Skip to main content
Detour Travel Gay Travel Tours
All trip reports Trip Report Moderate

Caribou Mountain Hike – Wild Views & Great Company!

A good day in the mountains, even under smoky skies!

Saturday, July 26, 2025
West Bethel, ME
Moderate
Hosted by Gandalf

The trip report

Written by Gandalf · last updated by a former member on Jul 27, 2025

You can’t go wrong hiking up a mountain named after Caribou! No sightings of actual caribou today (LOL)… and no luck with moose either. We started our journey from the Bog Road entrance, picking up the Caribou Trail.

The hike began along a logging road, easing us into a moderate climb through beautiful open hardwoods. The sights and sounds of Bog Brook added a peaceful soundtrack to the walk. After a couple of miles, we entered the Caribou–Speckled Mountain Wilderness area, where the trail began its climb toward the saddle between Caribou and Gammon Mountain.

The saddle, with its open feel and lush green moss, had a bit of magic to it. Here we connected with the Mud Brook Trail for the final push to Caribou’s summit.

At the top—2,850 feet—there was barely a breeze, just calm air and quiet. Normally the nearly 360-degree views stretch for 50–60 miles, but today smoke from the Canadian wildfires cut visibility down to about 15 miles. Even so, the summit’s broad ledges were a perfect spot to relax. We shared the summit with just a few other hikers and lingered over a leisurely lunch, soaking in what views we had.

After the descent, a few of us capped the day with an early dinner at Mr. Pizza in Gorham, enjoying their outdoor deck overlooking the Ammonoosuc River.

A good day in the mountains, even under smoky skies!

>>Click Here To View Pictures

Event photos (16)

Reactions

👍 ❤️ 🔥 😄 😮

Log in to react to this trip report.

About this event

Now for something completely different! Join us for a stunning hike up Caribou Mountain (2,828 ft), where vast open ledges offer sweeping views of the Wild River Valley, Carter-Moriah Range, and Presidential peaks!

We'll follow the Caribou Trail, connecting to Mud Brook Trail for a rewarding summit. This out-and-back hike covers 7 miles round trip with a 2,000 ft elevation gain.

Trail Highlights:

  • Moderate grade through open hardwoods
  • Several brook crossings
  • Caribou–Speckled Mountain Wilderness
  • Incredible views from the summit!

What to Bring:

  • Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
  • Water, snacks, lunch
  • Layers & rain/wind gear
  • Bug spray, sunscreen
  • A sense of adventure!

Post-Hike Social:

Join us for an early dinner at Mr. Pizza in Gorham — outdoor deck seating by the Ammonoosuc River.

Lodging Option:

Crash at our cozy house near Waterville Valley, NH – $25/night or $50/weekend. Includes bunk beds (linens/towels/Wi-Fi), plus coffee & bagels each morning. Limited space, email ASAP to reserve!

 

Who came along (7)

Gandalf SUSTAINING
Gandalf
Thornton, NH
baezfred GUEST MEMBER
baezfred
Lancaster, NH
MO GUEST MEMBER
MO
Lancaster, NH
JR GUEST MEMBER
JR
Boston, MA
HikerLegs SUSTAINING
HikerLegs
South Burlington, VT
StuckinNH GUEST MEMBER
StuckinNH
DUNBARTON, NH
UpInMaine GUEST MEMBER
UpInMaine
Augusta, ME

Comments

No comments yet.

Log in to join the conversation.

Stay Connected with GayOutdoors

Receive outdoorsy tips, community updates, volunteer opportunities, event announcements, and trip reports.

We respect your privacy — unsubscribe anytime.