How difficult is hiking Mount Moosilauke?

Mount Moosilauke is rated as Moderate difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Moosilauke?

Typically, hiking Mount Moosilauke takes 5–7 hours - loop hike..

Mount Moosilauke

Q: What are the main hiking routes to Mount Moosilauke?

The main routes to Mount Moosilauke include: Gorge Brook Trail Loop - via Carriage Rd & Snapper., Beaver Brook Trail - steep ascent..

Mount Moosilauke is a 4,802-foot mountain at the southwestern end of the White Mountains, located in Grafton County, New Hampshire.

Prominence: 2933 ft Range: Kinsman Range

Elevation: 4,802 ft

Mount Moosilauke summit view with alpine firs and layered clouds at sunset in White Mountains — Mount Moosilauke rises gracefully above dense alpine firs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Captured at sunset, the scene highlights soft light filtering through scattered clouds over the White Mountain National Forest, emphasizing the mountain’s smooth contours and tranquil summer atmosphere.

Snow-covered trees in foreground with Mount Moosilauke in winter background under clear sky — A crisp winter afternoon view of Mount Moosilauke rising above snow-dusted firs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The clear sky and soft light highlight the alpine zone and granite ledges of this iconic peak within White Mountain National Forest.

Rocky alpine meadow with low shrubs, scattered conifers, and distant mountain ridgelines under thin clouds near Mount Moosilauke — A wide, open rocky meadow stretches toward layered mountain ridgelines fading into the distance. Low shrubs and scattered conifers frame the foreground, while lichen-speckled stones add texture across the plateau. Thin, streaky high clouds soften the afternoon light, creating a calm, expansive view typical of the White Mountains’ higher terrain. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Rocky alpine trail leading toward a rounded summit ridge with hazy mountain layers beyond near Mount Moosilauke — A rocky footpath winds across open alpine terrain toward a rounded summit ridge, framed by low krummholz and stunted evergreens. Beyond the ridge, layered mountain ranges recede into atmospheric haze under thin, high clouds. The scene captures a quiet summer afternoon in the White Mountains with expansive views and a sense of high-elevation exposure. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Rocky summit path with small cairns, lichen-covered boulders, and hazy mountain ridges beyond near Mount Moosilauke — A rugged, alpine-like summit plateau stretches toward hazy mountain ridgelines under a bright overcast sky. Lichen-covered boulders frame a rough footpath threading through talus, with small stone cairns marking the route. Soft afternoon light flattens shadows and emphasizes texture in the rocks and sparse high-elevation vegetation. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Sunlit green fern fronds over mossy rocks and damp leaf litter on a forest floor near Mount Moosilauke — Bright green fern fronds glow in dappled morning sunlight above moss-covered rocks and damp leaf litter. A softly blurred woodland background and faint water glints suggest a small seep or trickle nearby, emphasizing the cool, shaded feel of a White Mountains forest understory in early summer. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Rocky alpine summit foreground with low shrubs and hazy layered mountain ridges under thin clouds near Mount Moosilauke — A rocky alpine foreground dotted with low krummholz opens to a sweeping view of rounded ridgelines fading into atmospheric haze. Soft afternoon light and thin high clouds create gentle contrast across the distant mountains, emphasizing depth and scale. A small, unidentified frame-like object sits near the right foreground with no readable text. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Forest stream rushing over mossy boulders with a fallen log in dappled sunlight near Mount Moosilauke — Clear, fast-moving water threads through a boulder-strewn forest stream, spilling in small cascades over moss-covered rocks. A fallen log angles across the foreground while sunlit highlights sparkle on the current and deep shade holds the surrounding evergreens. The scene captures a quiet, intimate White Mountains waterscape with rich greens and textured stone. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Small rocky stream cascade flowing between mossy boulders in dappled summer sunlight near Mount Moosilauke — A small mountain stream tumbles through a tight channel of moss-covered boulders, creating bright ribbons of whitewater and shimmering highlights. Fallen branches and forest debris frame the rocky banks while patches of sun and shade add texture and contrast. A quiet, intimate look at summer flow in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Close-up of moss-covered rock with evergreen branches and sunlight casting shadows in a forest near Mount Moosilauke — A close-up of a moss-covered rock surrounded by evergreen branches in the White Mountains during a clear summer afternoon. Sunlight casts shadows, highlighting the lush green foliage typical of late spring or early summer in this forested region of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Clear rocky stream with small cascades flowing through green conifer forest in dappled morning sun near Mount Moosilauke — A clear mountain stream threads through dense evergreen and mixed woodland, tumbling over rounded boulders in a series of small cascades. Morning sun filters through the canopy, creating bright highlights and deep shadows across mossy rocks, fallen branches, and rippling water. The scene captures the quiet energy of a White Mountains forest watercourse in early summer. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Rocky forest stream with small rapids, fallen logs, and dappled morning sunlight near Mount Moosilauke — A shallow, fast-moving mountain stream threads through dense evergreen forest, tumbling over boulders and cobbles in small cascades. Fallen logs span the water like natural bridges while bright morning sun filters through the canopy, creating high-contrast patches of light on wet stone and rippling current. A classic White Mountains woodland waterscape. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Clear forest stream flowing around boulders under mixed evergreen and leafy trees in dappled light near Mount Moosilauke — A clear, rocky stream threads through a shaded White Mountains forest, tumbling around rounded boulders and mossy banks. Sunlight filters through mixed conifer and deciduous canopy, creating bright highlights on moving water and deep, cool shadows along the streambed. The scene emphasizes texture—wet stone, green moss, and rippling current—in a quiet woodland setting. Trip context places this image with Mount Moosilauke.

Mount Moosilauke Rocky summit of Mt — Late afternoon light illuminates the rocky summit of Mt. Moosilauke, featuring alpine vegetation and a wooden trail signpost with directions. The partly cloudy sky and distant mountain ridges create a serene summer mountain landscape in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Trip context places this image with Mt. Moosilauke summit on the Mount Moosilauke trip.

Frosted Trail Sign on Mount Moosilauke's Snowfield poster — An iced trail sign gives way to the broad, windswept winter plateau on Mount Moosilauke.

Mountain Overview

Mount Moosilauke is a 4,802-foot mountain at the southwestern end of the White Mountains, located in Grafton County, New Hampshire. The name “Moosilauke” comes from an Abenaki word meaning “bald place,” reflecting its expansive treeless summit. This mountain stands apart from the main ranges, offering wide panoramic views in all directions. Mount Moosilauke is the tenth-highest 4,000-footer in the state and is notable for its alpine tundra zone and the historic Moosilauke Ravine Lodge at its base. Mount Moosilauke sits at the southwestern end of the White Mountains, somewhat separate from the main ranges. The name “Moosilauke” comes from an Abenaki word meaning “bald place,” referring to its expansive treeless summit (also historically spelled “Moosehillock”). Mount Moosilauke has a storied history as a recreation spot. In the mid-19th century, it was home to one of the earliest summit hotels in the region: in 1860, the Prospect House was built on the summit (later replaced by the Tip Top House). For decades, travelers would ascend via carriage road to stay on Moosilauke’s peak. That summit house ultimately burned down in 1942, marking the end of an era. Moosilauke was also a cradle of early American skiing – the Dartmouth Outing Club cut ski trails on its slopes in the 1920s, including the famous Carriage Road ski trail, making it one of the first mountains in the country to host organized skiing. The mountain’s gentle southwest slope and fierce alpine summit winds were even used for scientific experiments (for example, measuring atmospheric electricity in the 1940s). Today, Moosilauke remains a beloved hiking mountain. At its base is the historic Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (built by Dartmouth in the 1930s, rebuilt in 2017), continuing a long tradition of welcoming visitors to the “Gentle Giant” of the White Mountains.

General Info

Elevation

4,802 ft

Prominence

2933 ft

Range

Kinsman Range

Trail Type

Loop or Out & back

Difficulty

Moderate

Exposure

High - summit often windy with rapidly changing weather.

Typical Time

5–7 hours - loop hike.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - notorious for high winds in winter.

Water availability

Yes - streams along Gorge Brook; spring at Beaver Brook shelter on Beaver Brook Trail.

Cell reception

Spotty - often a signal at summit due to open exposure; weak or none in ravines.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

Mount Moosilauke

Photo

Mount Moosilauke Beneath Evening Clouds

Description

This landscape photograph showcases Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire’s White Mountains during a calm summer evening. The vantage point includes foreground alpine fir trees, typical of the higher elevation zones in the White Mountain National Forest. Puffy clouds hover gently above the mountain’s granite slopes, illuminated by the warm tones of the setting sun. The image captures the peaceful mood and natural beauty favored by hikers and landscape photographers exploring this iconic peak.

Dimensions

8688 x 5792

Credit

Static map preview

Mount Moosilauke: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 44.0247, -71.8303

Trails: Gorge Brook Trail, Beaver Brook Trail, Glencliff Trail, Carriage Road Trail

NOAA / NWS Snapshot unavailable

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

Live summit weather is temporarily unavailable. Monthly climate normals are never substituted for current observations. Static trip-planning guidance remains available below.

USNO Snapshot unavailable

Astronomy timing is temporarily unavailable.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 4 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Yes - streams along Gorge Brook; spring at Beaver Brook shelter on Beaver Brook Trail.

Pemigewasset River USGS historical • NHDES observed • Observed Aug 24, 2026, 3:30 AM • 8.2 mi context • 1 support layer 90.9 cfs · 2.25 ft gage · rising · fresh

StationPEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT WOODSTOCK, NH • 01075000

USGS Historical, Observed NHDES Observed NWPS Forecast HADS Observed USACE Support

USACE New England water-management context: Use USACE context as support information only; NH48 does not currently treat CWMS records as the observed core for this White Mountains gage.

Official source

Wild Ammonoosuc River USGS historical • 5.1 mi context • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationWILD AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT NH 116, NEAR BATH, NH • 01137975

USGS Historical

Wild Ammonoosuc context for Moosilauke, Kinsmans, and western Franconia foothill access roads and brook crossings.

Nearby live proxy: EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH • CONNECTICUT RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT

Official source

Oliverian Brook USGS historical • 5.5 mi context • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationOLIVERIAN BROOK AT NH 25, NR EAST HAVERHILL, NH • 01139300

USGS Historical

Oliverian Brook context for Moosilauke south-side access and Oliverian Brook Trail conditions after rain.

Nearby live proxy: CONNECTICUT RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT • WELLS RIVER AT WELLS RIVER, VT

Official source

Baker River USGS historical • NHDES observed • Observed Aug 24, 2026, 3:30 AM • 15.8 mi context • 1 support layer 29.7 cfs · 0.33 ft gage · rising · fresh

StationBAKER RIVER NEAR RUMNEY, NH • 01076000

USGS Historical, Observed NHDES Observed NWPS Forecast HADS Observed USACE Support

USACE New England water-management context: Use USACE context as support information only; verify actual crossings and official local notices before relying on regional signals.

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

No verified direct connection

The current trail pack does not yet contain a qualifying summit-to-summit route for this peak. Nearby but unconnected peaks are not shown as trail connections.

Moosilauke Ravine Lodge - end of Ravine Lodge Rd.

Trailhead parking

Lot at Ravine Lodge - private road, closed in winter beyond certain point.

Trailhead

Moosilauke Ravine Lodge - end of Ravine Lodge Rd.

Capacity

50 vehicles (est.)

Ravine Lodge Rd

FR 754

Partially Open

District Pemi • Last updated Nov 23, 2025

Trailheads: Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (Dartmouth Outing Club)

Maintained in the winter by Dartmouth Outing Club. Parking available halfway up the access road.

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Moderate

Typical completion time

5–7 hours - loop hike.

Risk factors

Above treeline exposure, Severe weather, Navigation, Scramble / steep, No cell service

Preparation notes

Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone.

Bailout distance

0 mi

Weather exposure

High - summit often windy with rapidly changing weather.

Field planning note

Gorge Brook Trail Loop - via Carriage Rd & Snapper. - 7.5 - 2,450 - Moderate - Loop Yes - streams along Gorge Brook; spring at Beaver Brook shelter on Beaver Brook Trail. Lot at Ravine Lodge - private road, closed in winter beyond certain point.

Water availability

Yes - streams along Gorge Brook; spring at Beaver Brook shelter on Beaver Brook Trail.

Cell reception

Spotty - often a signal at summit due to open exposure; weak or none in ravines.

Best seasons

Summer and fall - notorious for high winds in winter.

Terrain

Mix of smooth footpath and rocky sections; alpine tundra on summit flats

Scramble sections

No - Beaver Brook route has steep wooden steps by cascades, but no technical rock climbing.

View type

360° - broad open summit with sweeping views.

Summit marker

Large rock cairn and old foundation remnants - no sign.

Flora / environment

Deciduous and birch forest low; balsam fir near treeline; extensive alpine meadow on summit

Mount Moosilauke Route & Conditions

Route

Mount Moosilauke's standard hiking options include Gorge Brook Trail Loop - via Carriage Rd & Snapper at 7.5 miles with 2,450 feet of gain and Beaver Brook Trail - steep ascent at 7.6 miles with 3,150 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 5–7 hours - loop hike.

Terrain and exposure

This is a moderate Kinsman Range hike. Expect mix of smooth footpath and rocky sections; alpine tundra on summit flats. There are no major scrambling sections; expect beaver Brook route has steep wooden steps by cascades, but no technical rock climbing. Upper-mountain terrain includes deciduous and birch forest low; balsam fir near treeline; extensive alpine meadow on summit and 360°, broad open summit with sweeping views. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: high, summit often windy with rapidly changing weather.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is summer and fall, roughly notorious for high winds in winter. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is available: streams along Gorge Brook; spring at Beaver Brook shelter on Beaver Brook Trail. Cell reception is spotty, often a signal at summit due to open exposure; weak or none in ravines. Bailout options include Descend via Carriage Road, gentler. to Snapper if caught in weather and shelter at treeline near Amc lodge. Nearby live water context is available from Pemigewasset River, Wild Ammonoosuc River, and Oliverian Brook.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (Dartmouth Outing Club), with room for about 50 vehicles. Lot at Ravine Lodge - private road, closed in winter beyond certain point. Other linked starts include Glencliff Trailhead (AT), Breezy Point Trailhead (Moosilauke), Tunnel Brook Trailhead, and Hurricane Trail Trailhead (Moosilauke). Seasonal access-road context includes Ravine Lodge Rd.

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Gorge Brook Trail, Beaver Brook Trail, Glencliff Trail, Carriage Road Trail, Benton Trail, and Asquam Ridge Trail.