Pemigewasset Wilderness Loop Backpacking Itinerary | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

If hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is like a restaurant, the Pemigewasset Wilderness (Pemi) is the sample platter. Backpackers can experience a little of everything that makes the region so special: extended forays above treeline, technical rock scrambles, summits above 4,000 feet in elevation, and, of course, AMC’s famed High Mountain Huts.

The Pemigewasset Wilderness is a 45,000-acre area in the center of the White Mountain National Forest. Like other federal wilderness areas, the trails here get rugged. Here’s our sample itinerary to inspire your journey through this special place.

Day 1: Zealand Trailhead to Zealand Falls Hut (2.8 miles)

Because our Pemi itinerary starts and ends at two different trailheads, we recommend parking your car at the finish and catching a lift on the AMC White Mountain Hiker Shuttle. Drop your ride at the Gale River Trailhead off of U.S. Route 3. Then, take the shuttle to the Zealand Trailhead.

Don’t want to handle a long drive and these logistics in one morning? Come to the Whites a night early and stay at the AMC Highland Center.

From the Zealand Trailhead, it’s a short, enjoyable hike to AMC Zealand Falls Hut. Just stay on the Zealand Trail as it passes by flowing brooks, beaver ponds, and the Zealand River. Much of the trail is built on the path of a former railroad, making for a relatively flat journey. Finish up by turning on Twinway and following a short incline passed the hut’s namesake waterfall.

Zealand Falls Hut may be one of the most accessible in the high hut system, but it feels far away from the outside world. With water to play in and views galore of Carrigan Notch, there’s a reason this hut is so popular with families. Make yourself at home and settle in for a croo-cooked dinner. The adventure is just beginning.

Day 2: Zealand Falls Hut to Galehead Hut (7.2 miles)

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail. On day two, you’ll make your way to AMC Galehead Hut.

The day’s directions are simple: Just follow Twinway. This is the main footpath through the northern section of this wilderness area, passing over several peaks and lookouts. The first of these opportunities comes early in the hike. About a mile from Zealand Falls Hut is a short out-and-back path to the Zeacliff overlook. This is one of the best views in all the White Mountains, with visibility of Zealand Notch, the Willey Range, and the Presidential Range. It’s truly worth a detour.

Continuing on Twinway, you’ll summit three 4,000-foot-plus peaks: Mount Zealand, Mount Guyot, and South Twin Mountain. Once you’ve passed South Twin, you’re almost there! But be ready for a sharp descent from South Twin to Galehead Hut.

Once you’ve arrived, check in and spend some quality time with a mix of fellow Pemi backpackers, day hikers, and AT thru-hikers.

Want to keep exploring once you reach Galehead? Leave your pack at the hut and add Galehead Mountain to your peak total with a 0.6-mile out-and-back.

Day 3: Galehead Hut to Gale River Trailhead (4.6 miles)

It’s all downhill from here! Take a victory lap back to your car at the Gale River Trailhead along its namesake trail. Follow this footpath as it drops more than 2,200 feet in elevation, past rocks steps, stream crossings, and open views of the Twins. Seeing a mountain that you summited only yesterday from down below will give you a sense of what you accomplished.

Looking for an additional challenge? Want to check out some of the famed Franconia Loop? This alternate itinerary is for you!

Instead of parking at the Gale River Trailhead, head to the Old Bridle Path Trailhead parking area, just off Interstate 93. Take the Hiker Shuttle to the Zealand Trailhead and proceed through days one and two as described in the itinerary above.

On your third day in the backcountry, rather than heading home, take the Garfield Ridge Trail and Greenleaf Trail to AMC Greenleaf Hut. This 7.5-mile route covers rugged trails, technical scrambles, and steep ascents. The views make it all worth it. Highlights include stops at Mount Garfield, Garfield Pond, and Mount Lafayette. Lafayette is a part of the Franconia Loop, one of the most popular and scenic trails in the Whites. AMC’s professional trail crew is working to Restore the Ridge, including repairs that will protect it from erosion for future generations to enjoy.

From the summit of Lafayette, it’s 1.1 miles down the Greenleaf Trail to a bed for the night and home-cooked meal at AMC Greenleaf Hut.

You’ll finish your journey on Day Four, with a 2.9-mile hike down the Old Bridle Path. On your way down say hello to Croo members packing in the week’s food and hikers just beginning their Pemi journey. Let those hikers know what an incredible experience awaits them.