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New Hampshire’s White Mountains Hiking

Average Climate

Humid Climate

legend

Double Booking
$3595

Single Booking
$3995

Roommate Rebate
$360

Trip Type

Hiking

Difficulty Level

3

Trip Length

6 Days, 5 Nights

Distance

28.7 Miles
46.2 Kilometers

Meeting Time

8:30 am

Drop-off Time

5:00 pm

Assembly Point

Manchester, NH

Inclusions

Includes all lodging, all meals, park entrance fees, leaders, tour maps and narratives.  Timberline van shuttle is included from Manchester, NH prior to and following tour.

 

Not included: Airline service the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; Guide Gratuity.

Have questions? We’re here to help! Call us at 303-664-8388 or reach out online.

Reserve This Tour

We continue to expand our reach across the northeast with our new tour to the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The area is known for some of the highest peaks in New England, and a plethora of brooks, streams, waterfalls and ponds that host deer, moose, black bear and many other small animals and birds. The hardwood forests in the lower elevations give way to stunted forests of firs and spruces in the higher reaches providing incredible views from the lookouts. The Appalachian Trail runs through the White Mountains, with many miles above treeline.

Our tour starts with some day hikes in Franconia Notch, home of the Indian Head, the Old Man of the Mountains, and Cannon Mountain Ski area. We then transfer to Crawford Notch to start our ultimate 3-day trek in the Twin Mountain Range, overlapping the Appalachian Trail. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore these rugged mountains and still have a comfortable bed and a hot meal provided, as we stay in the famous AMC mountain huts, deep in the wilderness.

The ancient mountains were shaped by glaciation and erosion over millions of years, and look gently curvy from afar. The upclose truth is these are rugged mountains with rocky trails and steep ascents, often with no switchbacks. Some sections require hands, have ladders, and look more like a jumble of rocks. Poles are recommended, along with a cheery attitude and sense of adventure.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Franconia Notch and Lonesome Lake

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Accommodation: Indian Head Resort

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 3.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,235 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Our day starts with a pickup from Manchester, NH and a shuttle north into the White Mountains. We are headed to Franconia Notch for a one way hike from the pools at The Basin, to Franconia Notch State Park. Along the way we follow Cascade Brook to Lonesome Lake for our first look at one of the traditional AMC mountains huts. We will also have the opportunity to visit the New England Ski Museum on Canon Mountain after our hike. Our lodging for the first two nights is at the Indian Head Resort just outside of Lincoln. Enjoy the pool, hot tub, paddle boats on the lake and on-sight dining.

Day 2: Indian Head on Mount Pemigewasset

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Accommodation: Indian Head Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 4.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,555 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

We start out hike right from the resort today, as we tackle Mount Pemigewasset. The loop hike goes straight into the White Mountain Forest for a steady climb to the protrusion that looks like - you guessed it - an Indian Head, providing unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. We continue our loop hike back into the valley at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center. An optional 2 mile boardwalk trail can be taken to view the Flume Gorge. From there it is another mile down the gentle trail back to our resort.

Day 3: Crawford Notch Waterfalls

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Accommodation: AMC Highland Center

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 4.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,275 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

We transition to the next valley to the east with a shuttle to Crawford Notch and hike past several of the most significant waterfalls in the area. Our trail goes past Ripley Falls, Arethusa Falls, Bemis Falls, and Coliseum Falls on this point to point trail. We stay tonight in the premier destination in the White Mountains - the AMC's Highland Center. Built on the site of the historic Crawford House hotel, this lodge offers private ensuite rooms with communal meals, a gift shop, and a library, nestled at the southern base of the Presidential Range.

Day 4: AMC to Zealand Hut

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Accommodation: Zealand Hut

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 850 feet

Today we begin our 3-day trek deep into the White Mountain National Forest. Leaving the AMC Hut, we hike up, sometimes steeply, across the Wiley Range and down into the Zealand River drainage on the A-Z Trail. There are a few optional summits available for the energetic. Tonight we stay in our first true White Mountain Hut, not accessible by vehicle. The hut is beside a beautiful cascade of the Whitewall Brook, and a perfect place to reflect quietly on nature before retiring to the hut for a homemade dinner. We sleep in bunk rooms holding 8-12 people, and the facilities are basic, although they seem luxurious for such a remote location.

Day 5: Zealand to Galehead

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Accommodation: Galehead Hut

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 6.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Our challenging hike today follows the Appalachian Trail between 2 AMC huts. We travel over Mt. Zealand, Mt. Guyot and South Twin Mountain before dropping down to a col where the very remote Galehead Hut is located. The trail is very rocky at times, and will require hands to get over some sections, but offers spectacular views and an intimate encounter with the White Mountains.

Day 6: Descend to the Gale River Trailhead and return to Manchester

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance: 4.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Our last day in the mountains starts with a short ascent to the top of Galehead Mountain, then a long descent along the Gale River to our trailhead where the van will be waiting. Be prepared to get your shoes wet if the brook crossings are running high. Our drive is less than 2 hours back to Manchester, where we recommend you plan to spend the night with a hot shower and a cozy bed before embarking on your return journey.

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