New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – North Twin Mountain

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

Profile
North Twin Mountain (4,761 feet), adjacent to the taller South Twin Mountain, offers a challenging climb to superb outlook ledges near its summit.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: North Twin’s summit can be reached directly via the 4.3 mile North Twin Trail, a steep trail that can be difficult - and sometimes impassable due to high waters of the Little River, which the trail crosses three separate times. South Twin’s summit is easily accessible from here via the North Twin Spur, which connects the North Twin Trail with the Twinway.

Trip Planning
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 Zealand Falls Hut is located at 2630 ft. on the north end of Zealand Notch, near the Twinway, Zealand and Ethan Pond Trails. The hut is open from early June to mid-October, offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the Zealand and Gale River Trailheads, connecting hikers with Lafayette Place Campground and the Highland Center.

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.

Fun Fact
Together with the Franconia Range, the Twin Range forms a horseshoe enclosing the western portion of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.