Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

The trail has had some great maintenance overall.

Parking

Parking lot was full just before 9 am, but plenty of parking available on Haystack Road.

Water Crossings

Rock Hopping required at the widest crossing. Very doable but caution as you will have to walk on top of slightly submerged rocks.

Wildlife

Bring some spray for lower trail area. Nothing at the summits.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, Fire Warden's Trail, Lend-a-Hand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Tried the Fire Warden's Loop for the very first time and found it to be a great 18-mile loop hike connecting some mountains that aren't commonly hiked together. Much thanks to SectionHiker.com for the hike description. I do have to say that starting with Hale and ending with North Twin was probably the correct choice, with the better views on the hike coming later in the day. The Fire Warden's Trail is very easy to follow, well-graded, and obviously maintained by some devoted locals. Finding the beginning of the Fire Warden's Trail wasn't hard, but I do feel like it deserves a sign at this point. The remaining trails were the usual July experience in the White Mountains. Zealand Falls Hut was busy and I was happy to see some leftover peach cobbler available for a small price.

Parking

Parking at the North Twin trailhead had overflowed onto the side of Haystack Road by the time I got there late morning, but was not far down the road. Available spots had already opened up at the trailhead too. Campsites along Haystack Road were well-populated during a warm summer weekend.

Water Crossings

There is now, as far as I can tell, only one crossing of the Little River on the North Twin Trail. It is located right where the trail begins gaining elevation up the northeast side of North Twin. Crossing was rock-hopped with moderate difficulty on this hike. The two previous crossings have been eliminated.

Wildlife

Bugs weren't too bad this hike. I did use a lemon-eucalyptus-based repellent and that helped compared to past weeks.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, Fire Warden's Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

This extension of the conventional Pemi Loop was a hike I had planned for some time as a buildup to an endurance race, and the Lincoln Woods closure did not interfere with the route. Starting from the North Twin trailhead, this starts with Hale via the Fire Warden's Trail, makes a quick detour to Zealand Falls Hut, then heads up the Twinway to the Zeacliff outlook, Zealand, and the Bonds. The Bondcliff Trail marks the entry point to the standard Pemi Loop, which is then followed to the Osseo Trail (Lincoln Woods Trail is closed immediately south of this intersection), and across Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge. This is a formidable amount of climbing in the second half of the hike, and the South Twin ascent after 37.6 miles was the coup de grace. Trail conditions were excellent for the endeavor, with largely dry rocks, even on some of the typically wet sections of the Garfield Ridge Trail. The Bondcliff Trail had its typical muddy sections, but most of these could be avoided. The wettest segment of trail might have been the narrow corridor of the North Twin Spur. Most of the trails were unusually quiet for the Sunday of 4th of July weekend, but the Lincoln Woods closure and my civil twilight start had a lot to do with that. I encountered a number of friendly hikers between Zealand Falls Hut and Mt. Bond, and almost no one until miles later between Mt. Flume and Mt. Liberty. Though I was there around mid to late-afternoon, the number of hikers between Little Haystack and Mt. Lafayette was moderate rather than excessive. There were a few trail runners, all headed in the opposite direction, undoubtedly with similarly creative itineraries. Views were spectacular, and lower temperature and humidity made this endeavor much more pleasant than it would have been a few days earlier. Overall hike statistics: 44.0 miles, 14,050' gain, 18:20 elapsed time. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Ample parking at the end of Haystack Rd.

Water Crossings

Most significant crossing was the Little River 1.9 miles from the end of the North Twin Trail, and this could be creatively rock-hopped by headlamp. Water crossings on the Bondcliff Trail and Twinway were relatively easy rock hops.

Wildlife

Moderate presence of mosquitoes and small flies, most noticeable when stopped. One application of picaridin around mid-morning kept them away for the remainder of the day.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Have seen recent reports, mostly on AllTrails, that talks about crossing the river 3-5 times. Stay left for the first two miles from North Twin Trailhead and you only have to cross it once. Second mile from trailhead to the river is slippery in spots but nothing to be concerned about. Mud first appears after steep section heading up to North Twin and stays until getting to the col between the two peaks. Some spots are easy to navigate and some require tiptoeing on rocks. No real water on the trail with the exception of the next mile or so after the river crossing going up to North Twin from the trailhead. It was minor today and even though some of the rocks were wet in this section, it didn’t impede travel. Blue skies and Canadian wildfire smoke at the top of South Twin.

Parking

Haystack Road was being graded on my way out around 1:45pm.

Water Crossings

Major crossing two miles in looks like there are spots to rock hop above and below the normal crossing. I didn’t care to look for a spot to cross without getting wet and was able to act like I was fjording the river on The Oregon Trail and only get wet to my knees. Water felt good. Crossings on stream further up could be navigated without getting wet as it was only an inch or two of water flowing.

Wildlife

Black flies were out in full force about 3/10 mile before North Twin Peak and South Twin Peak. Not biting, just looking to get into your face.

Trails Used

Bushwhack, logging road

Trail Conditions

Notes

I took a rather ridiculous route up through old clearcuts, plowing through 5-8’ dense regrowth. Eventually I hit normal woods, and made my way to the summit of Snow. The log book is full. I headed south off the summit, good ferny woods at first but I then I was down in the THICK mixed regrowth. It was a challenge but I was enjoying myself, and the views were good and footing was good. I crossed the road in the bowl before heading up the next peak. Twin mountain is a 3500 footer but just had a sad soggy jar at the top. I hit the thickest stuff on the way back to the truck to finish my big loop, raspberry, hobblebush, etc, etc, just never ending until some wet grassy skid paths in a big cut, then eventually a drivable road not shown on the map, from 2200-2000’. A little bit thicker than I expected on this hike, but it was all really just young regrowth to plow through. I stayed fairly dry surprisingly too.

Parking

I took a wrong turn, following Gaia. It doesn’t show the dead end where a bridge is missing on Wiggle Brook rd. I think I was supposed to take Kennebago River rd. However, I got close enough to the peak to bushwhack, with one deep water bar I was glad to have a truck for.

Water Crossings

A step over or two between the peaks.

Wildlife

Yep, black flies were out.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, North Twin Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

WOWZA what a day! Our crew was the BOMB today. Gale River trail has the usual muddy spots and still has a good bit of running water on the trail. Garfield Ridge trail was a bit drier but still had some wet rocks. The hut was open and had some kind of decadent chocolate brownie thing for sale. Highly recommended. We picked up Dave at the hut and kept him for the rest of the day. The trek up to Galehead was also wet and had some good muddy sections. The slog up to South Twin hasn't changed a bit. The rocks seemed a bit drier here. We met up with many friends along the way which was nice. The stretch between South and North Twin has some impressive mud and water. No legs or shoes escaped unscathed. The North Twin trail had less mud but still had wet rocks which required some care to descend. The trail after the water crossing was in really nice shape with far less mud. This was an outstanding day for our crew. Luke closed out another round of the 48, Caroline knocked off 3 more for her list, Dave closed out June for his over 65 grid, and I closed out June for my second grid. So much to celebrate today!

Parking

We spotted cars at the North Twin trail and drove over to Gale River Trailhead to start the hike. I was on the road at the North Twin trail, as were others from our crew. By the time we got to Gale River trail, we grabbed the last spot in the lot and others were parking on the road.

Water Crossings

All the crossings on the Gale River Trail were easily rock hopped. The large crossing on the North Twin Trail was trickier. One of our crew managed to rock hop it successfully. The rest of us waded. The water was knee deep in the shallower spots and thigh deep in the deeper areas.

Wildlife

As usual, I was attacked by bugs on all summits while the rest of the crew was unbothered. There were black flies biting but not as badly as earlier this month.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi East Side, Bushwhack, Osseo, Franconia Ridge, Garfield Ridge, Twin Brook, Frost, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff, Wilderness, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Notes

Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.

Parking

Lincoln Woods lot was nearly empty at 5am on a Wednesday, and again at midnight.

Water Crossings

All trail-based crossings were easily managed, but last crossing on Wilderness Trail near Lincoln Woods Trails was a bit tricky in the dark.

Wildlife

Not bad at all, but it was quite breezy to windy most of the day. The biggest problem was all the moths dive-bombing my headlamp on the way out.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, North Twin Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The only issue of interest today was that the major crossing on the North Twin Trail is still running high. Wading across barefoot in shorts was not a problem, though. Still quite muddy in spots. Glorious day!

Parking

Started early, no issues!

Water Crossings

I took off my shoes for the big crossing on the North Twin Trail. Probably could have 'hopped it if I had waterproof boots. Refreshing!

Wildlife

A few in the parking lot, but that was it, thanks to a cool breeze.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, North Twin Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Well the road is open and we were going! We did a point to point car spot which was nice. We made our way up to the hut where we dumped our bags for our short trip to Galehead. Once back, we got our bags and headed up to S Twin. Met many backpackers, pemi day loopers and day hikers today, everyone seems to be out. There was maybe a golf balls size of snow left which you would have walked right on by. We filtered some water throughout there as well. We enjoyed the quite small amount of with on S twin with some food and laughs. We headed over to N twin which is where the people started to disappear from. We met Jeff on the summit and a few black flies. Headed on down and saw the forest service doing some trailwork. Some new sections of the trail seems to have been changed from the last time we were here. Once down, we went and got our other car and done for the day!

Parking

Everyone knows the roads are open, small lot full and parking on 1 side of the road for haystack and we parked in the lot for gale river

Water Crossings

Got 1 foot wet in the n twin trail crossing

Wildlife

Only at n twin trailhead

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Pemi loop over three days. Stayed at Liberty Spring and Guyot Tentsites.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lovely weather. Best Spring conditions I've ever seen. Glad to have made it out before Lincoln Woods Closure

Water Crossings

Rock Hopping. All crossings were easily crossable by wading or rock hopping.

Wildlife

Gnats and maybe one black fly came out on the final of our 3 days as we returned to Lincoln Woods.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Awesome pemi this morning-started at 2:45 to minimize heat, bugs, and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Saw fewer than twenty hikers all day (no other trail runners), and had every summit minus Liberty to myself! Strong winds and big old clouds kept it comfortable until the eight mile run down from Bondcliff, which felt like I was running through hell it was so dang hot with minimal leaf coverage in the hardwoods. Leave the spikes at home! There was one stretch of stubborn unavoidable snow just before breaking treeline on Guyot. It only lasted five minutes. It was reported that the Zealand-Guyot stretch is still deep and nasty as of this morning. Top of Garfield and West Bond essentially all melted out. Get it before the LW closure!!!

Parking

Tons of space today

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Wildlife

Early start and elevated winds kept all the nasty buggers away. There were lots of regular old flies along the ridge in the woods but they were minding their own business!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, North Twin Trail, Haystack Road, FR 22

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Gale River Trail is in decent shape, standing water on the trail for a few hundred feet down low, with muddy sections here and there. Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, and Twinway are a little slippery in spots at the moment, with some mud, but overall not too bad 48 hours after a heavy rainfall. North Twin Spur had some easily avoidable monorail, which should be gone by next weekend. There were a few sections of standing water on the trail, and the trail is very scratchy for the first 0.25 miles descending from South Twin. North Twin Trail has a few muddy sections and a couple of spots with running water on the trail. The trail is becoming severely eroded about halfway down to just above the water crossing. From Little River to the trailhead is in nice shape. Haystack Road is looking good and should open soon. FR 22 - Corridor 11 snowmo trail, which connects Haystack Road to the uppermost dead end of Gale River Road, was 75% dry and 25% muddy. It's a very pleasant route to make a loop if you don't want to back track. Fair warning, it does contain a 450' PUD. Beautiful day out, summer temps with a nice breeze on South Twin. The dog had a blast getting extremely muddy!

Parking

Gale River Trailhead lot less than half full

Water Crossings

Gale River water crossings are rock hops. Little River was running a little high. I rock hopped most of the way across, then just walked through the water the last ten feet or so. It wasn't deep, less than a foot, and the current wasn't fast.

Wildlife

They are starting to show up, but none are biting yet.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Zeacliff, Twinway

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail was incredibly wet and muddy, especially before 4000 ft, multiple streams overflowed onto trail creating a wetter mess. Zealand to Guyot had slushy, postholing, slippery ice that I am unsure any traction would help much with (I did put on spikes at one point but I don't think it helped much) after guyot heading to south twin for about 0.2 miles there was significant snow still - postholing and not a real stable monorail with no work arounds (almost turned back at this point) but after it was a mix of slushy snow and wet muddy trail - it is possible to go around it at points but it did slow down my journey. would recommend poles and gators unfortunately (parts of winter still holding on). The monorail above 4000 ft is unstable and at points I had to straddle as it is still very high - hadto walk in other people's postholes for stability

Water Crossings

Water overflowing onto trail - recommend waterproof shoes or boots

Also on this trip

Trails Used

lincoln woods, osseo, franconia ridge, garfield ridge, frost, twinway, north twin spur, bondcliff trail, west bond spur

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a three day backpacking trip of the extended pemi loop from 5/7 to 5/9. I camped at garfield ridge campsite and guyot campsite. The tent platforms were all exposed and there was water flowing at each spring. I had a wide range of different conditions. I used microspikes for a few tricky sections but most of this was bare bootable. The osseo trail was melted with swampy sections above the ladders. Between liberty and flume there was still deep snow and monorail. Between liberty and haystack it was mostly melted with a few patches of snow. Lincoln and Lafayette were bare rock. Garfield ridge was mostly melted with a lot of puddles. There was some annoying monorail left between gale river trail and the hut. The twin way up to south twin was mostly melted. The north twin spur was narrow monorail that was a pain to hike across. There were puddles with a thin layer of ice over them. Between south twin and guyot it was mostly monorail with only a few melted sections. The twinway from guyot to Zealand had a lot of monorail left. The bonds had some monorail, particularly on the west bond spur. The Bondcliff trail below Bondcliff was melted with avoidable snow.

Water Crossings

The crossings on the bondcliff trail were all easy.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Road, Mt. Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge, Frost, Twinway, North Twin Spur, Zealand Herd, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Car drop traverse across from Gale River Road to Lincoln Woods. Not a long report, just what everyone is here for... The monorail update. Snow line is at ~3300 feet in the trees and still firm. Although warm weather will certainly change this. Decent monorail up Garfield, wide enough to walk w/o concern. Over to Galehead was similar but narrow in places. Frost Trail is more spine like, but able to hop around without too much difficulty. Firm snow and rockhopping up South Twin. North Twin spur is pretty gross. As others have said, thin monorail with a bunch of trees smacking you from all directions. Twinway over to Guyot has no monorail, but a pretty firm layer of snow that at least as of today you could walk on top off. There was one other set of recent tracks, and some old snowshoe post holes. This has the potential to become very very messy as things warm up. Narrows into a monorail as you approach Guyot Shelter. West Bond spur is similar quality monorail to North Twin spur although slightly wider and no trees to harrass you. It is a pretty tall and narrow monorail though that is little more than a shoe width wide on the final approach to the summit. Up Mount Bond was the widest bit of monorail holding firm, and the descent down toward Bondcliff was also the same. Once out of the trees, no snow heading over to Bondcliff. Then a brief bit of on and off monorail to dry ground descending Bondcliff til about 3500 feet. Go get it while it's still cool enough to hold...

Parking

Gate still closed at Gale River Road as expected

Water Crossings

Nothing significant.

Wildlife

Nothing yet, but it's coming...

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gale River Road, Mt. Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge, Frost, Twinway, North Twin Spur, Zealand Herd, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Car drop traverse across from Gale River Road to Lincoln Woods. Not a long report, just what everyone is here for... The monorail update. Snow line is at ~3300 feet in the trees and still firm. Although warm weather will certainly change this. Decent monorail up Garfield, wide enough to walk w/o concern. Over to Galehead was similar but narrow in places. Frost Trail is more spine like, but able to hop around without too much difficulty. Firm snow and rockhopping up South Twin. North Twin spur is pretty gross. As others have said, thin monorail with a bunch of trees smacking you from all directions. Twinway over to Guyot has no monorail, but a pretty firm layer of snow that at least as of today you could walk on top off. There was one other set of recent tracks, and some old snowshoe post holes. This has the potential to become very very messy as things warm up. Narrows into a monorail as you approach Guyot Shelter. West Bond spur is similar quality monorail to North Twin spur although slightly wider and no trees to harrass you. It is a pretty tall and narrow monorail though that is little more than a shoe width wide on the final approach to the summit. Up Mount Bond was the widest bit of monorail holding firm, and the descent down toward Bondcliff was also the same. Once out of the trees, no snow heading over to Bondcliff. Then a brief bit of on and off monorail to dry ground descending Bondcliff til about 3500 feet. Go get it while it's still cool enough to hold...

Parking

Gate still closed at Gale River Road as expected

Water Crossings

Nothing significant.

Wildlife

Nothing yet, but it's coming...

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Little River Rd, Herd path, Haystack Rd, North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur Trail, Twinway, Frost Trail, Gale River Trail, Gale River Loop Rd, Beaver Brook Rec. Area trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We started from 7 Dwarfs and barebooted until about 3600 feet where we put on microspikes. We took the spikes off briefly from the summit of South Twin to a bit down the trail. We kept the spikes on until about 3100 feet on Gale River Trail. Monorail is mostly stable but pretty pointy in places, especially on the ascent to South Twin. Little River crossing is fine just a bit upriver from the usual crossing. All other crossings were easy rock hops.

Parking

Left a car at Beaver Brook Rec. Area and another at 7 Dwarfs and left $10 at in the mailbox.

Water Crossings

All crossings were rock hops today.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Haystack Road, North Twin Trail, Fire Wardens Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, Frost Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Mount Garfield Trail, FR 117, Gale River Road, FR 22

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Snow starts about halfway up Mount Hale. The last half mile is over a shallow monorail, best in spikes, but can be barebooted early in the morning before it becomes slippery. I kept spikes on halfway down Lend-A-Hand Trail. Twinway starts as bare ground, then a narrow monorail forms, but rocks and roots break it up in spots. I barebooted to just past the ladder steps above Zeacliff where the snow levels gradually increased. Heading up to Guyot there is still a lot of snow, very deep with a narrow monorail forming. The two miles between Guyot and South Twin could still be snowshoed if you really wanted to, but it was fine in spikes. There were very deep week-old postholes throughout, which looked painful for whoever left them. Snow was supportive early in the morning, but I would not want to be out here on a warm afternoon, you'll probably posthole to your waist. Twinway down to the hut is a mix of rocks and monorail with some ice, rock spikes are fine. North Twin Spur, leaving South Twin for a quarter mile, is quite ridiculous at the moment. There is an extremely slippery, narrow, deep monorail with branches encroaching on the trail. The rest of the way over to North Twin is easier to deal with, not great but ok. Frost Trail still is holding a decent amount of snow with a stable monorail Garfield Ridge Trail from the hut to Mount Garfield is holding up better than I expected, the snow-covered sections are never too deep, and the monorail was stable. Plenty of bare sections along the way too, including the waterfall section, where I took my spikes off and picked my way up, easily avoiding the icy spots. Mount Garfield Trail has a stable monorail for a mile, where it peters out quickly, the rest of the trail is a mix of the usual April conditions, - sometimes wet, sometimes dry, sometimes muddy. After the water crossing, I hopped onto an old snowmobile corridor to Gale River Road, walking the road a half mile past the Gale River trailhead where I banged a right and followed the snowmobile corridor over to Haystack Road, and then back to Seven Dwarfs.

Parking

$10 at Seven Dwarfs Motel

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops at the moment

Also on this trip

Trails Used

North twin Trail, North Twin spur, twinway, frost trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Gale River Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Going up north twin, the snow starts around 3200 feet, but becomes more consistent around 3400 feet. I didn’t need to put on my micro spikes until just below 4000 feet. See my comment above about the water crossing: the Pemi river gauge said 750 for its water discharge, and I still needed to go Shin deep with three steps between rocks. I would wait for the discharge to get to around 500 if I didn’t have waterproof boot covers. The monorail is sometimes good, and sometimes a long Toblerone shape with very little to step on. Just before the north twin Summit, the branches will try to push you off of this teetering pyramid, which is a less than fun game, but the conditions between the twins are excellent and going down from South twin towards Gale head was great. The area around the hut is bare, but the way up to Galehead still has plenty of snow. There’s quite a lot of standing water on the flat section of Gale River Trail. My tracks were the first ones going up to north twin coming from seven dwarfs hotel. Met about five people once I came down from Galehead. One person spent the night at 13 Falls Campground, and told me there was bear activity down there. Happy spring!

Parking

I parked across from the entrance to Gale Loop Road in a parking lot, and used grasshopper shuttles to bring me a little past seven dwarfs Motel

Water Crossings

The Little River crossing to North twin is still pretty bad even though it hasn’t rained in a week. I covered my boots and waterproof booties that went up to my knee, and luckily, they were high enough when I had to submerge at least three steps in the water. Even still, I had to go a little higher up to find a suitable crossing. The crossings on Gale River were all easily rock ho.

Wildlife

Not yet!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Little River Rd, herd path, Haystack Rd, North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur, Twinway, Frost Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Gale River Trail, Gale River Road, Beaver Brook ski trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

No snow up to 2900 feet on both ends of the traverse. The monorail is very narrow and crumbling in places especially between north and south. We postholed a lot as it was so easy to slide off of the narrow monorail. Exhausting day. Little River crossing was a hoot. Even with bags we all got wet feet and had to change socks and use plastic bags inside of our shoes. It was a long hike with the road walks and the miserable monorail. We met one person finishing up his 48 on North Twin. We meet two others who had intended to do the pemi loop but decided to stop at North Twin due to the monorail conditions slowing their pace. They had shorts on and one of them had 1000 cuts on his shins.

Parking

Seven Dwarfs ($10.00), and Beaver Brook ($5.00)

Water Crossings

We crossed Little River with trash bags. They did not work very well as water rushed over the top of them or small holes occurred when crossing. We still got wet. The current is strong. You need poles and thoughtful placement of your feet. The other many crossing were easier though several required that you put your feet on submerged rocks.

Wildlife

a few flying bugs

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver Brook Parking, ski trail, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur then back the same trails minus Frost Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

We did this hike as an in an out from Beaver Brook Parking area due to the impassable water crossing on the North Twin Trail Little River crossing (except for someone who is much younger and loves risk). Parked at Beaver Brook and took the ski trail to FS road to trailhead. Bareboots to second water crossing, then microspikes for the rest of the hike until back to the crossing. Gale River Trail was very wet requiring walked through water. After the 2nd crossing there was a monorail that improved higher up. Good narrow monorail to Galehead. No problem with Microspikes to South Twin Summit. And then the fun began - very narrow deterioating monorail to North Twin with spruce branches trying to push you off and into posthole land. On the way back the monorails were less stable but still OK. (16.5 miles, 11.5 hours, 4,700 elevation change)

Parking

Beaver Brook $5.00 fee - no other cars.

Water Crossings

First Crossing - Rock Hopping and underwater rocks, 2nd crossing upstream boulder jumping. Both crossings doable but require care and using submerged rocks.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Little River Rd, herd path, Haystack Rd, North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur, Twinway, Frost Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Gale River Trail, Gale River Road, Beaver Brook ski trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

After the warmth and rain coming this week, these conditions will change dramatically. We barebooted until 1/2 mile up North Twin. We waited for consistent snow. And then put on Hillsound spikes. The snow was very firm up to North Twin. Very little ice. Heading to South Twin in the sun, the snow was softer and a bit sticky. Heading down to Galehead, it was firm and grippy. The walk out on the Gale River trail was great. Shortly before the river crossing, we removed our spikes. Barebooted the rest of the day.

Parking

Plenty of space at Seven Dwarfs ($10.00), and Beaver Brook ($5.00)

Water Crossings

The first crossing on the North Twin Trail after the ladder was tricky. The rocks were very slippery and icy. We were barebooting, but spikes would have helped. For the main crossing of Little River, we wore trash bags. The current was strong and do not attempt this without poles. Water is knee deep in places. We crossed up stream about 20 yards. The crossings on Gale River Trail were all rock hoppable.

Wildlife

Did not see any!

Trail Conditions

Notes

Challenging day with high water, snow squalls, and wind. Bushwhacking required.

Water Crossings

High water encountered

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Galeh River Rd, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Trail, Haystack Road

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Dropped a car a 7 dwarfs for this traverse. Garfield Trail is a highway and we barebooted to the GRT junction. Over to Galehead is way better than it was 6 weeks ago, with the snow levels now much lower.The trail can get a little hard to follow at times, however. Snow was firm and supportive, post holed a few times but no big deal. Continued firmness all the way until descending North Twin. Spikes came off about .5 from the crossing. Went up and downstream, no good spot to stay dry. Can confirm trash bags are useless, got wet anyway. Oh well we were almost done at that point.

Water Crossings

Little River is not very little. Expect to get wet here.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Road Walk, North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur, Twin Way, Frost, Bushwhack, Garfield Ridge, Gale River, Road Walk, Ski Trails, Road walk

Trail Conditions

Notes

Short version: Crossed the water in bare feet, wore spikes on solid monorail most of the day, and enjoyed better footing conditions than expected. A big, big day that included a pole being washed away then magically catching on a rock, trying to bushwhack from Galehead to Garfield Ridge Trail, and of course, crossing the Little River in bare feet. The road walk from 7 Dwarves is dry and fast. The first two miles of North Twin trail until the big crossing has some ice, but I barebooted the whole way. Opted for bare feet and rolled up pants after 25 minutes of trying to be elegant about the crossing. The log wasn't for me, and no rock hopping options were presenting themselves. Climb up to North Twin had crunchy snow and mud that turned into a surprisingly firm monorail. Spikes went on at 2500 feet and stayed on most of the day. Monorail continued to be firm to South Twin, down to the hut and then up to Galehead, making for much faster travel than anticipated. I've heard rumors of a bushwhack from Galehead to Garfield Ridge Trail. I didn't find any clear path, but I did make it down through the pines in better shape than I thought. Gale River Trail continues to have a firm monorail and then quickly switches to a mile or so of navigable mud before being mostly dry and fast. The road walk and ski trails are in mostly good shape.

Parking

Plenty of parking at 7 Dwarves. Leave $10 on the windshield. Plenty of parking at Beaver Brook.

Water Crossings

Rolled up my pants and barefooted across the Little River water crossing. The log was too unstable for me, but I can see how others might use it. My feet warmed up real quick on the other side. All other crossings were easy enough to get across.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Beaver Brook XC Ski Trail, Gale River Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Trail,

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a day. The road walk and first 2 miles of the trail were bare ground. There is a lot of water on the trail and some serious mud. After the larger water crossing we all put on spikes but there were still areas of bare ground and rock. The ice was thick but with the warm temps we had good purchase. Up higher, the snow is packed but if you deviate from the monorail even by inches, you will posthole. By the afternoon, things were melting and softening resulting is slippery slush for our descent. All of us found and fell in spruce traps. Conditions are tedious and very typical of April. Go early and take advantage of the colder temps when you can and pack your trash bags. Huge thanks to an amazing crew to keep me company today. Gridded out all 3 of these peaks today!

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Beaver Brook picnic area. $5 to park or use the WMNF pass.

Water Crossings

Welllllll, this was planned as a traverse but the water levels increased significantly overnight do it turned into an OAB. The larger crossing of the Gale River was crossed sort of successfully by the longer legged folks in our group but did result in wet feet. The shorter legged crew members donned trash bags or waterproof boot covers (These have changed my life) and waded across with good success.

Wildlife

I saw a few flying creatures so they are starting to come back up from Hell.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Little River Road, North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Firewardens Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bareboots from 7Dwarfs to the N. Twin TH, then micros to about half way up N. Twin, then snowshoes to S. Twin, across to Guyot, and down to Lend-A-Hand, then back to Micros. North Twin to South Twin was nicely packed, the rest of the trails were varying amounts of lumpy, churned, loose snow. Most people seem to be going with microspikes now, and the monorail is supportive but there is a few inches of snow that got rained on on top, and is now getting churned up, so a lot of lump. I was super psyched when I got to S. Twin and saw that a couple of people had broken trail to Guyot, probably yesterday or the day before. Remarkably few trees down between S. Twin and Guyot made for mostly easy navigation. You'll definitely want snowshoes for this stretch. It was much colder up above 3500' today, the snow below that level melted quite a bit and the last half mile of N. Twin trail to the TH and Haystack rd has some dirt patches exposed now. Above 3500', not a lot melted.

Parking

Parked at 7 Dwarfs. $10 in the mailbox by the office door with my make/model/plate on a napkin which I origami'd into an envelope. Met a couple just heading out who parked at the end of the road near the bridge and convinced them to move to 7Ds. They asked if I thought they'd get towed and I don't know, but it would sure suck to finish the hike to an empty spot where your car USED to be, probably with no cell service. I assume the property owner at the end of the road got salty at some point when hikers blocked his driveway or something like that...so use the Dwarfs.

Water Crossings

The new log at the main crossing is solid and made crossing a breeze.

Also on this trip

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Left 7 Dwarfs after 8am. Sun out 80% of the time. Mostly thin crunchy ice down low with a few inches of snow between and around the peaks. Snowshoes weren't needed but could be somewhat useful between the 2 peaks.

Water Crossings

Stream crossings were a bit rough