Western Mahoosuc Trail Loop Hike
Join us as we traverse the western third of the Mahoosuc Trail and enjoy this remarkable wilderness trek in northern New Hampshire's White Mountains.
The 26.6 mile long Mahoosuc Trail runs from Gorham, New Hampshire eastward across the Mahoosuc Range to the summit of Old Speck Mountain above Grafton Notch. The Appalachian Trail follows the Mahoosuc Trail for all but the first 2.7 miles of trail.
For this hike we've patched together a few trails to make a 13.5 mile loop on the western third of the Mahoosuc Trail. We take the Centennial Trail to the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail. Then follow the Mahoosuc Trail to the Peabody Brook Trail and descend the Peabody Brook Trail to North Road, where we walk North Road back to our car at the trailhead located at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road.
It's 3.1 miles up the Centennial Trail to Mount Hayes and the intersection with the Mahoosuc Trail. There are some nice views right around the trail junction. From the trail junction, it's 1.8 miles to the summit of Cascade Mountain, then 1.2 to Trident Col, another mile to Page Pond (we didn't know the name in the video), 0.6 miles up to the Wocket Ledge viewpoint, and then 1.1 miles down to Dream Lake and the intersection with the Peabody Brook Trail. At this point, we took the Peabody Brook Trail 3.1 miles down to North Road and we walked the mile or so on North Road to return to the trailhead at the intersection of North and Hogan Roads where our car was waiting.
All told this difficult loop hike was 13.5 miles in length with about 3,900 feet of elevation gain along the way (there are plenty of ups and down in this section, so be prepared). There's plenty of mud, rocky sections, and overall this is a difficult hike that will take longer than you expect.
Important Hiking Considerations:
The 26.6 mile long Mahoosuc Trail runs from Gorham, New Hampshire eastward across the Mahoosuc Range to the summit of Old Speck Mountain above Grafton Notch. The Appalachian Trail follows the Mahoosuc Trail for all but the first 2.7 miles of trail.
For this hike we've patched together a few trails to make a 13.5 mile loop on the western third of the Mahoosuc Trail. We take the Centennial Trail to the Mahoosuc Trail/Appalachian Trail. Then follow the Mahoosuc Trail to the Peabody Brook Trail and descend the Peabody Brook Trail to North Road, where we walk North Road back to our car at the trailhead located at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road.
It's 3.1 miles up the Centennial Trail to Mount Hayes and the intersection with the Mahoosuc Trail. There are some nice views right around the trail junction. From the trail junction, it's 1.8 miles to the summit of Cascade Mountain, then 1.2 to Trident Col, another mile to Page Pond (we didn't know the name in the video), 0.6 miles up to the Wocket Ledge viewpoint, and then 1.1 miles down to Dream Lake and the intersection with the Peabody Brook Trail. At this point, we took the Peabody Brook Trail 3.1 miles down to North Road and we walked the mile or so on North Road to return to the trailhead at the intersection of North and Hogan Roads where our car was waiting.
All told this difficult loop hike was 13.5 miles in length with about 3,900 feet of elevation gain along the way (there are plenty of ups and down in this section, so be prepared). There's plenty of mud, rocky sections, and overall this is a difficult hike that will take longer than you expect.
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You can find this hike:Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
Gear we used on this hike:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
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- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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