New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Mount Garfield

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
A trip to Mt. Garfield’s rocky summit (4,500 ft.) rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the surrounding Franconia Ridge and Franconia and Lincoln Brooks valleys.

Suggested Routes
Moderate: Hikers normally opt to take the Garfield Trail to access the summit. This trail, formerly used as a fire tower access road, is an easy to moderate hike up Mt. Garfield, with one area of steep pitch just below the summit. Garfield Trail joins with the Garfield Ridge Trail just before the peak and hikers continue on the final .2 miles to enjoy the spectacular views from Garfield’s summit.

Trip Planning
The AMC’s Garfield Ridge Campsite is located on the Garfield Ridge Trail, just northeast of Garfield’s summit.

The AMC’s Galehead Hut is located at 3800 ft. on the Garfield Ridge, near the Twinway, Garfield Ridge, Frost, and Twin Brook Trails. The hut is open from mid-May to mid-October (caretaker basis in May), offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Greenleaf Hut is located at the junction of the Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail, 4.6 miles from Garfield’s summit. The hut is open from mid-May to mid-October (caretaker basis in May), offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the Old Bridle Path and Gale River trailheads, connecting hikers with The Highland Center and Lafayette Place Campground.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.