Hiker's Guide to the Moosilauke Region
The Moosilauke region of the White Mountains encompasses the area of New Hampshire running from the NH/VT border all the way to Kinsman Notch. This expansive network of trails covers a large portion of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire as well as one of the most iconic mountains, Moosilauke. I was unfamiliar with the entire Appalachian Trail west of Moosilauke prior to my timed guidebook attempt and this portion of New Hampshire hiking trails is highly underrated, overshadowed by the more expansive views from Moosilauke east. According to the White Mountain Guidebook, 30st edition, “this section covers Mt. Moosilauke and several lower ranges and peaks, including the Benton Range, the Stinson-Carr-Kineo area, and the chain of medium-sized mountains that rises east of and roughly parallel to the Connecticut River between Hanover and Glencliff.” (p. 272).
In total, it took me 16 individual days of hiking to complete the 136.2 miles of trail in this section. My total elevation gain and total miles to complete this section of the guidebook were: 180.5 miles and 48,299’ of elevation. Route planning in this region was difficult because the trail map that I had to use was the Appalachian Trail National Geographic map set which is not very easy to use. Furthermore, some of the trails were not on the AMC map set so I had to do a bit of fishing around to locate maps or trail descriptions. Once I located all of the trails, though, building routes was pretty straightforward.
Easiest/Hardest Days
The most difficult day that I had in this region was when I completed a large loop up Glencliff Trail and then connected it with Hurricane Trail. There was a lot more elevation gain than I had planned for mentally and by the end of the day I was spent however I really enjoyed Hurricane Trail a lot and am looking forward to re-hiking it again.
The easiest day in this section was when I completed Tunnel Brook Trail as an out and back. It was late fall and snow had just dropped a light dusting on the ground. With minimal elevation gain, it was a beautiful walk in the woods with views of the back side of Mount Moosilauke.
Navigation/Trail Conditions
Some of the most difficult navigation in the White Mountain National Forest was in this section of the guidebook on both the north side of Three Ponds and Hubbard Brook Trail. When completing this loop I was shocked at how bad the trails were especially around the marshes found on Hubbard Brook and a large beaver pond on Three Ponds near Foxglove Pond. The trails are poorly marked and there are spots where you will need to pay very close attention to blazes (which are sparse at best). The remainder of the trails in this portion of the White Mountains are very well maintained and navigable.
Places of Note
Without question the most stunning section of this region is the summit of Mount Moosilauke however there are a lot of other parts that are equally worthy of praise which I will get into more below but, the Gorge Brook Trail, Carriage Road, and Snapper Trail loop on Moosilauke is one of the most popular hiking loops in the White Mountains.
Hidden Gems in the Moosilauke Region
Hurricane Mountain
Hurricane Mountain trail is a highly underrated and seldom traveled trail which doesn’t reach a summit with views but is a really nice hike that leads to the wooded summit of Hurricane Mountain (the true summit is off of the main trail and requires a short bushwhack). What I loved about this trail was the forest itself and I highly recommend hiking it from either side.
Sunday Mountain
Sunday Mountain is found along the Cross Rivendell Trail and while this summit doesn’t have sweeping views it is a really pretty hike along an up and coming short long trail. There is a short spur off of the main trail to the summit of Sunday Mountain and a summit sign marks the top. I hiked this trail during the stick season on a bright blue day and it was absolutely stunning.
Moose Mountain
Moose Mountain, which is found right on the Appalachian Trail, is one of my all time favorite hikes. The summit has a small view southwest and the trail itself is absolutely stunning as it gradually ascends this small peak. At the top you can rest, have a snack, and take in the view. There is also an option to make this a loop hike taking Nat Thompson Trail back to the trailhead.
Benton Trail to Moosilauke
Benton Trail is one of the oldest trails in the White Mountains and runs up the backside of Moosilauke. It is a really well maintained trail, despite being used much less often, and was one of my favorite trails in this region. There are some small viewpoints along the trail that give a whole new perspective of Beaver Brook and Kinsman Ridge.
Popular Hikes in The Moosilauke Region
Gorge Brook Trail to Moosilauke
Gorge Brook is one of the most popular hiking trails in the White Mountains and is a former carriage road that runs along the side of Mount Moosilauke. It begins at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. Parking can be found prior to the lodge along the road but be aware that this is a very popular hike and parking is sometimes an issue if you catch it on a busy day.
Smarts Mountain via Lambert Ridge Trail
Lambert Ridge Trail is another popular hike along the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Smarts Mountain. This trail is well maintained and easy to follow. For a more remote hiking experience you can make a loop hike combining Lambert Ridge Trail with Ranger Trail however be aware that Ranger Trail is less maintained and can be really muddy.
Mount Cube via Mount Cube Trail
Mount Cube is another summit along the Appalachian Trail and for northbound thru-hikers is often the first real taste of what the White Mountains hiking trails are like. Although it is not as rugged as the trails that will follow, it is by no means as easy as the trails that run prior to it along the Appalachian Trail south. There is some beautiful trailwork along this trail and we recommend taking the side trail to the view on the right at the official summit of Mount Cube.
Beaver Brook Trail to Moosilauke
Beaver Brook Trail is one of the steepest trails found along the Appalachian Trail and although we don’t recommend hiking down it in wet conditions (or in winter) it is a really interesting trail to take in fair weather. There are a series of wooden steps built into the rocks along the portions of trail that run adjacent to Beaver Brook and the craftsmanship is really incredible. Furthermore, this trail is a really good way to build up your cardio if you’re looking to get in shape as it gains over 2,200’ in around 2 miles.
Final Thoughts
This section of the White Mountains is really stunning and the portion west of Mount Moosilauke is one of my new favorite areas in the Whites. If you’re looking for a bit of a break from the relentlessness of the typical White Mountain hiking trails, I recommend checking out some of the trails further southwest along the Appalachian Trail. The Dartmouth Outing Club maintains this area of the White Mountains and does a wonderful job keeping the trails in tiptop shape. In an attempt to quantitatively rank the 12 sections of the guidebook, I will give it a score out of 10 in three categories:
Variety of Hiking Trails: 8/10
This region of the White Mountains is very diverse ranging from walks through marshlands along bog bridges to steep scrambles up rocks along Beaver Brook.
Accessibility from South-Central NH: 7/10
For the most part this region of the White Mountains is really accessible to south-central New Hampshire. Reaching the furthest west trails in Hanover Center is perhaps the longest drive in the region.
Overall Enjoyment on WMG Journey: 8/10
This region is one of my new favorite places to visit. Prior to hiking the trails found west of Moosilauke I was really intimidated by the trails because locating maps for them was difficult but now that I am familiar with the trails I am really looking forward to revisiting them again.
