Mt 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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A wooden trail signpost stands among large, mossy rocks at a mountain summit, pointing toward the 'Gorge Brook Trail' and noting 'Mt. Moosilauke 4802 ft.' Under a clear blue sky with light clouds, the rocky foreground gives way to dense evergreen trees and sweeping, panoramic views of distant blue mountain ridges fading into the horizon.

Spectacular views from Mount Moosilauke's summit.

Standing at 4,802 feet, Mount Moosilauke is the eleventh-highest peak in New England and a dominant presence in New Hampshire’s southwestern White Mountains. With roughly 3,000 feet of prominence, its bare summit rises well above the treeline, offering panoramic views along the Appalachian Trail. Near the top, the stone foundation of the 19th-century Prospect House hotel still stands as a reminder of the mountain's rich history.

While Moosilauke features three distinct summits, two along main trails and one via a short herd path, it is widely considered one of the most accessible 4,000-footers in the region. Having hiked all four of its primary routes, we’ve broken down what to expect on each to help you choose the best trail for your day.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Gorge Brook Out & Back 7.4 mi loop, out & back, gain 2,470 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?

⬤ 5★ Carriage Road & Gorge Brook Loop 7.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,570 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

⬤ 5★ Beaver Brook Out & Back 6.7 mi out & back, hard, gain 3,090 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ 5★ Glencliff Out & Back 7.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 3,330 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

⬤ Benton Trail [Y] 9.2 mi out & back, gain 3,430 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

P *Free parking $ **Paid WMNF parking Y Yet to review

⬤ Gorge Brook Out & Back 7.4 mi 2,470 ft
Most popular. Some great views.
The trail from Ravine Road to the summit is the shortest and easiest route. Although even the easiest trail up Moosilauke presents challenges, including several rocky sections, Gorge Brook Trail features moderate gradients and moments of flat, easy going terrain. Expect well-signed junctions and trail bridges at major creek crossings.

Parking has been moved back from the original trailhead due to the trail's popularity and inevitable traffic congestion. On our map, we've marked the trailhead at the point where parking 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. 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.

A hiker wearing a dark short-sleeved shirt and a baseball cap sits on a large rock with their back to the camera, taking in a vast, panoramic mountain vista. In the foreground, scattered rocks and patches of alpine vegetation line the high-altitude terrain, which drops off into a valley filled with dense green forests. Beyond the valley, layer upon layer of distant blue mountain ridges stretch toward the horizon beneath a clear, bright sky with a single small cloud.

Even if the climb doesn't, the views will take your breath away.

⬤ Carriage Road & Gorge Brook Loop 7.9 mi 2,570 ft
Gorge Brook plus a second peak.
Hiking a loop that combines Carriage Road and Gorge Brook adds 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 the mountain'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 6.7 mi 3,090 ft
Our favorite. Hard. Spectacular waterfall.
Part of the Appalachian Trail, this route begins at a medium-sized parking lot and ascends the northeastern flank of the mountain. The trail follows a seemingly never-ending cascade of spectacular waterfalls. The first 1.5 miles are steep and difficult, making the descent just as challenging as the climb. 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 it offers few views until you reach the summit.

The Beaver Brook Trail is listed on the New Hampshire "Terrifying 25" Challenge. We also have a separate review and more photographs covering the section of this trail that leads to the waterfall views. Find links to separate pages for both of these at the bottom of this article.

A person wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt, dark pants, and a backpack stands on a rocky surface in a forested area. They face a small waterfall cascading down a rugged slope, framed by dense greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled light on the scene. The environment exudes tranquility, with flowing water and natural textures harmonizing in a peaceful composition.

The spectacular Beaver Brook Cascades.

⬤ 5★ Glencliff Out & Back 7.8 mi 3,330 ft
Mostly moderate climb. No views until summit.
Spreading its total 3,330 feet of elevation gain over four miles, the Glencliff Trail's gradient is close to ideal, rarely working you hard on the ascent, and remaining relatively easy on the knees on the way back down. The trail starts with dirt and grass at the bottom, but becomes entirely rocky by the time you reach Moosilauke's ridgeline.

Because it is less popular than other routes, expect to see more thru-hikers on this trail than day hikers, as the Glencliff Trail is a brief section on the legendary Appalachian Trail. The trailhead parking lot has room for fewer than ten vehicles, so an early start on a weekend is recommended.

A steep, rocky hiking trail winds upward through a dense forest of moss-covered evergreen trees and slender trunks with light gray bark. Natural stone steps form a narrow path, surrounded by lush green foliage, exposed roots, and fallen branches along the shaded mountain incline.

A rocky, but forgiving Glencliff Trail.

The image is a composite of two photographs from a hiking trail. On the left, there’s a close-up of a trail marker sign that reads “SOUTH PEAK 0.5 MI.” surrounded by dense forest and a rocky path. On the right, three hikers are resting on rocks, facing a scenic view of layered mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky.

South Peak has great Moosilauke views. | Taking a break on Gorge Brook Trail.

A narrow, rocky hiking trail cuts through a grassy, alpine ridge flanked by two stacked stone cairns. Golden-brown grass and small green shrubs line the path as it leads down toward dense, forested hills, with rolling blue mountain ranges extending far into the distance beneath a clear sky with soft, low-lying clouds.

Striking alpine vegetation on Moosilauke's domed summit.

Trailspotting Nearby:
5★ Mount Cube (5-8 mi)
4★ Black Mountain (3-4 mi)
4★ Warren Rail Trail (15 mi)
Show Area Map

Trailspotting free offline maps:
MAP PACK NH 4,000 Footers
MAP PACK White Mountains Region

New Hampshire 4,000 Footers
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.