Summary

The treeless summit of New Hampshire’s tenth tallest mountain and westernmost 4,000-footer is a stunning and worth prize for peakbaggers! With the Benton Trail, the hike will be approximately 10.2 miles round trip with around 3400' of elevation gain. Please note there is a river crossing that is usually challenging to cross so we are requiring everyone to have sandals to change into for this crossing just in case.

Thanks to the out-of-the-way location of the Benton Trailhead—and some rerouting in the wake of Hurricane Irene—the Benton Tail sees much less traffic compared to Moosilauke’s more popular routes, despite being one of the easiest ways to the mountain’s summit. The 3.6-mile trail follows the route of an old bridle path, accounting for its modest terrain and moderate footing. Hikers on the Benton Trail are also afforded fantastic views of the Kinsmans and Little Tunnel Brook Ravine, before connecting with the Beaver Brook Trail/Appalachian Trail. From here, the trail continues for a half-mile through the alpine zone, guided by impressive cairns, to Moosilauke’s rocky summit. The summit is above treeline with excellent views in all directions. Because there are no other nearby mountains, this summit is often very windy.

Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch on top of the summit. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to hang out for a couple hours alongside the Mad River for swimming/sunbathing, socialize around the deck and enjoy a BBQ! It's BYOB and it costs $10 per person. Bring your swim trunks/towel. We have to cross the shallow Mad River to reach our sandy beach so bring sandals or old sneakers; FLIP FLOPS WILL NOT WORK TO CROSS THE RIVER! 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $35 Saturday that includes BBQ. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have 4 bunks available so the first 4 guys that contact us to reserve will get one; and let us know which night[s] you’ll be lodging with us. You’re on your own for dinner Friday night but you’re welcome to use our kitchen facilities to cook!  

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Trailhead and parking area is on Tunnel Brook Road. Take Exit 32 off of Rt. 93. If driving north, take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto NH 112 West [towards Lost River]. Follow it pass Kinsman Notch and 1.9 miles after WMNF Wildwood Campground take a left on Tunnel Brook Road, which is paved at first, then gravel. The parking area is at the end of this road, 1.4 miles. We’ll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.