Hike to Galehead and South Twin Mountain via Gale River Trail

Bethlehem, New Hampshire

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Details

Distance

11 miles

Elevation Gain

3000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Cole DeNormandie

Awesome day trip hike with centrally located hut for refueling and a river along the first and last third of the hike to cool off in.

Starting at about 1600ft of elevation in the parking lot, the first 1000ft of elevation is gained gradually over about 3 miles. The forth mile gets steeper and you jump up about 1000ft in elevation before reaching the Gale Head Hut. From Gale Head Hut you can have two options, hike to the summit of Gale Head or the Summit of South Twin. You'll end up passing by the hut again when going from one summit to the other.

The trail to Gale Head's Summit is short and sweet. You gain about 500 ft of elevation in a half mile or so. You're in dense woods but there are two lookouts and they're great spots for photos.

The trail to South Twin is much steeper and a little longer. There's a quick drop in elevation before jumping back up 1000 feet in about .6 miles. The summit is above the tree-line and provides awesome views in all directions.

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Features

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Food Nearby

Forest

River

Scenic

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