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The Gorge Brook Trail is traditionally one of the easiest routes up Mount Moosilauke. The upper section was relocated a few years ago to make it more scenic and easier to ski, which has also made it somewhat longer and exposed to the weather at the top. The trail starts from the Ravine Lodge owned by Dartmouth College, and lies entirely on Dartmouth property.
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 3.7 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2500 feet on the ascent, 100 feet on descent
Maps:
USGS Mount Kineo, Mount Moosilauke
AMC Moosilauke-Kinsman
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map I-5
DeLorme NHA&G 43-J/K8 - Woodstock/Benton
The trail is located W of I-93 exit 32
Trailhead: Ravine Lodge parking area, elevation about 2400 feet
43.9938°N, 71.8148°W (WGS84)
Take I-93 Exit 32 at Lincoln and go W on NH Route 112 (Lost River Highway) about 3.3 miles to NH Route 118. Go L on Route 118 about 7.5 miles to Ravine Lodge Road, turn R and go about 1.5 miles to parking lot at end
Far End: Summit of Mt. Moosilauke, elevation about 4802 feet
Owner: Dartmouth College
Maintainer: Dartmouth Outing Club
Special regulations: No fires or camping
From the parking lot, follow the marked path "All Trails", turn L downhill along the Baker River and cross on the Class of 1982 Memorial Bridge. On the far side, turn L downstream where the Ridge Trail goes R upstream, then shortly turn R uphill from the river. At .3 miles, the Hurricane Trail goes L while the Gorge Brook Trail goes R and ascends to a bridge over Gorge Brook at .6 miles. Just across the bridge, the relocated Snapper Trail goes L while the Gorge Brook Trail continues upstream, recrossing the brook on another bridge. At a sign for "Last Water" near the foot of the Gorge Brook slide at 1.6 miles, the trail leaves its former route up the brook and descends slightly to the R before beginning a climb to the ridge. The trail stays on the ridge crest briefly before angling up the far side to a viewpoint over to the Franconia Range and Mount Washington.
After some short switchbacks, the trail makes a long traverse to the L before coming out in an open area with cairns (sometimes called the East Peak) at 3.4 miles. The trail then descends slightly through scrub before ascending the grassy rock cone to the summit at 3.7 miles. Here there are the foundations of an old hotel, some memorial plaques, and signs for the three trails that lead down; besides the Gorge Brook Trail there are the Benton Trail to the N (connecting to the Beaver Brook Trail and the Ridge Trail), and the Moosilauke Carriage Road to the S (connecting to the Glencliff Trail and Snapper Trail). The Appalachian Trail passes over the summit using those two trails. There are also many former trails and herd paths, so be careful to follow the correct route down.
Road to Ravine Lodge not plowed in winter, park just off NH Route 118.
Map Notes: The USGS map shows the old route of the trail up the brook rather than the relocation.
Moosilauke from Gorge Brook Trail
Moosilauke summit signs
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