Location: White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire

There is a $5 fee for parking in the parking lot.  Parking space seems large but can get crowded on busy weekends, as White Mountain National Forest is a popular destination for both locals and international travelers.  When we arrived, there were only 2 parking spaces open.  The other parking spot was filled before we finished parking, and there was a long line of adventurers behind us.

Duration: 9 hours

Highlights: insane elevation gain through rocky and technical terrain; view from the summit of Mount Moosilauke.

Gear: Garmin Fenix 3 HR Sapphire, Salomon GTX hiking boots, daypack with a gallon of water and lunch, black diamond hiking poles.  Check out the rest of my gear here

Lessons Learned: even a dayhike can take longer than expected, so make sure to pack enough water and food.

Stats and GPX Data:

Hike Summary and Thoughts

New Hampshire is home to the most exciting and challenging hikes in the eastern U.S.  Mount Moosilauke is the 10th highest peak in New Hampshire, and I enjoy the journey so much that I have gone to the peak twice.  The trail I took both times is part of the Appalachian Trail, and the direction to the summit was south.

The elevation gain on this trail is extensive, and the terrain makes it that much more difficult for a day hike.  Even though I had done this hike last year, it took me much longer to complete than I anticipated.  By the end, my ankles and toes were screaming in agony, and my knees were begging for mercy as we started the descent.  The rocks at the bottom of each step were especially tough on my toes – something I never experienced before.  It is one of the most technical hikes I’ve done and is certainly not for beginners.

Although I recommend this trail for anyone who wants a challenge, I do not plan on hiking it again anytime soon.  Next time I am in the area, I want to try some of the other >4000-footers!  Again, this is not a trail for beginners, and there is even an explicit warning at the trailhead.  For those who dare venture, I am sure you won’t be disappointed with what this trail has to offer!

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What You Need to Know About Mt. Moosilauke: The Salient Points for This Hike

• The terrain is hard and the trail is extremely technical.  It is rocky, with steps as high as 3 feet throughout the hike.  Leg strength is required for the ascent, and proper footwear and hiking poles are required for the descent.
• The trail runs parallel to cascades that make the rocky terrain slippery and potentially dangerous (or, to quote the trail itself, “tragic”).  Very beautiful and almost meditative, but scary at times – especially on the way down.
• Luscious greenery throughout the hike.
• There is a pungent musk aroma at the treeline, from the unique foliage in the area.  Oddly enough, I was instantly reminded of Chanel Bleu!
• The view at the summit is spectacular, with greenery and rolling hills.  We refueled here with a calorie-dense lunch before undertaking the arduous journey back down to the parking lot.  I recommend refueling before beginning the descent.  The steep drops are technical and require attentiveness and alertness.  Make sure you are refueled!
• There is cell phone service above treeline.

Suggestions?  Questions on gear, planning, or anything in between?  Want to try this adventure for yourself and need help getting started?  Drop us a note!