White Mountain National Forest: Twin Mountains to Gale River Loop

Bag two peaks while enjoying stunning views of Mt. Washington and Vermont's Green Mountains on this 10.3-mile horseshoe hike.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 16.6

Waypoints

TWN001

Location: 44.2377166748047, -71.5484161376953

Trailhead @ far end of lot; follow yellow-blazed North Twin Trail

TWN002

Location: 44.2278823852539, -71.5401153564453

Safely ford Little River; continue on root-laced N Twin Trail as it cuts through hardwood birch forest

TWN003

Location: 44.2151336669922, -71.5307693481445

Confusing spot: Hard L before river, stay on N Twin Trail; eventually cross stream, turn R to begin 2-mi. climb up dry, rocky streambeds through spruce, fi r

TWN004

Location: 44.2039184570312, -71.5549163818359

Sublime rocky ledge picnic spot; look S to Pemigewasset Wilderness and Mt. Washington; continue up narrow trail amid stunted spruce to N Twin Mtn.

TWN005

Location: 44.2027816772461, -71.5572814941406

L @ summit marker of N Twin Mtn. to continue along N Twin Trail on N Twin Spur (connects N Twin and S Twin Mtns.); bear R for short detour to view Camel’s Hump

TWN006

Location: 44.1877174377441, -71.5547027587891

Exposed, rocky summit of S Twin Mtn.; head W along white-blazed Twinway Trail (parallels AT); Garfi eld Range in foreground on steep descent

TWN007

Location: 44.1883163452148, -71.5683822631836

Bear R onto Garfield Ridge Trail for .6 mi. Spur trail: Bear L @ Y for short detour to Galehead Hut

TWN008

Location: 44.1898345947266, -71.5771331787109

Bear R @ Y onto Gale River Trail

TWN009

Location: 44.2053985595703, -71.5896530151367

Cross river, then take hard L to stay on Gale River Trail

TWN010

Location: 44.2327651977539, -71.6099853515625

End @ Gale River trailhead; car shuttle or bike to return to trailhead

Trending on Backpacker