Mount Moosilauke, Benton NH
• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 9 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 2,470 to 3,430 feet
• Benton, NH | White Mountains
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Hiking down Moosilauke in the direction of South Peak.
At 4,802 feet Mount Moosilauke is the eleventh-highest mountain in New England, and its 3,000-foot prominence dominates the southwestern White Mountain landscape with its three summits. Two of the three peaks lie along formal trail routes, but the third can be reached with a short informal detour if you're looking to summit them all. Moosilauke is also regarded as one of the easiest 4,000 footers to hike in the White Mountains.
So far we've tackled three routes up the mountain. Thanks to Open Street Map we're able to show all available summit route options and provide GPX downloads and links. Listing routes in order of popularity: Carriage & Gorge Brook, Gorge Brook Out & Back, Glencliff Trail, Beaver Brook Trail, and finally Benton Trail. We hope to explore the remaining routes in the future.
| ⬤ 5★ Gorge Brook Out & Back
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX? |
| ⬤ 5★ Carriage Road & Gorge Brook Loop
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* |
| ⬤ 5★ Beaver Brook Out & Back
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions** |
| ⬤ Glencliff Out & Back (Y)
GPX File · AllTrails Public · Directions* |
| ⬤ Benton Trail (Y)
GPX File · AllTrails Public · Directions* |
| P *Free parking $ **Paid WMNF parking Y Yet to review |
⬤ Gorge Brook Out & Back
Moderate route. Great views.
The trail from Ravine Road to the summit is the shortest and easiest route. Though even the easiest trail to Moosilauke presents challenges - including several rocky sections - Gorge Brook Trail also offers some moderate gradients and moments of flat easy-going terrain. Expect well-signposted junctions and trail bridges at major creek crossings.
Parking has been moved back from the original trailhead due to the its popularity and inevitable traffic congestion. On our map, we've marked the trailhead at the point where is no longer allowed. Roadside parking is available south of this location along one side of Ravine Road. The earlier you arrive, the closer you'll park to the trailhead. Note that there is a vehicle turnaround at our marked trailhead location, so if you arrive later in the day you can drive up to this point, turn around and take the first available parking spot.
Alpine meadow approaching Moosilauke's tallest peak.
⬤ Carriage Road & Gorge Brook Loop
Two peaks. No more difficult.
Hiking a loop that combines Carriage Road and Gorge Brook Loop adds both varied terrain and the option to hike an extra half-mile to South Peak. This secondary summit offers excellent views of Moosilauke's main peak. We think a counterclockwise route is best, as it provides a scenic approach along Mount Moosilauke's ridgeline. However, since both trails have similar gradients and occasional scenic views, the direction doesn't make a significant difference.
⬤ Beaver Brook Out & Back
Difficult. Spectacular waterfall.
Part of the Appalachian Trail, this route begins at a moderate-sized parking lot and ascends the northeastern flanks of the mountain. The trail follows a seemingly never-ending cascade of spectacular waterfalls. The first mile-and-a-half is steep and difficult, making the descent just as challenging as the climbing. This section is almost always wet, but fortunately, it isn't as slippery as you might expect - though caution is still advised. The latter half of the trail is much more moderate, but offers few views until you reach the summit.
The spectacular Beaver Brook Cascades.
The Beaver Brook Trail is listed on the New Hampshire Terrifying 25 Challenge. We also have a separate review covering the section of this trail with waterfall views. Find a link to this in the 'Trailspotting Nearby' section at the foot of this page.
Mount Moosilaukee is one of the mountain peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation featured in the New Hampshire 4K Challenge. We've created a map that locates all the summits and illustrates the shortest route to each, complete with links to detailed reviews. There's also a separate map combining locations and routes for the 4K, 52-With-A View and the Terrifying 25 lists that we find to be a very useful planning tool.
South Peak has great Moosilauke views. | Taking a break on Gorge Brook Trail.
Moosilauke summit barely peeking through the clouds.
Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Carriage & Gorge, Gorge O&B, Glencliff, Beaver Brook, Benton
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
New Hampshire 4,000 Footers
Forty eight peaks all above 4,000 feet, including the massive Mt Washington.
Forty eight peaks all above 4,000 feet, including the massive Mt Washington.
New Hampshire Terrifying 25
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.
