What are the main hiking routes to Mount Garfield?

The main routes to Mount Garfield include Garfield Trail - via Garfield Ridge Trail., Skookumchuck Trail & Garfield Ridge Trail - alternate approach..

How difficult is hiking Mount Garfield?

Mount Garfield is rated Moderate/Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Garfield?

Typically, hiking Mount Garfield takes 5–7 hours - round-trip..

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Mount Garfield

Moderate grade on old fire road path; final push steeper with switchbacks; rocky summit area

Prominence: 855 ft Range: Franconia Range

Units

Elevation: 4,500 ft

Mount Garfield - Captured at 5:57 AM during early summer, this landscape photography highlights Mount Garfield's rounded summit bathed in gentle dawn hues. The White Mountains' alpine zone and granite ledges are visible, framed by the expansive forest trails below. The tranquil morning atmosphere in White Mountain National Forest offers a serene view of New Hampshire's rugged mountain terrain. - NH48 — Captured at 5:57 AM during early summer, this landscape photography highlights Mount Garfield's rounded summit bathed in gentle dawn hues. The White Mountains' alpine zone and granite ledges are visible, framed by the expansive forest trails below. The tranquil morning atmosphere in White Mountain National Forest offers a serene view of New Hampshire's rugged mountain terrain.

Overview

Moderate grade on old fire road path; final push steeper with switchbacks; rocky summit area

Standard Routes

Garfield Trail - via Garfield Ridge Trail. — 10.0 mi • 3,000 ft gain • Out & back • Moderate/Difficult
Skookumchuck Trail & Garfield Ridge Trail - alternate approach. — 12.0 mi • 4,250 ft gain • Out & back or point-to-point to Franconia Notch • Difficult

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Related Trails & Routes

Parking & Access

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Difficulty Metrics

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Risk & Preparation

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Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

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Conditions & Access

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Photo gallery

Mount Garfield - This portrait-oriented landscape photo showcases Mount Garfield in the White Mountain National Forest on a clear summer day. Taken at 12:35 PM, the image highlights the mountain's distinctive granite summit and the surrounding forest trail areas. The bright sunlight enhances the rich greens of the alpine zone and the deep blues of the sky, ideal for hiking and landscape photography enthusiasts exploring New Hampshire's White Mountains. - NH48 — Midday Summit View of Mount Garfield
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art 012 | f/2.0 | 0/1 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Garfield - This landscape photograph captures Mount Garfield in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a late winter afternoon. The snow-covered summit and granite ledges stand out against the expansive forested slopes blanketed with frost. The scene reflects the quiet beauty of the alpine zone within White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers and landscape photographers to explore the rugged terrain and serene winter environment. - NH48 — Snow-Dusted Summit of Mount Garfield
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | f/10.0 | 1/800 sec | ISO 200`

Mount Garfield - Captured on a clear fall morning, this landscape photograph showcases Mount Garfield's alpine zone and granite outcrops framed by the colorful forest canopy of the White Mountains. The crisp air and bright sunlight emphasize the seasonal transition across the White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers to explore its scenic trails. - NH48 — Autumn Panorama from Mount Garfield Summit
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art 012 | f/6.3 | 1/640 sec | ISO 200`

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Mount Garfield in Franconia Range. Mount Garfield is a 4,500-foot mountain in Grafton County, New Hampshire.

Conditions from experience

Summer and fall - mild grades; also popular on clear winter days. Medium - summit exposed to wind; otherwise trail is sheltered.

Planning tip

Garfield Trail - via Garfield Ridge Trail. - 10.0 - 3,000 - Moderate/Difficult - Out & back Yes - brook crossings on Garfield Trail around mid-way. Trailhead has a small parking area; Gale River Loop Rd is closed in winter - adds road walk.

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14