The White Mountains - Hiking Mount Moosilauke (4802') via the Asquam Ridge Trail, Beaver Brook (AT), and Gorge Brook Trail

One of the New Hampshire 4000 footers, Mount Moosilauke stands at 4,802 feet tall. Crossed by a number of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Moosilauke is often considered the gateway to the White Mountains by northbound Appalachian Trail thru hikers, and the end of the Whites for southbound hikers.

For our hike, we began at the trailhead located on Ravine Lodge Road. From there, we followed the Asquam Ridge Trail to Mount Jim and its intersection with the Beaver Brook Trail (which is also the Appalachian Trail. We followed the Beaver Brook Trail over Mount Blue, to its intersection with the Benton Trail and then followed it up to the summit of Mount Moosilauke. 

Ascending the roughly 2700-feet of elevation from the trailhead to the summit via this is a generally moderate climb with a few more strenuous (and difficult) sections towards the top of the climb. The Asquam Ridge Trail, for the majority of its length follows old roads, which while washed out in places, have a steady, yet relatively gentle grade. When the Ridge Trail leaves the former roadway and makes its way cross-country below the summit of Mount Jim, it does become steeper and rockier. Once on the Beaver Brook Trail, the trail does have some steep, rocky sections as you make your way around Mount Blue.

From the summit, we took the Gorge Brook Trail down, descending quickly first to the intersection with the Snapper Trail, and then with the Hurricane Trail, before ending back at the trailhead on Ravine Lodge Road. The Gorge Brook Trail doesn't waste any time in descending. After leaving the relatively gentle summit area, the trail descends quickly and steeply. 

Our total hike on this loop was 10.5 miles with about 2700' of elevation gain along the way.

You can find this hike:

• Described in the White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• Shown on the Dartmouth Outing Guide Map

Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services: Hike On Guides (hike with us!) Gear we used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Shoes
• Deliberate Life Designs Sandals
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles 
• Darn Tough Socks
• Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
• Energizer LED Headlamp 
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
• Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket

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