Trail Facts

• Distance: 21.3

Waypoints

GAR001

Location: 44.228889465332, -71.6332168579102

Go SE on Garfield Trail through thick birch and hardwoods

GAR002

Location: 44.2170486450195, -71.6280136108398

Cross 2 shallow creeks; continue gradual climb on leaf-covered trail

GAR003

Location: 44.1987495422363, -71.6210327148438

Trail curves SW, takes several long switchbacks up through spruce, fir

GAR004

Location: 44.188850402832, -71.6097869873047

Turn R; begin steep, rocky ascent on most challenging section to Mt. Garfield’s flat summit (4,500 ft.). Views to SW of Lafayette and Lincoln. Return to WPT 4; turn R onto Garfield Ridge Trail; descend steep trail

GAR005

Location: 44.1900405883789, -71.607063293457

Camp @ Garfield Ridge Camp (7 tent platforms)

GAR006

Location: 44.1898994445801, -71.5988464355469

Bear L @ jct. with Franconia Brook Trail; steep ascent E on narrow trail

GAR007

Location: 44.1926498413086, -71.5810165405274

Dense deciduous forest opens up briefly as trail follows small rock outcropping; E views of lush Pemi Wilderness

GAR008

Location: 44.1900215148926, -71.5778198242188

Bear R @ Gale River Trail jct. In .6 mi., continue straight, following Frost Trail to summit. Don’t miss overlook in .8 mi.

GAR009

Location: 44.1849899291992, -71.5736618041992

Mostly wooded 4,024-ft. summit of Galehead Mtn. has view of Twin Mtns. to NE. Return to WPT 8; turn R on Gale River Trail

GAR010

Location: 44.2055511474609, -71.5895767211914

Rock-hop across narrow river

GAR011

Location: 44.2075691223144, -71.5910568237305

Cross river near confl uence on large rocks

GAR012

Location: 44.2146987915039, -71.5953369140625

Cross shallow river again

GAR013

Location: 44.2325897216797, -71.6101837158203

L onto dirt road for 1.9-mi. flat walk back to trailhead; pass campsites