Benton, New Hampshire

Mount Moosilauke, standing tall at 4,802 feet, is an iconic mountain located at the southwestern end of the White Mountains in Benton, New Hampshire.

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About This Location

Mount Moosilauke, standing tall at an elevation of 4,802 feet, is an iconic mountain located at the southwestern end of the White Mountains in Benton, New Hampshire. This prominent peak is the tenth highest in the White Mountains and holds the distinction of being the most southwesterly among the 4,000-foot summits in the range.

Moosilauke's prominence extends to its ranking as the 9th peak on the New England Fifty Finest list, a compilation of summits with the highest topographic prominence. The mountain boasts an impressive clean prominence of 2,932 feet and is famously known as the "Gentle Giant" among outdoor enthusiasts. Its summit is a treeless expanse that offers panoramic views stretching across various mountain ranges and bodies of water.

From the summit of Mount Moosilauke, hikers can savor stunning vistas, including the Kinsmans to the north, the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge to the northeast, the heart of the White Mountains to the east, Lake Winnipesaukee and surrounding lakes to the southeast, and the Green Mountains and Adirondacks to the west. Additionally, there are breathtaking views of numerous glacially-carved ravines on Moosilauke's shoulders.

Mount Moosilauke features several subsidiary peaks, including Mount Blue, with an elevation of 4,529 feet, located north of the summit, and the South Peak, with an elevation of 4,523 feet, situated between the Carriage Road and Glencliff Trail, approximately one mile southwest of the main peak.

One of the most popular trails leading to the summit of Mount Moosilauke is the Mount Moosilauke and South Peak Loop which is comprimised of the Gorge Brook Trail, Snapper Trail, and Carriage Road Trail. This trail, totaling 6.9 miles as a loop, offers a challenging hike with an elevation gain of 2,444 feet. On average, it takes hikers 4-5 hours to complete this trail. It summits both Mount Moosilauke and the impressive South Peak. Due to its popularity, expect to encounter fellow outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. The trail is best explored from April through October, and dogs are welcome, with some areas permitting off-leash walking. Another hiking option is to just take the Gorge Brook Trail out-and-back to the summit.

For convenient parking, visitors can utilize the Gorge Brook Trailhead, situated at the end of Ravine Road in Warren, New Hampshire. To access Ravine Road, turn off the Sawyer Highway. Please note that Ravine Road is not paved, so it is advisable to have a well-equipped vehicle, especially since you must travel over a mile and a half on this road. The parking area can accommodate a few dozen cars. In close proximity to the parking area, you will find the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, which provides food and accommodations for hikers. Owned by Dartmouth College and managed by members of the Dartmouth Outing Club, the lodge is nestled in the valley on the southeast side of the mountain. Dartmouth College maintains many of the trails on the southern and eastern portions of Mount Moosilauke and has a longstanding connection with the mountain. Consequently, Moosilauke is often affectionately referred to as "Dartmouth's Mountain."

The name "Moosilauke" derives from the Abenaki language. While the most common translation is "bald place," the interpretation of place names from Algonquian languages can be somewhat uncertain. Other potential translations include "at the place of ferns," "at the smooth place on the summit," and "good moose place along the brook." Regardless of the translation, Mount Moosilauke remains an enchanting and cherished destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Locations

Address:
Ravine Road, Woodstock, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.023444, -71.831306
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There is parking at the Gorge Brook Trailhead at the end of Ravine Road in Warren, New Hampshire. Ravine Road is located off the Sawyer Highway. The parking area is pretty remote and it can hold a few dozen cars.

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