Mt. Moosilauke (South Peak), Mt. Moosilauke - New Hampshire

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Mt. Moosilauke (South Peak), Mt. Moosilauke
Warren, NH, Woodstock, NH, Benton, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.

Looking up the Carriage Road

Route: Gorge Brook Trail, Snapper Trail, Carriage Road, South Peak spur trail, (Mt. Moosilauke South Peak), South Peak spur trail, Carriage Road, (Mt. Moosilauke), Gorge Brook Trail

After getting to bed late (Get Smart opening night!), I decided to do something a bit tame for a Saturday morning hike. Wanting to still get some vertical in, I decided to head over to Mt. Moosilauke.

While there were quite a few cars lined up on the road, things were fairly quiet at the base. Wanting a little bit of variety, I decided to try out the Snapper Trail. The trail was gradual, fairly dry, and bug free. Emptying onto the Carriage Road, it felt like I was hiking up a novice trail at an alpine ski area (lift served that is). Since the summits weren't in the clouds at this point, I decided to check out the South Peak.

The spur trail to the South Peak wasn't overly steep and soon climbed up to a nice, fairly open summit. Though many of the adjacent mountains were stuck in clouds, the views were nonetheless great. Seeing some low clouds moving in from the west, I decided to head over to the main peak pronto.

Almost instantly I started to encounter other hikers - certainly a contrast from not seeing a single person on the trails to this point. Nonetheless, things weren't overly bad and I was able to enjoy a few minutes on the summit with some halfway decent views (though most of the surrounding peaks were still tied up in clouds).

After having a snack, I spotted some rain to the west and decided to head down, choosing the Gorge Brook Trail.

As I approached the treeline, I started to encounter a bunch of hikers - in fact, for the balance of the descent, things were rather busy. Fortunately the trail is wide enough to allow for travel in both directions without much stopping.

All things considered, not a bad hike - I can't imagine how busy this peak must get on a sunny midsummer day!

Hike Ratings
Getting To Trailhead:	Easy
Destination:	Mt. Moosilauke (South Peak)
Length:	Moderate
Steepness:	Moderate
Navigation:	Easy
Views:	Excellent
Crowds:	Minimal
Destination:	Mt. Moosilauke
Length:	Moderate
Steepness:	Moderate
Navigation:	Easy
Views:	Excellent
Crowds:	Heavy

Hike Stats
Date Hiked:	Saturday, June 21, 2008
Hike Commenced:	9:35 AM
Parking Elevation:	2,480'
Destination:	Mt. Moosilauke (South Peak)
Ascent Commenced:	9:41 AM
Summit Reached:	10:55 AM
Time Elapsed:	01:14
Trailhead Elevation:	2,340'
Summit Elevation:	4,523'
Vertical Gain:	2,223'
Destination:	Mt. Moosilauke
Ascent Commenced:	10:57 AM
Summit Reached:	11:20 AM
Time Elapsed:	00:23
Trailhead Elevation:	2,340'
Summit Elevation:	4,802'
Vertical Gain:	382'

Hike Ended:	1:09 PM
Hike Time Elapsed:	03:34
Hike Vertical Gain:	2,835'

The Gorge Brook Trail trailhead at the end of the Class of 1982 Bridge

A butterfly enjoying a flower

Looking at Mt. Clough and Black Mountain from Mt. Moosiluake's South Peak

Looking down the Carriage Road near the Mt. Moosilauke summit

Looking at Mt. Moosilauke's South Peak from the summit

Directions to trailhead: Take Route 112 West to Route 118 south/west. Ravine Road will be on the right shortly after the height of land. Go down this dirt road and bear right. Limited parking available on the side of the road. Walk straight ahead past the kiosk, then take the first left, go left again, then go right across the bridge. The Gorge Brook Trail starts on the left thereafter.

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