 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
The North Twin Trail runs from the seasonal Forest Service Haystack Road to near the summit of North Twin Mountain. The first half is mostly on an old logging railroad grade with some serious brook crossings, while the remainder climbs more steeply to the summit.
Despite its name, the Little River is wide enough that it can be hard to find a place to rock-hop all the way across, and there are 3 crossings. In all but the driest weather hikers should bring extra shoes to wade in, and during high water it is best to avoid this trail altogether. There is a bridge at the parking lot where hikers can judge the size of the river.
Distance: To summit of North Twin Mountain, about 4.2 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 3000 feet on the ascent, 100 feet on return
Maps:
USGS South Twin Mountain
AMC Franconia-Pemigewasset
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map G/H-7
DeLorme NHA&G 43-B/D14 and 44-C1 - Bethlehem/Franconia
The trail is located S of US Route 3 near Twin Mountain
Trailhead: End of Haystack Road, elevation about 1800 feet
44.2384°N, 71.5491°W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
From Exit 35 off I-93, take US Route 3 N about 8.2 miles and turn R on Haystack Road. If you reach Last Chance Cabins, you went too far! Follow Haystack Road 2.6 miles to its end.
Far End: North Twin Spur near summit of North Twin Mountain, elevation about 4760 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: White Mountain National Forest
Special regulations: No fires or camping near trailhead
From the parking lot, the North Twin Trail soon reaches the old railroad grade and follows it up the Little River, passing through a rock cut. At about .9 miles, the trail makes its first crossing of the Little River.
The second crossing is about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, some hikers try to bushwhack here to avoid the last two crossings but the terrain is not easy and the herd path ends soon. The next section of railroad grade is not as easy and the trail leaves an eroded section briefly by climbing higher up the bank. After the third crossing at about 2.1 miles, the trail begins sort of a ratchet ascent along a side brook with uphill sections mixed with flatter sections on old roads. The trail finally leaves the brook and ascends more steeply near the ridge, with rocks and eroded treadway.
The trail finally reaches the ridge crest and the grade moderates although there are a couple of rock scrambles. One ledge just before the summit offers outstanding views to the E and S but the W view is blocked by the summit. The trail ends at 4.2 miles at the junction with the North Twin Spur L and a path to an outlook R which provides the W view missing at the previous outlook. The true summit of North Twin is partway along the outlook spur.
Haystack Road usually gated during snow and mud seasons. Some hikers make arrangements to park near the end of Little River Road (Seven Dwarfs Motel is agreeable for a fee) and follow either the old route of the trail or a parallel snowmobile trail to Haystack Road and the new parking area, about a mile.
Map Notes: USGS 7.5' map does not show Haystack Road, and shows several stream crossings incorrectly - the last 2 Little River crossings are not that close together!
Corduroy North Twin Trail [6/04]
South Twin from North Twin Trail [6/04]
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |