TRIP CANCELLED
Detailed Itinerary

Today includes a total climb of over 5,000 feet and a distance of over 15 miles of hiking. We start out from the Kancamagus highway-traveling north on an old logging rail bed for a 5 easy miles. We then begin the climb up to Bond Cliffs, with the hike becoming progressively steeper and more difficult. Breaking out of the trees we will be atop Bond Cliffs with views of the coming climb up Mt. Bond and across the Hellgate Brook drainage to West Bond. Descending the open ridge into a long flat col we then climb through scrubby growth to the peak of Bond with its magnificent views. Descending north we then travel the West Bond spur trail to its sharp rocky peak. Retracing our steps we then descend into the col between Bond and Guyot, passing the side trail to the Guyot campsite, and climb to the broad peak of Guyot. We then continue north along the Twinway trail and climb the long gradual rise to the highpoint of day 1 the knobby peak of South Twin Mountain at 4,902 feet. We then drop 1,000 feet to the waiting comfort of the AMC Galehead hut.

Bondcliff - 4265'
The sharp cliffs on the west side of Bondcliff give the mountain its name, as well as excellent views of the White Mountains.

Bond - 4698'
At the center of Pemigewasset Wilderness, Mt Bond offers some of the best views in the Whites. This comes at the cost of being 10 miles from the road, but the feeling of being surrounded by wilderness is worth it. Bond is the highest peak in the southern end of the Twin Range; the others being Guyot, West Bond and Bondcliff. Its summit is broad and generally open with some trees.

West Bond - 4540'
The summit of West Bond is reached by a small spur trail from Mt Bond. It sits above the expanse of the Pemi Wilderness, as far from the road as any peak in the Whites.

Guyot - 4755'
While not on the official 4000-footer list this broad bare peak can be a busy intersection for people hiking the Pemi Wilderness.

South Twin - 4902'
South Twin is in the northern central section of the Pemi Wilderness, along a ridge that runs from the Bonds to North Twin. The AT runs over the summit via the Twinway trail from Galehead Hut to the west and on to Zealand Hut further east.

Today has over 13 miles and 4,600 feet of climbing. We will be returning to the Gale Head hut again this evening so we will lighten our loads as much as possible for today’s hike.

After a hearty breakfast courtesy of the AMC hut crew, we will begin the day with a short climb to the top of Galehead. We then begin a long descent on the Twin Book trail to 13 Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls and cascades. Heading west we climb and work our way around the northern edge of Owl's Head turning south along the Lincoln Book. The trail to the top of Owl's Head is not maintained and is on an old slide. The slide is very steep and very rough. Depending upon the weather and moisture it can be difficult to scale. Once reaching the top the summit is treed but views are possible from the slide and to those willing to scale a tree. We then descend the slide and retrace our steps back to the Galehead hut.

Galehead - 4024'
The wooded summit of Mt Galehead is just .5 miles from Galehead Hut via the Frost trail. On the way up there are some views back towards the hut and the Twins. From the summit you can just make out Franconia Ridge through the trees.

Owl's Head - 4025'
The mountain is named for a rock formation on the southern end of the peak. It is the only 4000 footer in NH without a maintained trail, the main access being a slide on the west side of the mountain reached from the Lincoln Brook trail.

While today’s hike is 6.5 miles and 2,500 feet of climbing it can be difficult on a hot day. The early part of the day will find us climbing and descending along the Garfield Ridge trail. After a steep climb we will be standing upon Mt. Garfield looking south into the great Pemi horseshoe bowl across Owl's Head with the Franconia ridge rising on the right and the Twinway ridge on the left is a highlight of the trip. If we are lucky we will even be visited by a Canada Jay, also known as a Gray Jay, which has eaten from my hand every time I have been there.

Descending Garfield we then pass Garfield pond, pass through a col and begin the long climb up Mt Lafayette. The mountain was originally called Great Haystack but was renamed in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette for his role in the Revolutionary War. This is a very popular hiking destination for day hikers. The summit has an old building foundation that serves as a good windbreak.

From the summit we drop to the west over 1,000 feet to our destination for the evening, the AMC Greenleaf hut.

Mt Garfield - 4750'
The Garfield Ridge connects Franconia Ridge to the Twins. Mt Garfield lies about halfway, with the summit rising above the trees to give a magnificent view of the Pemi and surrounding terrain. The remains of an old fire cabin can be seen on the summit, which is useful as a windbreak in nasty weather.

Mt Lafayette - 5260'
At 5260', Lafayette is the highest peak in NH outside the Presidential mountains.  It is subject to high winds, cold temperatures and foggy conditions in all seasons.