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This trail is unusual in that the lower part along the scenic cascades on Beaver Brook is rougher and steeper than the upper part near the summit of Mt. Moosilauke. The sections of the trail near the cascades can be hazardous in rain or snow, and since relocation a few years ago the trail is no longer the shortest route up Moosilauke. In good weather, experienced hikers will find it an interesting route.
Mount Moosilauke is the highest peak reached by northbound Appalachian Trail hikers since Virginia, and a large bare summit is an irresistable attraction to day hikers. Expect lots of company on the summit if not before.
Distance: To Mt Moosilauke summit, about 3.8 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 3000 feet on the ascent, minor on descent
Maps:
USGS Mount Moosilauke
AMC Moosilauke-Kinsman
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map I-6/5
DeLorme NHA&G 43-I9/J8 - Woodstock/Benton
The trail is located W of I-93 exit 32
Trailhead: Kinsman Notch, NH Route 112, elevation about 1870 feet
44.0393°N, 71.7918°W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
From I-93 exit 32, follow NH Route 112 W through North Woodstock about 6.7 miles to Kinsman Notch, parking area on L and Appalachian Trail crosses just beyond
Far End: Summit of Mt. Moosilauke, elevation about 4802 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: Dartmouth Outing Club
Special regulations: No fires or camping near highway or along trail in WMNF, distance affected varies
From the parking lot, take the path past the fee station and shortly turn left on the combined Beaver Brook Trail/Appalachian Trail, where the right leads N across the highway to the Kinsman Range. The trail crosses 4 brooks of which 2 have bridges, and soon reaches a warning sign at the foot of the cascades. Your risk of injury is vastly increased if you leave the trail to scramble around near the falls looking for the best viewpoint. For the next mile, the trail climbs along the brook on a rough footway with steps and even some metal rungs. Finally, the trail climbs away from the brook, remaining steep but not as rough. At 1.5 miles the new Beaver Brook Shelter is passed on the R, and at 1.8 miles the junction with the Asquam Ridge Trail is reached on the ridgetop. The summit of Mount Jim is just off the Asquam Ridge Trail about .3 miles away. You have now done about half the distance and 2/3 of the elevation gain to the summit of Mount Moosilauke.
The Beaver Brook Trail continues R up the ridge at an easier grade and begins to circle Jobildunc Ravine on your L, then the relocation zags R uphill. It turns L to circle at a higher level, passing L of the scrubby summit of Mt. Blue and descending to a minor col. The trail ascends a minor bump, then continues NW to the Benton Trail at 3.6 miles. Turn L, and soon come out in the open to follow a grassy and rocky ridge to the summit where there are the foundations of an old hotel and some memorial plaques.
In the reverse direction, take the trail N from the summit along the open ridge (may be signed as Benton Trail) rather than the other 2 existing (the Gorge Brook Trail and the Moosilauke Carriage Road) and 2 abandoned trails off the summit.
Parking lot plowed in winter. Crampons desirable in icy conditions especially near the falls and above treeline. Snowshoes may be necessary higher up even if not at the beginning.
Map Notes: The USGS map shows the old parking lot and the old route of the trail along Jobildunc Ravine rather than the relocation.
Handrail on Beaver Brook Trail
Cascade near Beaver Brook Trail
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