Pemigewasset Wilderness Loop Backpacking Itinerary
If hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is like a restaurant, the Pemigewasset Wilderness (Pemi) Loop is the sample platter. Over about 32 miles, backpackers experience a little of everything that makes the region so special: extended forays above treeline, technical rock scrambles, eight summits above 4,000 feet in elevation, and, of course, AMC’s famed High Mountain Huts. Highlights include the Franconia Ridgeline, one of the most popular sections of the White Mountains, and panoramic views on the Bonds.
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. Some trail runners attempt to complete the loop in under 24 hours, but most adventurers take two to four days. Here’s our sample itinerary to inspire your journey.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Lincoln Woods Visitor Center to Greenleaf Hut (11.4 miles)
The Pemi Loop begins from the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. Located on the shores of the Pemigewasset River and along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, the visitor center has a large parking lot, where you’ll leave your car. A National Forest parking permit, available onsite, is required. Traveling from far away? Come to the Whites a night early and stay at the AMC Highland Center.
From the Lincoln Woods parking lot, cross a suspension bridge over the Pemigewasset River and turn right onto the Lincoln Woods Trail. Don’t let this flat, packed trail along the river fool you. After about a mile and a half, you’ll turn onto the Osseo Trail and begin the steep ascent to Mount Flume, featuring some ladder climbing. The Pemi Loop can be attempted either clockwise or counterclockwise. We recommend going clockwise to get this section out of the way first, while your legs are fresh.
Just below the summit of Mount Flume is the intersection with the Franconia Ridge Trail, your primary trail for the rest of the day. And what a day it is. With the largest climb out of the way, enjoy ridgeline views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness from multiple peaks. Over the next five miles, you’ll summit Mount Flume, Mount Liberty, Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafeyette. Between Little Haystack and Lafeyette, you may find large crowds depending on the time of the year. This is part of the Franconia Ridge 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.
At Mount Lafayette, you’ll detour from the Pemi Loop and travel 1.1 miles down the Greenleaf Trail. Why? A warm bed for the night and home-cooked meals at AMC Greenleaf Hut. Kick off your boots and chat a little with the hut croo. Congratulations on a successful first day.
Day 2: Greenleaf Hut to Galehead Hut (7.5 miles)
After a hearty croo-cooked breakfast, retrace your steps up Greenleaf Trail and back to the summit of Mount Lafayette. Begin the Garfield Ridge Trail. You’ll drop elevation for a while before rising again to reach Mount Garfield. Garfield Pond, half a mile from the summit, is an excellent place to catch your breath.
Garfield’s summit is also a great opportunity to look back on everything you’ve accomplished, and peak ahead (pun intended). The mountains of the Pemi Loop are in a ring-like formation, so it’s easy to check your progress from each summit.
It's about three miles from Mount Garfield to AMC Galehead Hut. There, you can spend 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. Or, cut into tomorrow’s mileage by continuing an additional 2.8 miles to Guyot Shelter, one of AMC’s many backcountry campsites in the region.
Day 3: Galehead Hut to Lincoln Woods Visitor Center (13.8 miles)
Don’t let the mileage total scare you. The final day is packed with wall-to-wall highlights. And once you’re below treeline, it’s all downhill or flat to finish. From Galehead Hut, hike on the trail called Twinway. You’ll summit South Twin Mountain and Mount Guyot before reaching a short but steep detour to Guyot Shelter, a great spot to refill water. This part of the trail has some serious rock scrambles.
Continue onto Bondcliff Trail. The Pemi Loop includes two of the three mountains known as the Bonds: Mount Bond and Bondcliff (West Bond is a short out-and-back detour). These mountains are special. Like the Franconia Ridge, they offer miles of uninterrupted 360-degree views. Unlike Franconia, you may get stretches by yourself due to the more remote location.
Bondcliff is the last 4,000-foot peak of the Pemi Loop. The elevation of the Bondcliff Trail drops gradually from here for 6 miles, until you’ve connected back to the Lincoln Woods Trail. After that, it’s just a couple miles along the Pemigewasset River to the Parking Lot. Think of it as your victory lap. Congratulations on a successful backcountry adventure!
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FAQs
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Mid-weight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Two mid or lightweight thermal tops synthetic or wool
- One mid or lightweight thermal bottoms, synthetic or wool
- One pair lightweight, nylon hiking shorts or pants
- One lightweight, synthetic t-shirt
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic; 1 pair per day)
- Wool or fleece hat
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Extra warm, non-cotton clothes for the evening
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, and broken in
- Comfortable, lightweight shoes to wear at the hut (e.g., crocs, slippers)
- Trekking poles
- Pack cover or trash bag to line pack
- Sleeping bag or bag liner
- Travel pillow or pillowcase
- Two 1-liter water bottles
- Backpack, 40 liters or larger
- Headlamp/flashlight and batteries
- Sunglasses with retainer strap
- Sun block and lip balm
- Personal medications
- Toiletries
- Personal snacks
- Appropriate maps for the area
- Compass
- Insect Repellent
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal gear repair kit
- Gaiters
- Pocketknife/small multi tool
- Whistle
- Lighter or waterproof matches
AMC backcountry huts are accessible only by foot. Huts have toilets and cold running water during the full-service season, but there are no showers. Bunkrooms are co-ed and vary in size.
The huts are not heated. Blankets are provided but guests should bring their own appropriately rated sleeping bag and pillowcase. Four-course dinner and a full breakfast is served in the full season months of June through September. Lunch is not available at the huts, although snacks can be purchased in the retail area. Trail lunches can be ordered the night before your adventure at the Highland Center.
Power for the huts’ radios and lighting are provided by solar, wind, and water power. Food waste is composted, and the hut croo packs out all recyclables and trash that cannot be composted. Please assist us by packing out your personal trash.
Galehead and Greenleaf Huts are open to the public from June to late September. Those aren't just the most popular times to hike the Pemi Loop; it’s also the safest time for most people.
Winter in the White Mountains can bring snow, ice, and, famously, some of the strongest winds in the world. Technical experience with mountaineering equipment like crampons and an ice ax are a must.
For up-to-date weather information, check out AMC’s Weather and Trail Conditions page.
Yes! Our knowledgeable professional guides offer trips throughout the Pemigewasset Wilderness, including sections of the Pemi Loop and to nearby Zealand Falls Hut. Custom adventures are also available. Guided adventures are a great option for hikers looking to experience the White Mountains in a supportive group setting. A guided trip also takes out much of the planning and guesswork, ensuring you make the most of the adventure.