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This trail mostly follows the old access road to the former Mount Garfield fire lookout, so grades are moderate except for the last steep ascent. Good views can be obtained from the summit of Mount Garfield, and longer hikes can be made by following the Appalachian Trail in either direction.
Distance: To Appalachian/Garfield Ridge Trail, about 4.9 miles one-way
To Mount Garfield summit, about 5.1 miles one-way
Elevation gain: To Appalachian/Garfield Ridge Trail, about 2700 feet
To Mount Garfield summit, about 3000 feet on the ascent, minor on descent
Maps:
USGS Franconia, South Twin Mountain
AMC Franconia-Pemigewasset or Moosilauke-Kinsman
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map G-6
DeLorme NHA&G 43-C/D13 - Bethlehem/Franconia
The trail is E of I-93 exit 35
Trailhead: Gale River Loop Road, elevation about 1520 feet
N 44.229, -71.632 W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
From I-93 exit 35, follow US Route 3 N about 4.9 miles to the W end of Gale River Loop Road on the R. Take L fork immediately, then turn L across a bridge at 1.1 miles, and continue .1 miles to the trailhead. The Gale River Trail is 1.6 miles further straight ahead.
Far End: Appalachian/Garfield Ridge Trail, elevation about 4200 feet
Summit Mt. Garfield, elevation about 4500 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: White Mountain National Forest
Blazes: Blue
Special regulations: No fires or camping near trailhead
From the parking lot, take the path past the fee station which climbs a small ridge and then levels off. At .7 miles, the trail angles L into the old fire lookout road which is overgrown behind; this connecting trail was built to avoid crossing a major branch of the Gale River. At .9 miles the trail crosses Thompson Brook, then almost immediately crosses Spruce Brook at the confluence. A few hundred yards beyond it crosses a snowmobile trail and then Spruce Brook again. (The snowmobile trail E hits the Gale River Loop Road about halfway to the Gale River Trail.) The trail climbs uphill more steeply and begins a series of long switchbacks, finally ending at the junction with Appalachian/Garfield Ridge Trail. A left turn here will take you toward Garfield Ridge Campsite and Galehead Hut.
To Mt. Garfield: Follow the Appalachian Trail right (S) about .2 mi. steeply uphill. When the trail levels off at some rock ledges, turn L and climb the ledges uphill to the concrete fire lookout foundation.
In recent years the loop road has been gated in winter and early spring with a plowed parking space at the beginning (WMNF fee site). Experts have skied to near the summit. Crampons may be desirable in icy conditions especially for the last few feet to the fire lookout foundation. Snowshoes may be necessary higher up even if not at the beginning.
Map Notes: The USGS 7.5' maps do not show the Gale River loop road, and show the old route of the trail at the bottom which crosses the Gale River rather than the relocation which does not.
Neither the USGS 7.5' map nor the 1998 AMC map shows the double crossing of Spruce Brook.
Due to overuse, the Garfield Pond shelter has been removed and the trail moved away from the pond. The connector trail from the Garfield Trail shown on the map no longer exists although one can bushwhack over.
Topozone.com live map, 1:100,000 with road
Topozone.com live map, 7.5' no road
Garfield Trail near bottom
Garfield fire lookout footings
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