens the hike by about one mile and increases the amount of flat terrain.  Weather changes often at this time of the year and I will let folks know if we need microspikes/snowshoes closer to the trip date.  

What to bring: 

Food:  Bring snacks and a lunch for the hike.  A little extra is always good.

Water:  Bring two or three liters (depending on how much you drink).  Insulated bottles not required but you should be aware of weather conditions prior to the trip.

Clothing:  No Cotton!  Temps will vary from start to summit and summits are often windy.  Bring layers, gloves, hat, face mask, hand warmers, and other gear you may want for the hike.  Your pack should be big enough to carry excess gear as you warm up.  There will be water crossings – poles are always a steady compliment in those moments if you like or need them.   Inclement weather will cancel the trip but we do need to be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions.