Mt. Garfield Hike

We took a hike to one of the best viewpoints in the Whites on a crisp fall day and 100+ mile views from the summit. The trek to Mt. Garfield [4,500’] is 10 miles round trip with 3000 feet of elevation gain, but the gradient is easy to at most moderate except for the final steep rocky scramble at the top.

It was a cold start to the day with temps in the 30's. There were many cars at the trailhead parking area. This morning we would be starting out with fleece, warm hat, and gloves.

We started on the Garfield Trail at 9:30 AM. It was a nice brisk walk through the cool forest. The first part of the Garfield Trail meanders along a narrow and bumpy embankment through fine hemlock woods. The next long section follows old logging roads and the old tractor road that served the former fire lookout in this vast hardwood forest. There were three tricky water crossings over Spruce Brook due to high water from a recent rainstorm in which Jim slipped into one of them.  He removed his pants and hiked in shorts the remainder of the day.

Another mile and it was time for the fleece, hat and gloves to come off. We then ascended into a fine white birch forest. We followed several switchbacks up through a coniferous forest. At about this time we started meeting the first hikers coming down off the mountain.

Just after 12:30 PM we reached the Garfield Ridge Trail for the summit approach. There were a couple of Gray Jays that we enjoyed feeding from our hands. We had a scramble of 0.2 mile to the summit. It was a steep trail section with patches of ice so we had to be careful with our footing. At the crest, we took a left turn to the former tower’s concrete foundation. The rocky summit commanded a spectacular and unique view of the Pemigewasset Wilderness! We saw the Galehead Hut that appears as a toy building among miles of evergreens.

There were several hikers up here already. For the descent, we put on our MicroSpikes partway down the steep 0.2 section. Late day sun reached the white birches above us.

It took us three hours to hike the five miles from the summit back to the parking lot. The Garfield Trail is a great hike. It's a gradual climb except for the last two tenths of a mile to the summit. It took us seven hours up and back. Today was perfect hiking weather and the views were spectacular! After the hike, four of had a great dinner cooked by Jon while relaxing by the fireplace.  

Always a pleasure hiking with our fellow GO members! 

~ Mike with photos taken by Jon

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This ledgy 4,000 footer has one of the premier viewing perches in the Whites!

Mt. Garfield, located northeast of Mt. Lafayette and Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire's White Mountains in the 14th highest among the 4,000 foot peaks. What makes this mountain stand out from many of the other White Mountains in the relative ease of the hike to top via the Garfield Trail from the Gale River Loop Road [off Route 3] and the grand view from the top looking at the Pemigewasset Wilderness towards the south! The last .2 mile on Garfield Ridge Trail is the only steep section to the magnificent 360* views from the 4500' summit.

The round trip is a moderate to strenuous 10 miles with 3,000' of elevation with unforgettable views. We are hoping the road will still be open otherwise the entire mileage will increase to 12.4. We'll be using the Mt. Garfield Trail, an old tractor road, hence the grades are easy and the footing is good. While there are no views along the trail, the views from the summit are excellent. If this is the first time on this peak, you climb in the forest, emerge over a ridge and then you'll get WOWED with the view of the Pemi.

You will need well fitted, broken-in winter hiking boots and a day pack large enough to carry everything. Since November is into ice season it will be a MUST to bring traction such as MicroSpikes. There will be plenty of ice and traces of snow up high. If you haven't used winter gear before, you should probably test it out and practice before this hike! Bring extra layers for summit conditions which will be windy and COLD. Don't forget to bring your hat and gloves. 

Bring 2 liters of water minimum, lunch and snacks.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome to join us back our house for dinner. You may want to bring a change of clothing to be more comfortable and can use our showers.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!