Mount Moosilauke

Mount Moosilauke

🏔️ Overview

Mount Moosilauke is one of the most prominent and recognizable mountains in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Rising to a traditionally cited elevation of 4,802 feet (1,464 meters), the broad mountain stands near the southwestern edge of the White Mountains in Grafton County.

Modern LiDAR-based data used by Peakbagger places the summit slightly lower, at 4,800.4 feet (1,463.2 meters). This small difference reflects the use of newer elevation datasets and vertical datums rather than any meaningful change in the mountain itself.

Moosilauke is particularly notable for its unusually high topographic prominence. With approximately 2,926 feet (892 meters) of prominence, it rises far more independently from the surrounding terrain than most of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks.

Its broad, open summit provides extensive views across the western White Mountains and toward Vermont. The Appalachian Trail crosses the summit, while an extensive network of hiking routes approaches the mountain from several directions.

Mount Moosilauke also has an especially close historical connection with Dartmouth College. The Dartmouth Outing Club has maintained trails in the region for generations, and the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge remains an important base for hikers on the mountain’s southeastern side.

⚡ Fast Facts

Fact	Details
Continent	North America
Country	United States
State/Province	New Hampshire
County/Region	Grafton County
Mountain Range	White Mountains / Appalachian Mountains
Parent Peak	Mount Lafayette
Elevation	Traditionally 4,802 ft (1,464 m); modern LiDAR estimate 4,800.4 ft (1,463.2 m)
Prominence	2,925.6 ft (891.7 m)
Isolation	12.59 mi (20.27 km)
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	Mount Lincoln
Key Col	Kinsman Notch
Protected Area	White Mountain National Forest
Major Trail	Appalachian Trail

📍 Location

Mount Moosilauke stands in Grafton County in western New Hampshire, near the southwestern end of the White Mountains.

The main summit is associated with the town of Benton, while the broader Moosilauke massif extends across a substantial area of the western White Mountains.

Unlike the closely packed high peaks of the Presidential Range or Franconia Ridge, Moosilauke stands relatively apart from New Hampshire’s other major 4,000-foot summits. This geographic separation helps explain its high prominence and expansive summit views.

Kinsman Notch lies northeast of the mountain and forms the key saddle separating the Moosilauke massif from the higher terrain around Franconia Ridge.

The mountain is also closely connected with the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, operated by Dartmouth College on the southeastern side of the massif. Several important hiking routes begin near the lodge.

📏 Elevation & Prominence

Mount Moosilauke’s traditional elevation is 4,802 feet (1,464 meters), the figure commonly found on trail maps, summit signs, hiking guides, and older topographic sources.

Peakbagger’s modern LiDAR-based dataset gives a more precise elevation of 4,800.4 feet (1,463.2 meters).

Its topographic prominence is approximately 2,925.6 feet (891.7 meters).

That is exceptionally high for a mountain of Moosilauke’s elevation and makes it one of New England’s more geographically independent summits.

The mountain’s key col is Kinsman Notch, at approximately 1,875 feet.

Peakbagger identifies Mount Lafayette as Moosilauke’s line parent.

Its topographic isolation is approximately 12.59 miles (20.27 kilometers), meaning a traveler must go that distance from the summit before encountering higher terrain.

The Nearest Higher Neighbor is Mount Lincoln, which rises northeast of Moosilauke along Franconia Ridge.

🪨 Geology

Mount Moosilauke is part of the geologically complex White Mountains region.

The mountain is associated with metamorphic rocks of the Littleton Formation, a widespread geological unit in northern New England. Rocks associated with the formation include mica-rich schists that originated as sediments before being deeply buried, compressed, heated, and metamorphosed during ancient mountain-building events.

New Hampshire Geological Survey mapping of the Mount Moosilauke quadrangle shows a complex mixture of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks, along with intrusive igneous rocks.

Mica schist, amphibolite, quartz-rich layers, and pegmatitic intrusions occur within the wider mountain area.

The landscape visible today is much younger than the rocks themselves.

Continental glaciers repeatedly covered New Hampshire during the Pleistocene. Moving ice eroded and reshaped the existing mountains, while retreating glaciers left deposits of till, sand, gravel, and other material across valleys and lower slopes.

Modern geological mapping also documents numerous landslide deposits and tracks on the steep slopes of the Moosilauke quadrangle.

🌿 Flora & Fauna

Mount Moosilauke passes through several ecological zones as elevation increases.

The lower mountain supports the mixed forests typical of northern New England. Hardwood species become increasingly mixed with conifers higher on the mountain, eventually transitioning toward spruce-fir forest.

Near the upper elevations, increasingly severe conditions restrict tree growth. Wind, cold, ice, shallow soils, and a short growing season create subalpine conditions before the forest gives way to the mountain’s open summit.

The exposed summit environment is particularly sensitive to trampling. Hikers should remain on established trails and durable surfaces rather than walking through patches of fragile mountain vegetation.

Wildlife found within the surrounding White Mountain National Forest can include:

Moose
American black bears
White-tailed deer
Red squirrels
Snowshoe hares
Porcupines
Ravens
Numerous woodland and migratory bird species

Black bears live throughout the White Mountain National Forest, making proper food storage especially important for campers and backpackers.

🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes

Mount Moosilauke has one of the most extensive trail networks of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains.

Although none of the standard summer approaches require technical climbing, hikers should not underestimate the mountain. Routes involve substantial elevation gain, rocky terrain, exposed conditions, and potentially severe weather.

Gorge Brook Trail

The Gorge Brook Trail is one of the best-known approaches to Mount Moosilauke.

It begins near the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge and reaches the summit after approximately 3.6 miles.

The route follows forested slopes before eventually emerging onto the exposed upper mountain.

Many hikers combine Gorge Brook with the Carriage Road and Snapper Trail to create a loop rather than descending exactly the way they came.

Snapper Trail and Carriage Road

Another popular combination uses the Snapper Trail and historic Carriage Road.

From the Ravine Lodge area, this combination provides approximately 3.6 miles of trail to the summit.

The Carriage Road has a long history on Moosilauke and once played an important role in the mountain’s early skiing culture.

Glencliff Trail

The Glencliff Trail approaches Moosilauke from the southwest.

Dartmouth’s trail map gives a distance of approximately 3.6 miles to the summit.

This route connects with the Carriage Road near the upper mountain and is also part of the Appalachian Trail corridor.

A short side trip can be made to Moosilauke’s South Peak.

Beaver Brook Trail

The Beaver Brook Trail climbs from the Kinsman Notch area northeast of the summit.

At roughly 3.8 miles to the summit, its mileage may seem modest, but it is considerably steeper than the distance suggests.

The lower portion climbs beside Beaver Brook and its cascades through exceptionally steep and often wet terrain.

Wooden steps and other trail structures assist hikers in places, but wet rock can be extremely slippery.

This is generally one of the more demanding approaches to Moosilauke.

Benton Trail

The Benton Trail provides a northern approach of approximately 3.5 miles to the summit.

It offers another option for reaching Moosilauke without beginning from the heavily used Ravine Lodge area.

Carriage Road

The historic Moosilauke Carriage Road provides a longer southern approach.

The U.S. Forest Service gives the route from the Carriage Road Trailhead to the summit as approximately 5.1 miles.

The road also carries part of the Appalachian Trail and has played an important role in Moosilauke’s recreational history.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail passes directly over Mount Moosilauke’s summit.

The A.T. approaches the mountain from the southwest using the Glencliff Trail and portions of the Carriage Road before crossing the summit.

It then heads northeast toward Kinsman Notch using the Beaver Brook Trail.

For Appalachian Trail hikers traveling north, Moosilauke marks the beginning of increasingly rugged high-elevation terrain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Moosilauke’s rounded profile and “Gentle Giant” nickname can make it appear easier than it is. The summit is exposed to wind, fog, cold, and rapid weather changes. Carry extra layers, rain protection, navigation tools, food, water, and a headlamp even when the valley forecast looks favorable.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

For most hikers, summer through early fall provides the most straightforward conditions on Mount Moosilauke.

Summer

June through August normally provides long daylight hours and the greatest likelihood of snow-free trails.

Conditions on the summit can still be substantially colder and windier than at the trailhead.

Afternoon thunderstorms and sudden weather changes are also possible.

Early Fall

September and early October can be excellent times to climb Moosilauke.

Cooler temperatures and fall foliage make this an especially scenic period, although daylight decreases rapidly and freezing temperatures can return to the summit well before winter officially begins.

Spring

Spring conditions can be difficult to predict.

Snow and ice may remain at higher elevations long after lower valleys have thawed. Mud, runoff, swollen streams, and unstable shoulder-season weather can complicate hiking.

Winter

Mount Moosilauke is climbed during winter, but winter ascents demand considerably more preparation.

Deep snow, ice, low temperatures, wind, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions may require snowshoes, traction devices, winter clothing, navigation skills, and substantial cold-weather hiking experience.

🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions

Mount Moosilauke occupies a particularly scenic part of western New Hampshire.

South Peak

Moosilauke’s South Peak lies approximately one mile southwest of the main summit.

Although it does not qualify as an independent New Hampshire 4,000-footer under the usual prominence criteria, the summit exceeds 4,500 feet and provides excellent views of Moosilauke’s main summit and the surrounding valleys.

Mount Clough

Mount Clough rises west of the Moosilauke massif.

At roughly 3,550 feet, it is considerably lower than Moosilauke but is a prominent feature when viewing the mountain from the west.

Kinsman Notch

Kinsman Notch separates the Moosilauke area from the higher mountains farther northeast.

The notch is important both geographically and topographically: it forms Moosilauke’s key col and carries New Hampshire Route 112 through the mountains.

Franconia Ridge

Farther northeast rises the much higher terrain of Franconia Ridge.

Mount Lafayette is Moosilauke’s line parent, while Mount Lincoln is its nearest higher neighbor.

Moosilauke Ravine Lodge

The Dartmouth-operated Moosilauke Ravine Lodge is one of the mountain’s most distinctive landmarks.

The current lodge building was completed in 2017, replacing an earlier lodge dating to the late 1930s. It serves as a seasonal gathering place and lodging facility while providing direct access to a large network of Dartmouth Outing Club-maintained trails.

💡 Fun Facts

Mount Moosilauke is sometimes nicknamed the “Gentle Giant,” reflecting its broad, rounded appearance rather than the actual difficulty of every trail leading to its summit.
The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over the mountain.
Peakbagger ranks Moosilauke among the most prominent mountains in New England.
Moosilauke has a long association with Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Outing Club.
The Dartmouth Outing Club staged a downhill ski race on Mount Moosilauke in 1927, an important event in the development of organized alpine skiing in the United States.
In 1933, Moosilauke hosted the first national downhill skiing championship in the United States.
The open summit provides views toward Franconia Ridge, the central White Mountains, the Connecticut River Valley, and Vermont’s Green Mountains in favorable conditions.
Moosilauke has several substantial subsidiary summits, including South Peak and East Peak.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Mount Moosilauke?

Mount Moosilauke is traditionally listed at 4,802 feet (1,464 meters).

Modern LiDAR-based data used by Peakbagger gives a summit elevation of approximately 4,800.4 feet (1,463.2 meters).

Is Mount Moosilauke a New Hampshire 4,000-footer?

Yes.

Mount Moosilauke is one of the recognized New Hampshire 4,000-footers and is traditionally ranked as the 10th-highest peak on the AMC New Hampshire 4,000-footer list.

What is Mount Moosilauke’s prominence?

Peakbagger calculates approximately 2,925.6 feet (891.7 meters) of topographic prominence.

This unusually large figure makes Moosilauke one of New England’s most prominent summits.

What is Mount Moosilauke’s isolation?

Mount Moosilauke has approximately 12.59 miles (20.27 kilometers) of topographic isolation.

What is Mount Moosilauke’s nearest higher neighbor?

Peakbagger identifies Mount Lincoln on Franconia Ridge as the Nearest Higher Neighbor.

What is Mount Moosilauke’s parent peak?

Peakbagger identifies Mount Lafayette as the line parent of Mount Moosilauke.

Does the Appalachian Trail cross Mount Moosilauke?

Yes.

The Appalachian Trail passes directly over the summit before descending toward Kinsman Notch.

What is the easiest route up Mount Moosilauke?

The Gorge Brook Trail from the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge area is generally one of the most commonly used approaches.

It is approximately 3.6 miles from the lodge area to the summit.

“Easiest,” however, is relative. Reaching the summit still requires climbing roughly 2,400 feet, negotiating rocky mountain trails, and being prepared for exposed summit weather.

What is the hardest trail on Mount Moosilauke?

The Beaver Brook Trail is widely regarded as one of the mountain’s more strenuous approaches because of its steep lower sections, wet rock, cascades, and sustained climbing.

Extra caution is necessary during wet or icy conditions.

Is Mount Moosilauke above treeline?

The summit is open and treeless, giving hikers broad panoramic views.

The exposed upper mountain is also vulnerable to strong winds, cold temperatures, fog, and rapid changes in weather.

Can you hike Mount Moosilauke in winter?

Yes, but winter hiking requires appropriate experience and equipment.

Snowshoes, traction devices, warm layers, navigation equipment, emergency supplies, and the ability to evaluate changing mountain weather may all be necessary.

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