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

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

Profile
South Twin Mountain (4,902 feet) offers sweeping views to the south of the Franconia Ridge and Franconia and Lincoln Brooks valleys.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: South Twin’s summit is reached by way of the Twinway, a trail extending from Galehead Hut and connecting with the Bondcliff Trail beyond South Twin’s summit, eventually ending at the Zealand Falls Hut. Another popular route is via the North Twin Trail to North Twin’s summit, then taking the North Twin Spur to the South Twin summit.

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
Offering spectactular views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area, the AMC’s Galehead Hut was completely rebuilt in 2000.